Can You Bite Down with Retainers?

No, you should avoid biting down with your retainers as it can damage them. Using a purple persulfate-free retainer cleaner helps maintain their integrity and cleanliness.

Functionality During Biting

1. Hawley Retainers:

   • These retainers are designed to allow for natural biting and chewing.
   • The acrylic base fits comfortably against the roof of the mouth, while the wire framework keeps the teeth in place.

2. Clear Aligner Retainers:

   • While these retainers are removable, they are not intended to be bitten down on during use.
   • They are primarily worn to maintain tooth alignment and should be removed before eating to prevent damage.

Considerations for Eating

1. With Hawley Retainers:

   • You can generally eat with Hawley retainers in place.
   • They are durable enough to withstand biting into softer foods but may need to be removed for harder or sticky foods.

2. With Clear Aligner Retainers:

   • It is recommended to remove clear aligner retainers before eating or drinking anything other than water.
   • Biting down on these retainers can damage them due to their thin, flexible material.

Guidelines for Using Retainers

Proper Use and Care

1. Wearing Schedule:

   • Follow your orthodontist's instructions regarding how long to wear your retainers each day.
   • Typically, retainers are worn overnight and for several hours during the day initially, then transition to nighttime wear only.

2. Cleaning Routine:

   • Clean your retainers daily using a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner.
   • Avoid using hot water or abrasive cleaners that could damage the retainer material.

Why Shouldn’t You Bite Down with Clear Retainers?

Material Considerations

1. Flexibility and Durability:

   • Clear aligner retainers are made from a thin, flexible plastic material.
   • Biting down on them can cause them to bend or crack, compromising their effectiveness.

2. Risk of Damage:

   • Continuous biting or chewing with clear retainers can lead to deformation or breakage.
   • This damage may necessitate replacement, adding to the overall cost and inconvenience.

Conclusion

Understanding whether you should bite down with your retainers depends largely on the type of retainer you have. While Hawley retainers are designed to accommodate biting and chewing, clear aligner retainers are not. It's crucial to follow your orthodontist's recommendations for wearing and caring for your retainers to ensure they effectively maintain your smile. By doing so, you can preserve the integrity of your retainers and enjoy the long-term benefits of a straight, healthy smile.

Remember, if you have any concerns about using your retainers or notice any discomfort or damage, consult your orthodontist promptly. Proper care and adherence to usage guidelines will help you make the most of your orthodontic investment.

Are you currently using or thinking about using retainer cleaning tablets? It's important to be aware that certain cleaner brands have the potential to cause toxic reactions.

It's crucial to be aware of harmful ingredients hiding in common cleaner brands. One such persulfate, which can pose SERIOUS health risks and is found in almost all leading retainer cleaners brands. Moreover, persulfate's health risks potentially impact respiratory health and skin sensitivities in your family, especially in teens and sensitive individuals. Learn more about the risk of persulfate HERE. 

Disclaimer:

The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. The author and publisher do not take responsibility for any consequences resulting from the information provided in this article.