How to Take Care of Retainers & Night Guards
Disinfect your appliance by soaking them for 10-15 minutes daily in either:
– hydrogen peroxide (dilute ~1:1 with water to get to 1-1.5% concentration)
– whitening mouth rinse (will usually be peroxide based and do not require dilution)
Once a week or as needed, descaling your appliance with a 1:1 mixture of white distilled vinegar and water for up to 30 minutes to loosen hard white build up. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush to remove debris.
Nightly Hygiene with Appliances
1. Before brushing your teeth, disinfect your night guards by soaking them in a peroxide-based rinse solution for 10-15 minutes. Shake off any excess solution from the guards after soaking.
2. Brush your teeth thoroughly using fluoride toothpaste. Brush all surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline for at least two minutes. Spit out the excess toothpaste, but do not rinse your mouth immediately. Leave the fluoride residue on your teeth to benefit from its protective properties.
3. Rinse the exterior of the guards lightly with water before placing them in your mouth. Carefully place the disinfected night guards over your teeth. Ensure they fit comfortably and cover your teeth properly.
4. After placing the night guards, if you feel the need to rinse your mouth, do so lightly with water. This helps to ensure your mouth is comfortable without washing away the fluoride/peroxide from your teeth.
Fluoride Tray Instructions (only for patients with Fluoride gel RX)
On mornings when you expect to experience excess dryness (chemo, radiation, etc):
Ensure the fluoride tray is clean and dry before use. Dispense a thin layer of fluoride gel into the tray. Use just enough gel to cover the inner surfaces of the tray evenly.
Wear the fluoride tray for a minimum of 5 minutes, allowing the fluoride gel to effectively coat and protect your teeth. You can extend the treatment up to a maximum of 30 minutes.
Rinse the tray under running water to clean off any residual gel and allow it to air dry for storage.
TIPS
Brushing can increase wear on retainers by roughing up the surfaces and increases porosity/staining of the appliance. It is recommended to gently brush off visible debris using a soft tooth brush on an as needed basis.
Seat appliances with finger pressure only. Biting into position will lead to breakage.
Rinse your appliance with clean water before you put it back in your mouth.
Bring your appliance to every dental visit for inspection and cleaning.
Never wrap your appliance in a napkin as these are frequently accidentally discarded.
Store your appliance in its protective case whenever it’s not in your mouth.
Do not use alcohol based mouth rinses to disinfect your appliance as they will dry and crack.