A retainer is an orthodontic appliance custom-made to preserve the alignment of teeth after braces or clear aligner treatment. This device holds the teeth in their newly corrected positions while the surrounding bone and gum tissue stabilize. Maintaining this alignment requires consistent wear and proper care, especially concerning food and drink consumption. Understanding how to safely navigate meals and snacks is important for protecting the appliance from damage and ensuring long-term oral health.
Guidelines for Removable Retainers During Meals
The fundamental rule for removable retainers is to take them out for all meals and snacks. This prevents the retainer, often made of delicate plastic or acrylic, from being damaged by chewing forces. Chewing with a removable retainer in place can cause the plastic to crack, warp, or even bend any integrated metal wires, compromising its fit and effectiveness.
Once removed, the retainer must be stored securely in its protective case. Retainers wrapped in a napkin or placed loosely on a table are easily lost, thrown away, or damaged. The retainer should only be worn while drinking plain water; other beverages can stain the material or cause the plastic to distort.
Beyond the risk of physical damage, eating with a removable retainer traps food debris against the teeth. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria in the warm, moist environment between the appliance and the enamel surface. The resulting plaque accumulation significantly increases the risk of tooth decay, gum inflammation, and bad breath.
Navigating Difficult Foods and Drinks
Certain foods present a risk to the teeth and the orthodontic hardware, regardless of whether the retainer is removable or fixed. Hard foods, such as ice, nuts, hard candies, and crunchy bread crusts, must be avoided or consumed with extreme caution. Biting down on these items can exert pressure that may break or distort the fine metal wire of a fixed retainer.
Sticky and chewy foods are also problematic, as they can pull on the bonded wire or become trapped around it. Caramels, taffy, chewing gum, and certain dried fruits can adhere to the appliance, potentially loosening the dental cement that holds a fixed retainer in place. If consuming hard foods like apples or carrots, they should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces and chewed primarily with the back teeth to minimize front-tooth pressure on fixed wires.
Drinks pose a significant threat to oral health when wearing a retainer. Sugary or acidic beverages, including soda, sports drinks, and fruit juices, should be avoided, especially while wearing a removable retainer. When these liquids seep between the retainer and the teeth, sugars and acids are held against the enamel, accelerating decay. Limiting the intake of these drinks and choosing still water or milk instead helps to protect both the teeth and the retainer material.
Post-Meal Cleaning and Care
Immediately after a meal, clean the mouth and the retainer before reinsertion. Food particles and bacteria must be removed from the teeth to prevent them from being sealed against the enamel by the retainer. Brushing the teeth is ideal, but at minimum, the mouth should be thoroughly rinsed with water before the removable retainer is placed back in.
The removable retainer requires immediate cleaning upon removal to prevent food debris from drying and hardening. It should be rinsed under cool or lukewarm water and then gently brushed. A soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleaner, such as mild dish soap or a specialized retainer cleanser, are recommended; abrasive toothpaste can scratch the plastic and create rough spots where bacteria can accumulate.
For fixed retainers, post-meal care centers on meticulous flossing to remove trapped debris from around the bonded wire. Floss threaders or specialized orthodontic floss are necessary tools to maneuver the floss under the wire between each tooth. This attention to the area around the fixed wire prevents plaque buildup and subsequent gum issues.