Taking Proper Care of Your Retainer

A beautiful smile of your child is enough to make a parent happy and full of energy. But once your child has completed child orthodontic treatment that requires a retainer, such as getting braces, this new found smile brings with it great responsibilities. To keep that beautiful smile protected for a life-time, taking proper care of their retainer becomes very important. 

Sometimes taking the proper care of their retainer can be a tough task due to lack of information. But don’t worry the experts from the best Pediatric Dentist in Coral Gables will guide you on types of retainers and the proper ways to take care of them.

There are three main types of retainers:

Hawley Retainers

These are removable and easy to clean. They are made up of acrylic structures which support your tooth and are held together by wires.

Cleaning Process: The experts from Petit Smiles recommend cleaning them as soon as you take them out of your mouth and you must brush them thoroughly after every meal. For a deeper cleaning, it is advised to mix water with mild dish soap and brush away all the debris.

Clear Plastic Retainers

These are almost invisible retainers that can be placed over your teeth. The main advantage of these type of retainers is they make your child feel comfortable smiling as they retain their original, beautiful smile. They are also easy to remove but are not as durable as the hawley retainers.

Cleaning Process: The best Pediatric Dentist in Coral Gable recommend you to be very careful while cleaning this type of retainers. It is always advised to keep them away from hot water, dishwashers and any chemicals as they can damage this type of retainers very easily. Replace them when needed as they generally last for about six months as plastic is prone to wear and tear. Always remember to remove them while playing sports and wear a proper mouth guard to protect your child’s teeth.

Fixed Retainers

This type of retainers is non-removable and is generally fixed to your lower front teeth. These retainers are not visible to anyone and are very durable at the same time. They do come with a downside since they also require some extra care.

Cleaning Process: The experts from Petit Smiles recommend flossing them every day as they always remain attached to the teeth. It is advised to use a 6-inch piece of floss to clean your lower two teeth every day in order to ensure the proper functioning of these retainers. Repeat the process to clean every tooth that is attached to the retainer in order to ensure proper functioning of the retainer. Make sure to visit your orthodontist if your child has lost their retainer, it breaks, or causes your child any pain.

Keeping your child’s smile beautiful is your duty so visiting a good dentist regularly becomes essential. Visit Petit Smiles-The Best Pediatric Dentist in Coral Gables-to ensure proper dental health and hygiene for your child.