If you wear a fixed retainer, you may not even realize that it has broken until you notice your teeth starting to move out of alignment. To prevent a fixed retainer from breaking, be conscientious about what you eat and avoid hard foods that can cause damage. Your dentist will have to remove and repair your retainer, but in the meantime, you should wear a mouthguard when you sleep, and stay away from hard and tough foods until you can see your dentist for repairs.

If your removable retainer is broken or damaged, you will need to have it repaired or replaced. You should take your retainer out when you are playing sports and when you are eating. You will receive a case with your retainer, and you should store your retainer in it when necessary. Get in the habit of keeping your case in your pocket, purse, backpack or briefcase, since retainers are expensive to replace, and you don’t want to lose it.

Make sure that you visit your orthodontist for your regular appointments so that he can check your retainer for damage, and to make sure that your teeth are still in their proper alignment. If you are thinking about correcting your smile, our dentist, Dr. Jaime Rivera would be happy to give you an exam and a consultation. If you would like to make an appointment at Rivera Orthodontics in El Paso, Texas, call 915-592-5853 today.

The post What to do About a Broken Retainer first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

Braces will not clean themselves, and your oral hygiene habits are still necessary. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice per day and flossing as well. However, traditional braces can make flossing difficult. To make sure you can clean your teeth effectively, there are interdental tools designed specifically for braces, as well as alternative tools that can work well too, such as water flossers.

Keep your braces clean includes removing and washing your retainer at least once per week or more if necessary. If your braces should break or a wire gets knocked loose, do not try to fix it on your own. Doing so can increase your risk for an oral accident or potentially damage your teeth even more. Cover the end of any loose wires with a ball of wax and visit your orthodontist immediately.

If you want to experience the joys of an orthodontic aligner system at Rivera Orthodontics, simply call us at 915-592-5853 to schedule an appointment at our orthodontic office in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Jaime Rivera and our team look forward to straightening your smile.

The post What Steps Should You Take to Keep Your Braces Clean? first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.