If you have a Hawley retainer, which is a removable appliance that is made of plastic and a metal wire and is custom made to fit your mouth, then you need to do everything you can to care for it. This is important because it needs to be in tip-top shape to keep your teeth in the correct places. So, to help you care for your Hawley retainer in Lindon, Utah, our orthodontist, Dr. Scott Healey, has some instructions for you.
-Clean your retainer daily by brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. This can help remove the harmful substances, like plaque and bacteria, from the appliance. You can also soak the retainer in denture cleaner for additional cleaning measures.
-Keep your retainer away from hot water and hot temperatures. This is vital because the heat can warp and melt the plastic, changing the fit of the retainer. It’s best to keep it in a cool or room-temperature environment so it stays in tip-top shape.
-Keep the retainer in a safe place when it’s out of your mouth, like in the case provided as well as in your backpack, purse, or drawer. This can help you avoid damaging and losing the retainer.
For more information and details about how to care for your retainer, please feel free to contact our orthodontic team at Scott M. Healey Dentistry. We are here to help you in any way we can, so please don’t be hesitant to call 801.653.0099 today!