If you want to align your teeth properly, braces are the way to go. Although they are expensive, they are effective in aligning them. After taking them off, you will need retainers to keep your teeth from moving. Your teeth should be straight within 4-6 months.  Few people realize this, but you need to care for your retainers properly. If you ask any retainers Carmichael dentist, they will confirm that they can become loose or get cracked due to mishandling. What are some of the ways of caring for them? Here they are below.

You Must Watch the Foods You Take

Remember, there are two types of retainers: removable and fixed. If you have the latter, you must be careful of the foods you consume. You must avoid taking sticky candies, popcorn, beef jerky, nuts, and sodas. Such foods apply pressure to retainers and cause them to be loose.

Instead, it would help if you stuck with soft and easy-to-chew foods such as oats, scrambled eggs, soft cheeses, soups, and oatmeal.

Wear the Retainers Regularly

If you own removable retainers, you may be tempted to take them out after a few months. After all, you may claim that your teeth have begun straightening. This is a mistake since you may experience tooth relapse, which means your teeth will resume their previous misalignment.

Additionally, your retainers may fail to work properly after not using them for a long time. That means you will be unable to fit them over your mouth. As a result, you will have to visit the dentist for new ones.

Ensure You Always Moisturize Them

Since the retainer stays in your mouth, they get a bit moist thanks to your saliva. Unfortunately, that is not enough. You must soak them in a solution containing cool water and baking powder for 2-3 minutes.

If you let your retainers dry, they may bond with biofilm and tartar. That means you will have to scrub them thoroughly in case that happens.

Keep Them Away From Dogs

One thing we know about dogs is how they like to chew on things. If you own a dog, you should be careful where you place your retainer. Once it chews them, they will be so damaged that you will have to replace them.

To ensure they are safe, you should put them on high shelves. Another location to consider is your closet. If you keep them here, ensure you lock them up.

Keep Your Retainer Away From Heat

This tip applies to plastic retainer users. Heat causes the material to melt. As a result, they will be so distorted that you cannot wear them.

Avoid storing them in the car, in places with direct sunlight, and in hot water. If you are looking for a cooler place for them, consider your closet once again.

Conclusion

Have you ever wondered why your retainer suddenly stopped working? If that was the case with you, you likely made these mistakes. As long as you apply these tips, your retainer will last for 5-10 years. That means you will not have to keep visiting the dentist for other dental checkups.

As an adult, you will likely remember these tips. It is a different case if you are buying a retainer for a child. As a parent, you must train them to care for their retainers. If you do not, you will keep buying them.