safeguard your smile! Caring for your retainer keeps your orthodontic results shining for years to come.
why retainer care matters
Your orthodontic care shaped a beautiful, confident smile and retainers help keep those results lasting for years to come.
Safeguard Your Smile Results
Straightening your teeth takes dedication and care. Wearing retainers helps safeguard the time, cost, and hard work that went into achieving your ideal smile.
Maintain Your New Position
Your teeth have a tendency to shift toward their old positions, but retainers keep them steady in their newly corrected alignment.
Stay Proud of Your Smile
Hold on to the confidence of a great-looking smile. Wearing your retainers as directed helps keep your teeth straight and properly aligned.
Daily Retainer Care Routine
Follow these simple steps every day to keep your retainers clean and effective
Morning Routine
- 1
Remove retainer and rinse with lukewarm water
- 2
Brush retainer gently with soft toothbrush and mild soap
- 3
Rinse thoroughly and store in retainer case
- 4
Brush and floss your teeth before putting retainer back in
Do this for daily retainer care
evening routine
- 1
Remove retainer before eating dinner
- 2
Clean retainer with denture cleaner or retainer cleaning tablets
- 3
Complete your oral hygiene routine
- 4
Insert clean retainer for overnight wear
weekly deep cleaning
In addition to daily cleaning, give your retainer a deep clean once a week to remove buildup and bacteria.
Daily Retainer Care Routine
Retainer Feels Tight
This is normal if you haven’t worn it for a while. Wear it consistently and it should feel better within a few days. If severe discomfort persists, contact us.
Retainer is Cracked
Stop wearing immediately and contact our office. A cracked retainer can cut your mouth and won’t hold your teeth properly.
Bad Taste or Odor
Increase cleaning frequency and do a deep clean with denture cleaner. Make sure you’re storing it properly in a clean, dry case.
Retainer Doesn’t Fit
Your teeth may have shifted. Try wearing it more consistently. If it still doesn’t fit after 2-3 days, schedule an appointment.
Lost Retainer
Contact us immediately to schedule a replacement. The sooner we start the replacement process, the less your teeth will shift.
White Buildup
This is calcium buildup. Use a denture cleaner soak weekly and brush gently with soft toothbrush. Avoid toothpaste which is too abrasive.
when to replace your retainer
Even with excellent care, retainers need periodic replacement
Regular Replacement
Clear retainers typically last 1-2 years with proper care. Wire retainers can last several years but may need wire adjustments.
Lost or Broken Retainers
Contact us immediately if your retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits properly.
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What our patients say
“Amazing staff and care, always taking the best care. Dr Marston is always so caring and encouraging, as well as super supportive to help rework and restrategize the way that he assists your needs.”
“Dr. Marston is absolutely professional, and all the staff are very kind. My case was not easy I had to pause and redo it because of my TMJ but what I appreciate most about Dr. Marston is his patience and dedication throughout the process. My daughter also loves visiting the clinic because of the welcoming, kid-friendly environment.”
“Just finished my Invisalign treatment. Awesome experience from beginning to end. I felt very comfortable with every step of the process from the first consultation to receiving my retainers. Every question no matter how dumb it sounded was answered professionally. They even worked with me when I moved overseas to continue my treatment. Thanks a ton Dr. Marston and team! I appreciate all of you.”
“The entire staff is not only incredibly friendly but also consistently professional. They always go above and beyond to accommodate our scheduling needs, which we deeply appreciate. Dr. Marston is both knowledgeable and compassionate. He takes the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring that both the patient and their family fully understand the treatment plan and what to expect. We couldn’t ask for a better orthodontic experience—and we highly recommend Marston Orthodontics to anyone in need of care!”
“Dr. Marston is amazing. He does a great job of explaining and setting expectations. He is also very gentle with kids. I used him for all three of my daughters. Highly recommend.”
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