Orthodontic Retainers
We recommend wearing your retainer full-time until your doctor advises otherwise. Over time, you can gradually reduce wear, but remember, retention is a lifelong commitment!
Remove your retainer while eating and when cleaning it, and always store it in its case. Most retainer losses or breakages happen when the retainer is left out, typically at school or a restaurant. When your retainer isn’t in your mouth, it should always be in its case. Pets often chew on them! Our motto is, “If it’s not in your mouth, it’s in your case!”
How to Care for Your Orthodontic Retainer
Clean your retainer thoroughly once a day by brushing it with a toothbrush and toothpaste using warm (not hot) water.
Brushing your retainer helps remove plaque, eliminate odors, and keep it sparkling clean. You can occasionally soak it in orthodontic appliance cleaners like Retainer Brite® or Efferdent®, but this should not replace regular brushing. Initially, you may find it hard to speak with your retainer in, but we recommend practicing speaking, singing, or reading aloud to adjust faster.
Retainers are fragile, so handle them with care. Do not attempt to adjust your retainer yourself. If you have any concerns or if it gets lost or damaged, please call us right away.
Always bring your retainer to your appointments. While retainer replacements can be costly, proper care will help them last for years! Keep them away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, washing machines, napkins, and pets.
Mouthguards
When to Wear a Mouthguard
Wearing a mouthguard is crucial for protecting your smile during sports when you have braces. Mouthguards shield your teeth and gums from potential injuries.
If you play sports like basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, or wrestling, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists strongly recommends wearing a mouthguard.
Types of Mouthguards
There are three main types of mouthguards: pre-made, “boil-and-bite,” and custom-made. Selecting the right one is important for your protection.
When choosing a mouthguard, make sure it is tear-resistant, comfortable, fits well, is easy to clean, and doesn’t hinder your breathing.
Pre-made and “boil-and-bite” mouthguards are available at most sports stores, while custom-made mouthguards are specially crafted by your dentist or orthodontist for optimal protection. If you wear braces or a retainer, wearing a mouthguard during contact sports is essential. Your dentist or orthodontist can guide you on how to properly wear a mouthguard and choose the best one for your smile's protection.