If you have just finished up your teeth alignment treatment using braces, there’s the question of how you should take care of your teeth once your braces come off. The treatment does not end there. You need a retainer to ensure that your teeth stay in place to preserve that straight smile.

Brentwood Dental Art have post-orthodontic treatments available for their patients, including retainers. We believe that even after your braces have been removed, you should have a straighter smile for as long as possible.

Why Wear a Retainer

Once your braces come off, your teeth can shift again and cause them to be crooked. These should be worn almost around the clock, even while you sleep (depending on the type of retainer).

Care for Your Retainer

You should also keep in mind that you take care of the retainer during your treatment. That’s because it can catch food particles, plaque, and bacteria, among a few other nasty things. If you wear an acrylic retainer, you should rinse it with warm water a few times a day to keep it fresh and free from bacteria.

If you use a clear retainer or aligner, the cleaning process is much different. You should be able to clean with warm water and a small application of dish soap. Clean the retainer using a small brush.

One thing you should never use to clean your retainer with is toothpaste.

This will cause your retainer to be scratched and affect the overall look of your retainer. You should also be able to restore them properly in a case. Placing your retainer in your pocket is not highly recommended. It also must be kept out of reach of pets who may tend to chew on things.

What Are Night Guards?

Night guards are devices that look similar to a retainer but are used for a different reason. Night guards and mouth guards cover the teeth and gums. They help to prevent injury to your teeth, lips, and gums. Night guards may be made from hard, durable plastic or soft acrylic materials.

Who Needs Night Guards?

The most common reason you might use a night guard is to help with teeth grinding or bruxism. If you grind your teeth during the night, you may wake up with jaw and facial pain. Teeth grinding can also cause cracked teeth, sensitive teeth, and headaches. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your dentist to see if a night guard might help.

Care for Your Night Guard

Every time you remove your night guard, it’s good to wash it with warm water to remove debris and plaque. After you rinse it, you should brush it lightly with a toothbrush. You should store your night guard in a plastic container to reduce exposure to dust and bacteria.

In addition to rinsing your night guard every morning, we recommend cleaning it once per week. You can use denture cleaner to keep it clean.

Need A Retainer or Night Guard? Brentwood Dental Art Can Help

If you recently had your braces removed and need retainer or night guard options, make an appointment with Brentwood Dental Art. We’ll go over your best retainer and night guard options for you and ensure that they are a comfortable fit during your post-orthodontic treatment.