If you have a permanent retainer, there is a good chance you can maintain the straight teeth you have worked so hard for. There is also a good chance you can fall victim to dental issues if you don’t care for the teeth secured to the retainer. So, to help you keep your smile and retainer in tip-top shape, our orthodontist, Dr. Christopher Corsa, is happy to share some instructions with you.

-Brush your teeth every morning and night with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. As you brush, spend extra time around your retainer by tuArning the brush vertically and thoroughly scrubbing. This can help you remove the plaque and bacteria that gather there.

-Floss your teeth every night before bed. Make sure to floss above as well as below the retainer so you can clean all the nooks and crannies in the area. If you have trouble cleaning under the retainer, use a floss threader.

-Attend your dental checkups regularly. This is important because the cleaning treatment provided can remove the hardened plaque that lives around your appliance. Hardened plaque (tartar) is very dangerous for your smile.

To learn more about how to care for your smile when you have a permanent retainer in San Jose, California, please reach out to Corsa Orthodontics at 408-997-7772 and talk to a member of our orthodontic team. We are happy to help you, and we look forward to hearing from you!