After orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign treatment, there’s a chance your teeth may shift. But to stop that from happening, your dentist will give you a clear retainer and ensure that your smile remains perfect.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about clear retainers.
What is a Clear Retainer?
A clear retainer is a removable retainer made from transparent, smooth, and BPA-free plastic, making them less noticeable than traditional wire retainers. Retainers are used to “retain” the results of the orthodontic treatment and prevent your teeth from shifting. This appliance is almost invisible and custom-made to slip over your teeth.
How Often Should I Wear my Clear Retainer?
Clear retainers encourage good dental hygiene. Your specific requirements and other factors will determine how long you wear a retainer overall. But your dentist will provide the instructions depending on your individual needs.
Generally, dentists recommend patients wear clear retainers for at least 20 to 22 hours per day for the first two months. But you must take out your retainers when eating or drinking something and brushing or flossing your teeth. After two months, you can wear the clear retainers only at night indefinitely.
How Much Does Clear Retainer Cost?
The cost of clear retainers in Australia starts from $100. However, only your dentist will tell you about the actual cost for you, depending on factors like your choice of brand of clear retainers. The overall cost may also increase if you don’t take proper care of your retainers and break them often.
Cleaning Clear Retainers
It’s important to clean your clear retainers. As you wear your retainers, a white film, known as plaque, can build up on them. It’ll make the retainers look cloudy, but the harmful bacteria in the buildup can also cause infections and other dental problems.
So, it would be ideal for you to clean your clear retainer daily. It’ll help you remove the bacteria and plaque and maintain a perfect, healthy smile.
When it comes to cleaning clear retainers, you can try any of the following methods:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive (non-whitening) toothpaste that doesn’t contain any dye.
- Dissolve an effervescent cleaning tablet in water and soak your retainer for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse it off with water.
- Soak retainers in a mixture of white vinegar and distilled water in a 1:3 ratio for at least 20 minutes. Then rinse them off with water.
Cleaners You Should Avoid
Here are some common cleaners that you should avoid when cleaning your retainers:
- Dishwashers
- UV light sanitisers
- Mouthwash
- Bleach and other harsh chemicals
- Boiling water can deform it
How Long Do Clear Retainers Last?
Clear retainers are designed to fit comfortably around your teeth. Keep in mind that retainers can’t last forever. But through proper care, your retainer can last for 2 to 3 years. Factors like exposure to heat, usage patterns, and accidents may cause the clear retainers to become warped, loose, or cracked. If anything like this happens, you may need a replacement sooner.
Clear Retainers in Bendigo, VIC
At Integrated Smiles, we offer a range of top dental services in Bendigo, VIC, Australia. Contact us today if you need more information, advice, or tips to keep your clear retainer clean and working for a long time.
