Is it Time for a Replacement Retainer?

After making the investment to get orthodontic treatment and putting in your time with Invisalign or braces, you’ll want to make sure your new smile keeps looking and feeling great. This is why it’s so important to wear your retainer properly once orthodontic treatment is over. And since no retainer is designed to last forever, it’s equally important to know when it should be replaced.

How to Take Care of Your Retainer

Before it comes time to replace your retainer, you’ll want to be sure to get the most use out of it. When your retainer isn’t in your mouth, store it safely in its case away from heat. It’s best to have a designated place in your home for it so it doesn’t get lost and to keep it in a case you can carry with you if you’re out and about.

Remember to take it out for meals or any time you drink something other than cold water to avoid staining or warping it. Clean it in a designated retainer soaking solution and rinse it off regularly to avoid bacteria or calcium buildup. Avoid products like mouthwash or denture fluid, since these are made for different purposes and the chemicals may be too harsh for the plastic retainers.

And in the event that something does happen to your retainer and it gets broken or lost, be sure to contact your orthodontist and replace it as soon as possible.

5 Signs It’s Time for a New Retainer

Retainers will eventually need to be replaced if they’re going to continue to be effective. Here are some signs your retainer may be past its prime.

1. You spot small cracks or tears forming on your clear retainer.
2. Your retainer doesn’t snap into place as easily or won’t stay in place.
3. Your retainer appears cloudy or milky from calcium buildup.
4. You left your retainer in a hot car and it appears warped.
5. Your dog got a hold of your retainer and it looks like a used chew toy.

These are just a few signs your retainer may need to be replaced. In general, it’s a good idea to replace your retainer on a regular basis to ensure it has enough strength to keep your teeth in place.

Retainer Replacement Program

Here at Milnor Orthodontics, we want to make sure your new smile is taken care of well after you finish orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign. That’s why we are now participating in a retainer program with Invisalign to help you keep your smile looking and feeling amazing.

With this program, you can choose a retainer replacement schedule that works for you and have new retainers sent to you at regular intervals. The plans we offer include retainer replacement on a quarterly, biannual, or annual basis. If you find your retainer wears out sooner or needs to be replaced sooner than expected due to damage, you can always contact our office to have a brand new retainer made for you.

Contact our office today to learn more about what to expect from orthodontic treatment and how to take care of your new smile!