How to Keep Your Retainer Clean: A Comprehensive Guide
Retainers are a crucial part of orthodontic treatment, helping maintain the position of your teeth after braces or aligners.
However, like any dental appliance, retainers can accumulate bacteria, plaque, and tartar if not correctly cared for. Keeping your retainer clean is essential for oral health and ensuring the appliance remains odour-free and clear.
In this guide, we'll explore practical strategies for maintaining your retainer's cleanliness and integrity.
Understanding Your Retainer
Before diving into cleaning tips, it's essential to understand the types of retainers and their specific care requirements:
Hawley Retainers: Made of acrylic and metal wires, these are durable and adjustable but require careful cleaning to avoid damage to the wire.
Clear Plastic Retainers: (The most common kind) Similar to Invisalign trays, these are less noticeable but can become discoloured if not properly cleaned.
Fixed Retainers: Bonded to the teeth, these require meticulous oral hygiene to keep the surrounding area free from plaque.
Daily Cleaning Routine
A daily cleaning routine is vital to prevent the buildup of harmful deposits on your retainer. Here's how to keep your retainer sparkling clean:
Rinse Thoroughly
Always rinse your retainer with lukewarm water when you remove it from your mouth. This simple step helps to wash away saliva and immediate debris, reducing the risk of plaque buildup.
Gentle Brushing
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and water, gently brush your retainer.
Be careful around the wires and clasps of Hawley retainers to avoid bending them.
For clear plastic retainers, avoid using toothpaste as it can scratch the surface, making them appear cloudy.
Soaking Solutions
Soaking your retainer in a cleaning solution once a week can help to eliminate bacteria and freshen it up. You can use:
Over-the-counter retainer cleaners, following the instructions on the packaging.
A homemade solution of lukewarm water and baking soda to gently cleanse without harsh chemicals.
Diluted mouthwash for a quick refresh. However, avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can dry out and damage certain retainers.
We recommend using Retainer Brite, which you can order from Amazon here.
Drying
After cleaning, let your retainer air dry on a clean towel. This step is crucial to prevent bacterial growth in a moist environment. Please ensure the retainer is completely dry before placing it back in its case.
Handling and Storage
Proper handling and storage are just as crucial as cleaning to maintain your retainer's condition:
Always wash your hands before handling your retainer.
When not in use, store your retainer in its case to prevent damage and contamination.
Avoid exposing your retainer to extreme temperatures, such as hot water or direct sunlight, as it can warp the material.
If you’ve lost your retainer case, you can ask your dental practice if they have any spare ones to give you or buy a new one. You can also get retainer cases like this one from Amazon.
Regular Dental Visits
Regular appointments with your dentist and hygienist are crucial to ensure your retainer remains clean and healthy.
Dental practices will have ultra-sonic cleaners in their decontamination rooms and may be willing to use that to clean your retainer. If you book a hygienist appointment, they may be willing to disinfect and clean your retainer during your appointment.
Replacing your retainer
We would recommend that you replace your removable retainers every year. once you have worn a retainer for a while, it can become soft, weak, and less effective.
Bring your retainers to your dental appointments, and your dentist can let you know whether or not your retainer is still fit for purpose.
If you grind your teeth heavily at night, you may need to replace your retainer more frequently.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean retainer is critical to ensuring its effectiveness and longevity.
By incorporating these cleaning and care practices into your daily routine, you can keep your retainer in top condition and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile. Remember, a well-cared-for retainer contributes significantly to the success of your orthodontic treatment.
Speak to our dentists
If you need any advice about retainers, a replacement, or any other questions, feel free to contact our online dentists for free by clicking this link here.
