Usually, you should have put effort and time into correcting your teeth by using braces to shift them to the correct position. Once you have removed the braces, your orthodontists will recommend that you wear retainers to keep them in place. Your orthodontists recommend a suitable type of retainer for you within 2-8 days after your braces are removed. This effort and time is to show off your smile. 

But if you are not cleaning the retainer, then it will cause damage to your time and effort by making plaque stick on the retainer, which causes tartar (A hardened plaque) and also the bacteria building up on teeth, which will stick onto the retainer. So, cleaning the retainer is a must to process if you are wearing it. So, experts at Oris Dental Center have clearly explained some tips on how to clean your retainers, when to clean them, and the myths about cleaning retainers.

8 Tips on How to Clean Your Retainers 

Use Water For Cleaning

Gently brush your retainer daily using a soft toothbrush and water. Avoid using toothpaste as its abrasiveness may scratch the retainer, and these scratches can create surfaces where bacteria can grow.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda has natural antibacterial properties and is mildly abrasive, making it an effective solution for removing plaque without damaging the retainer. When cleaning, you can mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and gently scrub your retainer with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide 

A diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide) is excellent for deep-cleaning your retainer. Soak your retainer in this solution for about 15 minutes, and then rinse it well. This will help you to kill bacteria and remove stubborn stains on your retainer.

Use Retainer Cleaning Tablets

Invest in retainer cleaning tablets, which are designed to break down plaque and bacteria. Dissolve a tablet in a glass of lukewarm water and soak the retainer for the recommended time, usually 15-20 minutes. This once-a-week treatment helps keep the retainer fresh and odor-free.

Brush with Non-Alcoholic Mouthwash Solution

Create a mild cleaning solution by diluting non-alcoholic mouthwash with equal parts water. Gently brush your retainer using a soft-bristled brush soaked in this solution to disinfect and freshen it. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can dry out and weaken the material.

Lemon Juice for Removing Stains

Lemon juice is a natural stain remover and antibacterial agent. Mix a small amount of lemon juice with water, soak your retainer for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. This method can be beneficial for removing tough stains without damaging the retainer.

Regular Rinsing Under Cool Running Water

Make it a habit to rinse your retainer under cool water whenever you remove it, especially after meals or snacks. This prevents food particles from sticking and reduces the risk of bacteria accumulating, which can help you avoid bad breath and plaque buildup.

Avoid Toothpaste, But Consider Tooth Powder for Stubborn Spots

While toothpaste is too abrasive, a gentle, non-abrasive tooth powder can be useful for spot-cleaning hard-to-remove buildup. Sprinkle a small amount on a soft brush, gently scrub any stained areas, and rinse thoroughly.

When to Clean Your Retainers

Cleaning the retainer is important, but if you don’t clean it when it is necessary, it will ruin your teeth. So, we have listed when to clean your retainers. 

• Clean your retainer thoroughly each day to prevent bacterial growth and plaque buildup. A consistent routine is essential to maintaining oral health.
• Remove and rinse your retainer after consuming sugary or acidic drinks, as sugar can cause bacteria to thrive and increase the risk of cavities and gum issues.
• Perform a more intensive cleaning once a week, such as soaking in a vinegar solution or using a retainer cleaning tablet. This deep cleaning helps remove tartar and prevent odour.
• If you’ve been unwell, disinfect your retainer thoroughly to prevent re-infection. This may involve an extended soak or a more thorough cleaning using approved disinfectant solutions.
• If you do not wear the retainer for a while, you can clean and dry it thoroughly before storing it to prevent bacterial growth and odour. Make sure the storage case is also clean.

Myths About Cleaning Retainers

Several myths about cleaning a retainer could damage it. We have listed some of the most common myths to help you avoid them.

• Toothpaste is Best for Cleaning Retainers – Toothpaste can be abrasive on retainers, leading to scratches. These scratches provide hiding spots for bacteria and make retainers harder to clean over time.
• Hot Water Helps Clean and Sterilize Retainers – Hot water can warp retainers, especially plastic ones, making them fit poorly. Only use lukewarm water to avoid damage.
• Soaking Retainers in Mouthwash is Effective – While mouthwash can kill some bacteria, it may not effectively remove plaque or tartar. Also, alcohol-based mouthwashes can dry out and damage retainers.
• Retainers Don’t Need Regular Cleaning – Retainers come into contact with food particles, bacteria, and plaque every day. Regular cleaning is essential to avoid infection and maintain oral health.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda Damage Retainers – When used in small amounts, vinegar and baking soda are safe and effective for cleaning retainers.
• Only Dentists Can Properly Clean Retainers. While professional cleaning is beneficial, most daily and weekly retainer maintenance can be done at home with the right techniques.
• Plastic Retainers Can Soak Overnight – Extended soaking can weaken certain plastic retainers. Always follow manufacturer recommendations on soaking durations and solutions.

How to Clean Plastic Retainers 

When you are using plastic retainers such as Essix or Hawley, they require gentle care to maintain their shape and function. Here are some tips for cleaning plastic retainers.

• Start by rinsing them with lukewarm water after each use to remove food particles and bacteria.
• Clean daily with mild, unscented soap and a soft toothbrush
• Avoid abrasive toothpaste because that can scratch the surface. 
• Perform a weekly deep clean by soaking the retainer in a vinegar-water solution or using specialized cleaning tablets. 
• Never use hot water as it can warp the plastic. 
• Regularly clean the storage case to prevent contamination
• And visit your dentist for professional cleaning during routine checkups.  

How to Clean Invisalign Retainers 

Invisalign retainers are delicate and need proper maintenance to stay clear and odour-free. Here are some tips for cleaning them.

• Rinse the Invisalign retainer under lukewarm water each time you remove it to eliminate saliva and bacteria. 
• Clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, avoiding abrasive products that can damage their transparency. 
• For a deeper clean, you can use Invisalign cleaning crystals or tablets to soak the retainers for 15 minutes.
• Avoid drinking coloured or acidic beverages while wearing them to prevent staining. 
• Never expose Invisalign retainers to heat, as they can warp. 
• Always store them in their case when not in use to keep them safe and hygienic.  

Takeaway

Cleaning retainers is very important as they can ruin your effort to maintain a healthy smile by causing bacteria to stay and causing tartar. So follow the tips mentioned to clean your retainers at home. If you have any queries on how to clean and maintain your plastic or Invisalign retainers, you can contact our Invisalign center in Dubai. We also provide the aligner that suits you and maintenance instruction that suits your lifestyle.

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