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This time, we’re looking at “How to clean my retainers.” After orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign, everyone wears a retainer. Why? It retains your beautiful smile, preventing teeth from relapsing to their previous positions.
Teeth are always somewhat mobile, and orthodontists take advantage of this to gradually move teeth to their perfect locations. Gradually, they shift into place, but they are prone to shifting back to where they were before for a time. Eventually, they become more permanent, though teeth are always able to shift with time and age.
Therefore, your retainer is your ally in making sure you enjoy a perfect, healthy smile for a lifetime. By keeping it clean, you can maintain your oral health. However, if you don’t keep it clean, your retainer becomes coated in things like bacteria and yeast. Then, you will have bad breath, and your oral health will decline, possibly leading to tooth decay.
If your retainer becomes lost, scratched, or damaged, please contact us for a replacement right away. Similarly, if your retainer requires adjustment, call us and never try to adjust it yourself.
How to Clean My Retainers
Removable retainers are much like wearing Invisalign aligners.
Like aligners, you’ll take our removable retainers to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. In some cases, people may have fixed retainers, so we’ll briefly look at how to clean those too.
Removable retainers may be clear plastic or acrylic with a wire. (Hawley) Both types are very simple to keep clean, like Invisalign.
Note: Hot water can warp both retainers or Invisalign.
Likewise, if you leave your retainer in a hot car, they may warp. Similarly, hot drinks, microwaves, and dishwashers are to be avoided.
Now, let’s get to the easy steps of “how to clean my retainers.”
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Lukewarm Tap Water (Never Hot) & Clear Liquid Soap
When it’s time to brush your teeth, take out your retainer. At the same time, you brush, use a soft toothbrush to clean your retainer in lukewarm tap water gently.
We suggest getting a soft toothbrush only for cleaning your retainer to keep it separate from your regular toothbrush. One can carry a travel-size soft toothbrush for cleaning on the go.
Another item to carry along is a travel-sized bottle of colorless liquid soap. Notably, clear soap works great since it won’t stain your retainer or aligners. Plus, it’s nonabrasive and won’t scuff up plastic surfaces. Also, toothpaste works fine but is slightly more abrasive.
Cleaning Products Made for Retainers
Today, there are many choices in cleaning products, and Bracesetters will be happy to recommend our favorites. Feel free to ask us for recommendations anytime.
For delicate retainers, we would advise against denture cleaners which, like some toothpaste, can be abrasive. Instead, a product for retainers is gentler and effective.
Please, follow the manufacturer’s suggestion, and soak your retainer daily. Generally, you’ll only need to soak it for between 5-10 minutes but no longer.
In a pinch, Healthline recommends a solution of half mouthwash and half lukewarm water. Notably, it’s best to pick a mouthwash that contains no alcohol, which can damage plastic over time. Remember, don’t use full-strength mouthwash but only a diluted solution.
Making a Case for Retainer Cases
When it’s time to take out your retainer to eat or brush, always keep it in its protective case. Not only will the case keep it safer and clean, but it also prevents the retainer from drying out.
Furthermore, the retainer case is harder to lose. However, it’s best to get in the habit of always putting your case in the same location. Then, it will be a habit to carry it with you at all times. If left on a napkin, retainers are easily lost, and pets are prone to chew on them.
When playing sports or swimming, keep your retainer in the case. Ask us about mouthguards if you regularly play sports.
Like your retainer, you’ll need to clean your case each day. It’s a simple matter of using warm soapy water. Then, pat your case dry with a towel.
How to Clean My Retainers: Permanent Retainers
Unlike other retainers, a fixed permanent retainer doesn’t come out. So, cleaning is going to be a little different. As always, we will discuss our recommendations at your appointment.
To give you the general idea, cleaning a permanent retainer involves using special dental floss like Super Floss and a floss threader. Simply insert the threader between your teeth and bring the floss under the retainer wire. Then, gently floss back and forth and work your way around your teeth and retainer.
After some practice, cleaning a permanent retainer, like cleaning braces, becomes a part of your daily routine.
We hope this information about “how to clean my retainers” is helpful. By caring for your retainer, it can last for years. Also, you’ll avoid requiring a costly replacement and your smile will stay beautiful.
See more about cleaning your retainer here.
For more, see our tips for cleaning Invisalign aligners here.
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