How to Clean Your Retainer

Retainers are essential for maintaining your teeth’s position after braces are removed. These dental appliances are worn lifelong to prevent the natural shifting of teeth. But irregularly sterilizing your retainer can wreak havoc to your oral health. At Ardas Family Dental in Parker, CO, Dr. Roopi Kattaura provides professional care for braces aftercare, including retainers. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your retainer clean for an amazing smile.

 

There are three types of retainers on-the-market: Hawley wire, clear and permanent bonded retainers. Each retainer varies in terms of hygiene care.

 

Hawley Wire Retainers:

 

Hawley wire retainers are the standard retainers at Ardas Family Dental. Made of hard acrylic or plastic with a metal wire, these retainers are removable and durable. This is why Hawley retainers are the easiest to clean.

 

The best way to wash your Hawley retainer is under lukewarm water and mild soap. If you notice plaque or debris on the surface of your retainer, don’t be afraid to scrub very gently with a toothbrush or cotton swab.

 

Clear Retainers:

Invisalign and Essix retainers both fall into this category. While clear retainers are also removable, the interior surfaces of the appliance are harder to disinfect. 

 

Like Hawley retainers, sanitize clear retainers soon as you remove them. When dry, bacteria and debris are harder to unclog on the surface of retainers.

 

Permanent Bonded Retainers:

These retainers are the hardest to clean because they’re permanently fixed to your teeth. Usually bonded to the back of the molars, these teeth are difficult to floss between the permanent retainer. Dr. Kattuara of Ardas Family Dental in Parker, CO recommends a floss threader to weave between your retainer.

 

Additional Tips:

Retainers need to be handled gently to preserve for long-term use. This means staying away from any harsh cleaners and rough scrubbing. 

 

If you want a deeper clean for your retainer or notice bacteria stuck on the surface, bring your device to our Parker, CO office for special cleaning.

 

Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

 

Invisalign

Invisalign is a new system of straightening teeth without the use of conventional braces. A series of clear plastic aligners are utilized to create tooth movement. New technology has developed that can generate a series of aligners with small changes to it and don’t require traditional braces. A new aligner is given to patients every few weeks to continue moving the teeth into the desired position. They are made from a clear plastic or acrylic material and fit tightly over the teeth, but can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. At Ardas Family Dental we make the aligners so they are virtually impossible to notice, comfortable, and easy to wear.

The use of Invisalign is not recommended for kids who need to straighten their teeth because their mouth and teeth are still developing and require traditional braces. Invisalign is recommended for patients who are fully developed and have only mild to moderate cases of spacing and crowding.

Dr. Roopie Kattaura will be able to diagnose the proper treatment needed to straighten teeth and see if Invisalign is right for you.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Invisalign visit our website at http://www.ardasfamilydental.com/ and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Roopi Kattaura of Ardas Family Dental, visit Restorative Dentist Parker, CO, call 720-459-8420.

Adult Orthodontics in Parker, CO

Dr. Roopi Kattaura of Ardas Family Dental provides orthodontic care for adolescents and adults.  It is often recommended to start treatment on an adolescent patient once all the permanent teeth have come in, but adults can still get great results from orthodontic care.  There are several options for adults beginning orthodontic treatment, and the best one for you will depend on what needs to be corrected.

To correct bite issues and straighten teeth, the traditional braces method includes brackets on the teeth and connecting wires that are tightened over the course of treatment. Clear braces use the same method but the materials are tooth-colored to avoid a metallic look.  Accelerated orthodontics are applied to correct cosmetic issues in about six months. Severe misalignments and bite issues can’t be corrected in such a short time, but if your concerns are purely cosmetic, it’s a great option for a short treatment time that can completely transform your smile. Invisalign treatment is popular because of its almost invisible appearance.  A treatment plan consists of a series of clear aligners that straighten teeth over time.  Come see us and find out what will be best to correct your smile!

To learn more about orthodontic care and the services we provide at the practice, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Roopi Kattaura of Ardas Family Dental, visit Restorative Dentist Parker, CO for more information or call 720-459-8420. 

Caring for Invisalign

Ardas Family Dental is proud to offer Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces.  Clear aligners require less maintenance and won’t prevent you from eating certain foods, but there are still guidelines you should follow to wear and care for your aligners.  You should remove Invisalign each time you eat, but if you do eat anything while wearing the aligners make sure to clean them thoroughly afterwards. It is also best to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.  Ideally when wearing clear aligners, you would only drink water. Colorful drinks can stain the aligners and too many hot drinks can eventually warp the plastic.  If you do drink anything other than water while wearing the aligners you should rinse them with warm water afterwards. 

Cleaning the clear aligners regularly is important for your teeth and straightening treatment.  Clear aligners can become discolored over time without losing their effectiveness, but the color can show on your own teeth and continue to darken.  Invisalign offers its own brand of cleaning solution, and there are several soaking solutions available over the counter, but brushing the aligners is also a sufficient cleaning option.  Do not use toothpaste to brush the aligners because subtle abrasive properties of toothpaste could harm the aligner.  It is best to use mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to clean the aligners each time you brush your teeth.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the services provided at the practice, please visit Kids and Family Dentist, Parker CO for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Roopi Kattaura at Ardas Family Dental in Parker, CO, call 720-459-8420.