A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic device used to keep teeth in their corrected position after treatment with braces or aligners. It prevents teeth from shifting back toward their original alignment. When a sore throat or other illness strikes, the question of whether to continue wearing this device becomes common. The decision depends on balancing the maintenance of orthodontic progress with personal comfort.
The Immediate Decision: Safety and Comfort
The general advice is to continue wearing your retainer if symptoms are mild, such as a minor cold or slight scratchiness. Wearing the device does not worsen the infection, as it is already part of your oral environment. Mild symptoms usually do not justify interrupting the retention schedule.
Discomfort should guide the decision to temporarily remove the retainer. If a severe sore throat makes swallowing or speaking extremely painful, or if you are experiencing vomiting, the retainer should be taken out and stored safely. Congestion forcing heavy mouth breathing can cause significant dry mouth, making the plastic uncomfortable. For severe pain, high fever, or prolonged illness, consult a doctor or orthodontist.
The Orthodontic Risk of Skipping Wear
Temporarily removing your retainer risks orthodontic relapse, where teeth shift back toward pre-treatment positions. This movement can begin quickly because the ligaments and bone around the teeth are still stabilizing. The risk of significant shifting is highest for individuals who have recently completed treatment.
Teeth can start to move noticeably within a single day of skipping wear. After just a few nights, a retainer may feel tight or even refuse to fit. Minimize the time the retainer is out of the mouth and resume wearing it as soon as your comfort level allows for continuous use.
Retainer Hygiene While Sick
Maintaining hygiene for your retainer is important while you are symptomatic to avoid reintroducing pathogens. A retainer can harbor bacteria and viruses, so the daily cleaning routine should be performed immediately after removal and before reinsertion.
Gently scrub the entire surface using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser, such as mild, unscented antibacterial hand soap or a specialized retainer cleaner. Use lukewarm water for rinsing and cleaning, as hot water can warp the plastic material and permanently damage the fit. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your retainer to prevent germ transfer.
Post-Sore Throat Disinfection Protocol
Once sore throat symptoms have resolved, a thorough disinfection procedure is necessary to eliminate lingering pathogens. This is important for highly contagious illnesses, such as strep throat or viral infections.
Cleaning Tablet Method
Achieve deep disinfection by soaking the retainer in a specialized cleaning tablet solution, following the package instructions for timing.
Vinegar Solution Method
Alternatively, a solution of one part white vinegar mixed with one part warm water can be used for soaking. Do not submerge the retainer for more than 20 minutes to protect the material.
After soaking using either method, gently scrub the device and rinse it thoroughly with cool water before wearing it again. As a final measure, replace the toothbrush used during the illness, as bristles can trap germs.