Retainer Care

Many orthodontic patients require a retainer at the end of orthodontic treatment.  Removable retainers are an easy step to take to preserve a straight smile. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics provides retainers for patients, and caring for your retainer properly is important so that it functions and lasts as long as possible.  A silly but common mistake people make with their retainers is trying to cut corners -- don’t try to clean or brush your retainer while it’s still in your mouth!  You can’t quickly scrub your retainer while brushing your teeth -- the retainer cannot be completely cleaned of debris this way, and toothpaste can also be abrasive to the plastic of the retainer.  Always remove your retainer before cleaning thoroughly with water and your toothbrush, and use a mild dish or hand soap to help clean off debris, never abrasive toothpaste.

You should clean your retainer daily, and also treat it weekly by soaking.  Soaking helps maintain the cleanliness of the retainer and keep it from drying out.  To soak the retainer, dissolve denture cleaning tablets in water or add a little baking soda to water to make a solution.  Storing your retainer properly is also important for its longevity.  Get in the habit of always using and carrying a case.  Many retainers have disappeared after being folded up in napkins!

To learn more about caring for your retainer, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Retainers after Orthodontic Treatment

Choosing the type of retainer once orthodontic treatment is complete, typically depends on the patient’s individual preference, but Dr. Cynthia Wong will recommend what she thinks is best. Once orthodontic treatment ends, the use of retainers is critical to upkeep all of the hard work that went into straightening your smile. There are two types of retainers that Dr. Cynthia Wong would like to discuss; fixed and removable.

Fixed retainers are usually a thin wire that is placed across the front of the lower or upper front teeth, which is bonded in place with cement similar to that applied on the brackets of braces. Despite the fact that they may require more maintenance than a removable retainer, they are the best option, because they keep teeth in place 24/7. A removable retainer, on the other hand, is a combination of wire running across the front of the lower or upper front teeth and are held in place with a combination of acrylic material and hooks that insert in or around the back teeth to hold the retainer in the place.

If you have questions regarding your orthodontic retainer, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.