Okay to wear retainer after teeth whitening?

Question

I recently whitened my teeth at the dentist office and they sent take home trays. My bottom retainer caused some stains on my teeth over the years and I was wondering if it is okay to wear my retainer. I currently brush it before I put it in and I recently cleaned it with peroxide. I would hate for it to stain my teeth again especially since my teeth are currently prone to staining easier.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Based on what you've reported, I would definitely recommend that you wear your retainer.  You may need to just purchase whitening refills from your dentist and whiten your teeth more frequently, like every 3-5 months.  I recommend wearing your retainer because you would hate to have your teeth shift and end-up having to pay for orthodontics again, later on down the road.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Natwarlal Tibrewal, BDS · Answer

Hi, the retainers are normally not the cause of staining. As you have gathered from previous answers, it could be due to some diet or rarely any enamel decalcification leading to staining. Also check that your gums are not receding due to prolonged retainer wear. This can lead to root exposure which is less white than tooth enamel.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

Your dental retainer should have absolutely no effect on causing any stains to your teeth.  I doubt very seriously if your retainer caused your teeth to stain.  Is that what your dentist or orthodontist told you?It is okay to continue to wear your retainer unless directed otherwise from your dentist or orthodontist.Regarding external staining, most often it can be attributed to oral hygiene or certain foods (curry sauce, soy sauce, red wine, berry juice, etc.) or smoking.

Neil Elman, DDS · Answer

The retainer should have no effect on your teeth with whitening.  It is important to keep wearing your retainer in order to prevent relapse with your orthodontics. Not wearing your retainer will likely allow your teeth to move back to where they were when you started.

Okay to wear retainer after teeth whitening?

Answers (4)

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