Caring for Your Retainers
A few general guidelines for caring for your removable retainers:
- Wear Schedule: Retainers are typically worn 12 hours a day for the first year after treatment, and several times a week afterward, as instructed by Dr. MacKenzie.
- Daily Cleaning: Clean retainers daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste. The ultrasonic retainer cleaner is very effective at keeping them bright and shiny.
- Safe Storage: Always store retainers in their case when not in use, not in a tissue or pocket, where they can be lost or broken, and keep them away from pets.
- Avoid Heat: Keep retainers away from direct sun, hot cars, and boiling water, which can distort or melt them.
- Cloudy Retainers: Soak in a 50:50 mixture of water and white vinegar for 15 minutes. For disinfecting, a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 cup of water can be used for 15 minutes.
- Dental Work: If you’re having fillings, crowns, or other dental work done, bring your retainers to the appointment or schedule a check with our office afterward to confirm they still fit.
What About “Permanent” (Bonded Lingual) Retainers?
Bonded lingual retainers, sometimes called permanent or fixed retainers, are a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth. While they have a place in certain cases, Dr. MacKenzie rarely recommends them, for a few reasons:
- They are harder to keep clean than a removable retainer, since floss and brushes have to work around the bonded wire.
- They tend to collect plaque and tartar around the wire over time, which can contribute to gum irritation or decay if not cleaned carefully.
- Patients with bonded lingual retainers still need to wear a removable retainer over top at night, so a fixed retainer does not actually eliminate the need for a removable one.
For most patients, a well-cared-for removable retainer offers better long-term oral hygiene with the same reliable results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to wear my retainers forever?
Yes. Teeth can shift throughout life due to normal changes in the jaw and surrounding tissue. Long-term retainer wear, every single night, is the best way to protect your results permanently.
How long do retainers last?
Vivera retainers are designed to be more durable than standard retainers and can last several years with proper care, though how long any retainer lasts depends on wear patterns, grinding, and how well it is cleaned and stored. The average rate of replacement of retainers in our office is every 2-3 years. There are some patients who have been wearing the same retainers for many years and their teeth and bite are still aligned.
What happens if I get my wisdom teeth removed? Do I still need to wear my retainer?
Yes. Having your wisdom teeth removed does not replace the need for a retainer. It is a good idea to keep wearing your retainer as usual after wisdom teeth removal, and to have your retainer checked at your next visit to confirm it still fits well.
How do I get a new set of retainers?
Simply book a free retainer consultation with us, even if you were not originally treated at MacKenzie Orthodontics. We can assess your current retainer, take new scans if needed, and get a fresh set made for you. If you are a MacKenzie Orthodontics patient, all you have to do is call or email us and we’ll let you know if you need to come in for a new scan.
What if my retainer feels tight or doesn’t fit the way it used to?
This can be an early sign that your teeth have started to shift. Please call us as soon as possible to schedule a check rather than waiting for your next regular visit.
Can I eat or drink with my retainer in?
Removable retainers should be taken out before eating or drinking anything other than water, to avoid damage and keep them clean. Fixed retainers do not need to be removed to eat, which is one reason some patients consider them, though they come with maintenance trade-offs.
