There are various types of retainers available today, including removable wire retainers, plastic retainers, and bonded permanent retainers. The purpose of a retainer is to maintain your teeth in their new, aligned position after orthodontic treatment, ensuring a straight smile for years to come.
The durability of plastic retainers varies depending on various factors including your cleaning practices and how well you handle the retainers. In most cases, using plastic retainers is possible for several years, to be exact, 4-5 years if Proper care is applied.
Maintaining oral hygiene is another factor that helps you to extend the life of your retainer as well as ensure that it’s effective.
Plastic retainers are fully customizable just like Invisalign aligners and therefore they are more fragile. Besides regular brushing, the choice of your retainer and how well it fits determine the length of its service. For example, if the fit of the retainer hinders you from flossing, using it will last for two years. No matter how careful a person is with it, no retainer is going to be good for a lifetime. It is advisable to replace your plastic retainer after that duration, although it depends on the dentist.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Plastic Retainer
Here are a few essential care tips to help ensure your plastic retainer’s durability:
- Brush and floss regularly to avoid plaque buildup, which can affect both your teeth and your retainer.
- Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor the condition of both your teeth and retainer.
- Avoid wearing your retainer while eating or drinking to prevent accidental damage.
- Always store removable retainers in their case when not in use to protect them from potential damage.
- Avoid exposing your retainer to hot liquids, as heat can warp the plastic and compromise its fit, necessitating replacement sooner.
Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Plastic Retainer: A Simple Guide
Maintaining your plastic retainer durability is simpler than it may seem. Since retainers keep your teeth aligned post-treatment, following a few straightforward steps can help you enjoy their benefits for years. Let’s explore the essentials for caring for plastic retainers and making them last.
1. Daily Cleaning Is Essential
To make your plastic retainers functioning, the most important thing is to ensure that they are cleaned. Rinse your retainer with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush, just in a way that you eliminate the bacteria that tend to stick around the retainer as you wear it. Do not clean the retainer with chemicals or hot water; use mild cleaner and warm water only.
2. Handle with Care
Removable plastic retainers are fragile structures that can be easily damaged or twisted. Insert or withdraw them with both hands and, where possible, with little force. This is helpful as it avoids any undue stress being placed on the retainer as this could lead to breakage.
3. Avoid Heat and Hot Drinks
This is one major reason why retainers require replacement; heat exposure. Heat affects the flexibility of the plastic used and hence the general fit and functionality of the retainer. Never take hot liquids near your retainer because the heat could affect the material used in their construction.
4. Proper Storage Matters
Whenever your retainer isn’t in your mouth, make sure it’s stored safely in a protective case. Leaving it out in the open exposes it to bacteria and increases the risk of loss or breakage. Keep the storage case with you if you’re on the go to avoid any accidental mishaps.
5. Regular Checkups with Your Dentist
It is important that you make frequent dental visits to your dentist in Victoria, TX so that your retainers are checked now and then. Your dentist would be able to determine if the retainers fit well and if they are clean, then he or she would be able to tell when is the right time to get a new one.
By incorporating these easy habits into your routine, you can help extend the lifespan of your plastic retainers and keep your smile in perfect alignment for as long as possible.
If you experience any discomfort or issues with your retainer, consult your dentist in Victoria, TX, for an assessment and any necessary adjustments. Proper care and regular checkups are key to maximizing the lifespan of your plastic retainers.
