Like the unsung heroes of orthodontic treatment, retainers, although they may not be as glamorous as braces, are essential to keeping your stunning smile. Even though we depend on our retainers a lot to maintain the alignment and health of our teeth, they are not indestructible. This blog article will examine what harms retainers and how to prevent it.
Let’s start with the apparent culprit: food. We all love to eat, but some foods can wreak havoc on our retainers. Sticky or chewy foods like caramel, taffy, and gum can get stuck in your retainer and cause damage or breakage. Hard foods like nuts and popcorn can also damage your retainer by bending or cracking it.
And let’s not forget about the classic retainer nightmare: accidentally throwing it away with your lunch tray in the school cafeteria. To avoid these food-related mishaps, removing your retainer before eating is best to store it in a safe place, like a retainer case.
Speaking of storage, how you store your retainer can also affect its lifespan. Leaving your retainer out in the open, and exposed to the elements, can lead to discoloration, warping, or cracking. And if you’re the type of person who likes to clean your retainer with hot water or leave it in a sunny spot to dry, beware!
Heat can cause your retainer to lose its shape or warp. To avoid damaging your retainer during storage and cleaning, keep it in its case when not in use and follow your orthodontist’s instructions for cleaning.
Now, let’s talk about the unexpected ways retainers can get damaged. If you have a dog or a cat, you know that pets love to chew on things they shouldn’t. And unfortunately, retainers are no exception. Pets have been known to chew on retainers, causing irreparable damage. So, if you have a furry friend at home, keep your retainer out of reach or securely stored in its case.
Accidents happen, and sometimes retainers can get damaged or lost due to no fault of our own. For example, if you drop your retainer on a hard surface, it can crack or break. Or, if you leave your retainer on a table or in a public bathroom, it can easily get lost or stolen. To avoid these unfortunate scenarios, it’s best to be mindful of where you place your retainer and always keep it with you.
Finally, let’s talk about the one thing we can’t avoid: time. Like all things in life, retainers have a limited lifespan. Over time, they can become worn down, warped, or damaged from daily wear and tear. And as much as we may love our retainers, they will eventually need to be replaced. To prolong your retainer’s life, follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wear and care, and don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you notice any signs of wear or damage.
In conclusion, retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment, and it’s critical to maintain their functionality. There are many different ways retainers can be harmed, from food accidents to pet-related events. Many common pitfalls can be avoided by adhering to a few straightforward guidelines, like taking out your retainer before eating and keeping it in a secure location.
Your orthodontist can help you get a new retainer and keep your mouth looking great for years to come if your current one does get damaged or worn down over time.
