4 Tips For Keeping Your Dental Appliance In Good Shape

Whether it’s a retainer for post-orthodontic care, dentures, a mouth guard, or a snoring mouthpiece, there are all kinds of things you need to put in your mouth for extended periods. Each of these is a little different since it has a different use, and your dentist or orthodontist should give you instructions on how to care for your new appliance when you get it.

However, not everyone remembers these instructions and not everyone follows them. If that’s the case, all you need to do is call your dentist and ask for the information again. Still, in case you don’t get around to doing so right away, you should at least keep the following tips in mind since they can apply to any kind of appliance.

1. Toothpaste Is For Teeth

One of the primary ingredients in every kind of toothpaste is an abrasive. This is good for cleaning off plaque and food without damaging the hard enamel of your teeth, but most appliances use plastic and composites that aren’t nearly as strong. Toothpaste will make the appliance feel smooth since the abrasive will polish it, but you’re slowly wearing down the material.

2. Hot Water Doesn’t Make Cleaning Dental Appliances Easier

Hot water is good for softening food particles and cleaning off dishes, pots, and pans. However, plastic has a hard time standing up to water near the boiling point without melting or deforming. That’s why most cleaning methods involve a long soak at room temperature instead.

3. Know If Storage Is Better Wet Or Dry

When you get a dental appliance, you’ll most likely get a container to store it in. Something else you should know is whether to store the appliance wet or dry. Most do just fine dry, but dentures (for instance) do better when you soak them overnight in a cleaning fluid.

4. When In Doubt, Dish Soap Is Fine

While hot water might be harmful, plastic and other dental appliance materials do just fine when you soak them in soapy water. Antibacterial soap is particularly helpful since you don’t want your appliance to become a haven for enamel-eating bacteria.

When you get a new appliance that goes in your mouth, make sure you pay attention to how you put it in, when you need to wear it, and how to keep it clean. And keep in mind these tips, because an appliance can last for years or however long you need it if you take care of it properly.