How to Make Your Retainer Last Longer

After completing orthodontic treatment, wearing a retainer is essential to maintaining your smile and keeping your teeth in their new positions.

However, retainers are delicate, and if proper retainer care is not followed, they can break or wear out quickly. By taking a few precautionary steps, you can extend the life of your retainer, saving money and avoiding the hassle of obtaining a retainer replacement.

Handle with Care

One of the most important things you can do to prolong retainer lifespan is to handle it carefully. When inserting or removing your retainer, always use both hands to avoid bending or stressing the plastic. Dropping or mishandling your retainer can lead to cracks or warping, which will affect how well it works or lead to a broken retainer.

Proper storage is also a key part of retainer care. Always place your retainer in its protective case when not in use. Leaving it exposed can increase the risk of damage or loss, and pets or small children may accidentally break it.

Keep Retainers Away from Heat

Heat is another major factor that can cause damage and lead to a shorter retainer lifespan. Retainers are made from materials that are sensitive to high temperatures, which can cause them to warp.

To avoid this, never leave your retainer in hot environments, such as a car on a sunny day or near boiling water. Even washing your retainer in hot water can cause it to lose its shape. If your retainer becomes deformed, it won’t fit properly and a retainer replacement may be needed.

Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink

It’s important to be mindful of what you eat and drink while wearing your retainer. Always remove your retainer before eating, as food can get trapped in or under the retainer, leading to bacterial buildup and bad breath. Sticky or hard foods can cause the retainer to bend or crack, which might eventually lead to an ineffective broken retainer.

Additionally, sugary or acidic drinks can erode the material of the retainer over time, especially if consumed frequently. This can also cause damage to your teeth, as sugar trapped between the retainer and your teeth can increase the risk of cavities.

Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly

Regular visits to your orthodontist will help to lengthen retainer lifespan and ensure your retainer continues to work properly. Over time, your teeth may shift slightly, and your orthodontist can make any necessary adjustments to keep your retainer fitting snugly.

If you notice any small cracks or issues with the fit, retainer repair might be possible before it gets worse. This can save you the cost and inconvenience of needing a replacement.

Clean Your Retainer Properly

Keeping your retainer clean is crucial for both your oral health and the longevity of the appliance. Retainers can quickly accumulate plaque, food particles, and bacteria, leading to odors and discoloration if not properly maintained.

While brushing with a regular toothbrush can cause scratching and cloudiness over time, using Ola Fresh offers a safe and effective alternative. Ola Fresh is a powerful dental appliance cleanser recommended by dental professionals for daily use. It removes biofilm, prevents cloudiness, and keeps your retainer fresh without harsh chemicals.

Simply rinse your retainer, gently remove debris with a soft-bristle brush, and soak it in a solution made with Ola Fresh for up to 30 minutes. This simple routine not only restores clarity and removes odors but also helps extend the lifespan of your retainer, leaving it clean, clear, and minty fresh. Get your retainer cleaner today!