My dog ate my retainer! Ways to take care of your appliances
We’ve all heard tales of the dog eating homework, but what about retainers? Or what about the unlucky retainer that ends up in the trash or gets swept up with the dinner plates? Maybe you have even suffered the misfortune of cracking a retainer because you thought your pocket was a safe place to keep it.
At Precision Dental Clinic, we have heard it all, and while these incidents are surely not uncommon, they are entirely avoidable with some basic care!
Why do I need my retainer?
Retainers serve an important role after treatment with braces. When your braces treatment comes to an end and your braces are removed, the bone surrounding your teeth has not fully hardened, and the fibers in your gum tissues have been stretched. This means your teeth could potentially shift back to where they were before you started your orthodontic journey. To prevent this, we construct tailor-made retainers for you that might need to be worn either part-time or full-time.
What are some ways to take care of retainers?
- Storing your retainer. Remember, your retainer should only be kept in two places: your mouth or its case. Do not be tempted to wrap it in a tissue and leave it on the table because that is a surefire way to lose it. If you need to remove it while eating, ensure it is safely stowed in the protective case, which you should always carry with you. Never keep your retainers loose in your pocket, and if you are only wearing your retainers at night, store them in their case in a secure place during the day. Some retainers should be kept in water, and we will advise if this applies to you.
- Cleaning your retainer. To prevent odors, give your retainers a quick clean with a brush and a dab of toothpaste. Follow all instructions provided by your orthodontist at Precision Dental Clinic.
- Repairing your retainer. If your retainer is lost or damaged, do not try to fix it yourself! Reach out to us as soon as possible so we can remedy the situation and get your retainer back in fully functioning condition.
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What do I do if my dog ate my retainer?
The first step in repairing or replacing your retainer is to call Precision Dental Clinic. Don’t feel embarrassed—it happens more than you think!
Who can I call to learn more about retainers and retainer care?
Removable retainers play an essential role in maintaining that newly perfect smile of yours! At our Dubai, UAE clinic, we can help you care for and keep your retainer intact over many years. Call our office at 04 - 2756731 to request an upcoming visit with our orthodontist and discuss your oral health needs.
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