Retainers are crucial for keeping your teeth in their newly aligned positions when your braces or Invisalign treatment concludes. The Hawley retainers offered here at Koerich Orthodontics are known for their durability and the ability to be adjusted over time, making them a popular choice for post-orthodontic treatment. In contrast to the Invisalign retainer, which looks identical to Invisalign clear aligners, Hawley retainers are made with a combination of acrylic and metal wires. But like clear retainers, and any other orthodontic appliance, these custom-made retainers require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good condition. We’ve put together this ultimate guide to properly cleaning and caring for your Hawley retainers to make the transition from active treatment to retention seamless.
Rinse Your Retainers Regularly
Rinsing your retainers in lukewarm water immediately after removing them from your mouth may seem like an unimportant task, but it’s essential to keep them clean. This quick habit helps remove saliva, food particles, and debris that can accumulate during wear.
When you’re ready to wear them again, rinse them again before putting them back in your mouth. Though it seems redundant to do so, especially if your retainer was in its case, it’s important to rinse your retainers a second time to ensure they are free from any dust or particles.
Brush Your Retainers Daily
Just like your teeth, your retainers need daily brushing to remove plaque and prevent bacteria buildup that can cause oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. An unclean retainer can also have a bad taste and smell, which isn’t inviting or fun to wear for hours every day.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Gently brush your retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush. A toothbrush with firm bristles can scratch the acrylic, leading to bacteria accumulation and making them uncomfortable to wear.
- Mild Soap or Retainer Cleaner: Instead of toothpaste, which can be abrasive and damage the surface of the Hawley retainer, use a mild dish soap or a retainer cleaning solution. If using a specialized retainer cleaner, follow the instructions on the package for the best results.
- Avoid Scrubbing the Metal Wires: Be gentle when cleaning the metal wires. Aggressive scrubbing can bend or damage them, affecting the fit and effectiveness of your retainer.
Soak Your Retainers Regularly
In addition to daily brushing, it’s important to soak your Hawley retainers regularly for an extra deep clean. Why do you have to do that if you brush it daily? Well, you know you brush and floss twice every day, but still need a professional cleaning at the dentist every once in a while? Soaking your retainers is kind of like taking them to the dentist for a cleaning — plaque and bacteria will always find places to hide, but a soak can clear them out and protect your Hawley retainers and oral health.
- Retainer Cleaning Tablets: Use a retainer cleaning tablet in lukewarm water once a week. These tablets are specifically designed to kill bacteria and dissolve plaque that brushing may miss.
- Vinegar Solution: Alternatively, you can soak your retainers in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for about 15-20 minutes. Vinegar is effective at removing tartar buildup and disinfecting the retainer.
- Hydrogen Peroxide and Water: Another option is to soak your retainers in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water (1:1 ratio) for 15-20 minutes. This mixture can help to whiten the acrylic and disinfect the retainer.
Handle Your Retainers with Care
While Hawley retainers are not exactly fragile, they’re not indestructible or able to connect to the “Find My…” app on your phone. That’s why proper handling of your Hawley retainers is key to keeping them in excellent condition and out of lost and found.
- Avoid Heat Exposure: Hawley retainers are made with heat-sensitive materials. Never use hot water to clean them, and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as the acrylic can warp.
- Store Properly: When not in use, always store your retainers in their clean and dry protective case. This prevents your aligners from being lost, thrown away, damaged, and accumulating germs.
- Keep Away from Pets: Furbabies, especially dogs, are often attracted to retainers and can easily chew and destroy them. Always store your retainers in a safe place out of reach of curious animal roommates.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
While it might seem like a good idea to use strong cleaners to disinfect your retainers, these substances can damage the acrylic and metal. But it’s not just toothpaste that you should avoid. You should also keep bleach and alcohol-based products (ex: certain mouthwashes) away from your Hawley retainers because they can weaken the materials in your retainers, causing them to become brittle and break over time.
Inspect Regularly for Damage
Hawley retainers are durable, but, as mentioned earlier, they are not indestructible. Regularly check your retainers for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, discoloration, and an incorrect fit. An ill-fitting retainer won’t keep your teeth in place effectively, and an unclean retainer poses health risks. If your retainers don’t look right, feel loose or uncomfortable, or the metal wires appear bent, contact us ASAP for a replacement.
Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly
Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are important to ensure your retainers are still fitting properly and doing their job. If your retainer needs any adjustments, your orthodontist at Koerich Orthodontics can modify it to ensure it fits perfectly and holds your teeth in place.
Koerich Orthodontics Is Here For You Every Step Of The Way
Proper care and maintenance of your Hawley retainers are essential for retainers to last as long as possible and continue to keep your teeth in their correct position. By following these steps, you’ll keep your retainers clean, odor-free, and in great condition. Remember, if you have any questions or notice any issues with your retainers, don’t hesitate to contact your preferred Koerich Orthodontics office in Charlotte or Indian Trail, NC.
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