Retainers are a vital part of keeping those pearly whites aligned after visiting the orthodontist and getting braces off, or after other orthodontic treatments. They help keep your smile looking good and prevent those teeth from suddenly shifting back to their original positions. Unfortunately, because retainers are stuck in your mouth for so long every day they can pick up all sorts of unwanted stuff: bacteria, plaque, food bits and unpleasant odors – all thanks to poor cleaning habits.
Learning how to properly clean your retainer is just as important as brushing your teeth in order to keep your whole mouth healthy and fresh. A clean retainer is not only going to look better, it will also prevent bad breath, stains and a load of other potential problems that can pop up.
In this handy guide we’ll run you through all the best ways to clean your retainer – including what products are safe to use, common mistakes to avoid and just how often you should be giving your retainer some TLC.
Why Cleaning Your Retainer Is A Big Deal
Lots of people remember to brush their teeth every day, but they forget that retainers need some love too.
When you wear retainers regularly they can quickly collect:
- Bacteria
- Plaque
- Tartar
- Bits of food
- Excess saliva
If these substances aren’t properly cleaned off, they can lead to some pretty nasty outcomes – like:
- Bad breath that just won’t quit
- Unpleasant stains
- Building up of bacteria that can cause even more problems
- Irritation around the gums
- More bacterial growth
Regular cleaning of your retainer will keep both it and your mouth in top condition.
Types of Retainers – So You Know What You’re Working With
Before you go ahead and start cleaning your retainer it’s probably a good idea to know what type you’ve got.
Clear Plastic Retainers
These are the clear, almost invisible retainers that are known as Essix retainers.
They’re super popular as they’re barely noticeable.
Hawley Retainers
These are made from acrylic and metal wire.
They’re pretty durable and can even be adjusted.
Permanent Retainers
These are tiny wires that are bonded behind your teeth by an orthodontist.
They do require a bit of special care while you brush and floss.
Most of the cleaning tips in this guide are geared towards removable retainers.
Keeping Your Retainer Clean Every Day
Cleaning your retainer each and every day is really the best way to keep it in top shape.
Step 1: Remove It Gently
When taking your retainer out for cleaning, make sure to use clean hands.
Don’t go twisting or bending it during removal – that can cause damage.
Step 2: Rinse Right Away
As soon as that retainer comes out, give it a good rinse under lukewarm water.
This helps clear away all the loose gunk and saliva before it dries on.
Step 3: Give It A Brush
Grab a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently clean all the surfaces of the retainer.
Don’t scrub too hard and scratch the material.
Step 4: Rinse Again
After that, give it a good rinse to get rid of any remaining residue.
Step 5: Store It Safely
When you’re not wearing your retainer, pop it in its protective case.
This helps prevent damage and keeps it all nice and clean.
Best Products To Clean Your Retainer
There are a few different products out there that’ll help keep your retainer clean and fresh.
Mild Dish Soap
A wee bit of mild dish soap mixed with water can clear away dirt and buildup with ease.
It’s a good option because it’s gentle, easy to get your hands on and won’t break the bank.
Just make sure to rinse it properly after.
Retainer Cleaning Tablets
Lots of orthodontists recommend using these tablets especially designed for cleaning retainers.
These products will get rid of any stains or odors and keep those nasty bacteria at bay.
Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
White Vinegar Solution
Equal parts water and white vinegar can help get rid of mineral deposits.
How to do it:
- Soak the retainer in the solution for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Give it a gentle brush with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse until the retainer is squeaky clean.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural cleaner that’s great at getting rid of unpleasant odors.
Just mix a bit with some water to make a paste and gently clean the retainer.
How To Deep Clean Your Retainer
Daily cleaning is good, but sometimes you need to give your retainer a bit of a deeper clean to get rid of all the stuck on grime.
Soak The Retainer
Pop the retainer in a cleaning solution recommended by your orthodontist.
Options might include retainer cleaning tablets, vinegar solution or specific orthodontic cleaning products.
Brush Carefully
After soaking use a soft toothbrush to gently brush out any debris.
Rinse Thoroughly
Make sure to get rid of any remaining cleaning solution before putting the retainer back in your mouth.
Deep cleaning once or twice a week is usually all you need to do.
Getting Rid Of Bad Smells From Your Retainer
Retainers can sometimes pick up some pretty unpleasant odors.
Common culprits include:
- Bacterial buildup
- Bits of food
- Not cleaning it enough
To get rid of the smell:
- Clean the retainer daily
- Use cleaning tablets regularly
- Rinse after every removal
- Store it in a clean case
Consistency is key to keeping that retainer smelling fresh.
Removing White Buildup On Your Retainer
White deposits often appear thanks to all the minerals in saliva building up on the retainer.
These deposits can get pretty stubborn over time.
If that happens, a vinegar soak can help break it down.
If it gets really bad though, it’s probably best to call in a professional to give it a good clean.
Permanently Bonded Retainers
Permanent retainers can’t be removed for cleaning, so…
…Save this bit for later, we have not indented it in case we run out of space### Clean Your Retainer Thoroughly
Don’t miss those harder-to-reach areas, especially around the wire and the surrounding teeth.
Use Floss Threaders to Get Into Tight Spots
Floss threaders are a lifesaver when it comes to getting under the retainer wire.
Think About Using a Water Flosser
Water flossers can really make a difference when it comes to cleaning around permanent retainers – a real game-changer.
Oral hygiene is super important when it comes to preventing plaque from building up around bonded retainers. Proper cleaning is key.
Common Mistakes to Watch Out For
We’ve all done it – accidentally damaged our retainers during cleaning. Let’s avoid these common mistakes:
Using Hot Water – A Big No-N0
Hot water can warp your plastic retainer and totally mess with its fit. Always stick with lukewarm or cool water.
Don’t Even Think About Using Harsh Chemicals
Avoid bleach, strong cleaners and abrasive products – they can do serious damage to your retainer material.
- Bleach
- Strong cleaners
- Abrasive products
Brushing Too Hard is a No-Go
It’s too easy to get carried away and scrub too hard, but aggressive brushing can actually create scratches where bacteria love to hang out.
Daily Cleaning is Non-Negotiable
Don’t let it slip your mind – even one or two days without cleaning can lead to a noticeable buildup.
How Often Should You Clean Your Retainer?
This varies, but most orthodontists will recommend:
Do a Quick Once-Over Every Day
Light cleaning after removal is a must.
Deep Clean Once or Twiceweekly
A more thorough cleaning once or twice a week is a good idea.
Clean Your Case Regularly Too
Wash your retainer case regularly to keep it from getting contaminated.
Keeping the retainer and the case clean is essential for maintaining good oral health.
When’s the Right Time to Replace a Retainer?
Retainers can last for years if you take good care of them, but eventually they may need to be replaced.
Look out for signs of wear and tear – cracks, warping, a poor fit, persistent odors and excessive wear.
If your retainer no longer fits properly, it’s time to contact your orthodontist.
Wrapping Up
Learning how to clean retainers properly is a big part of taking care of your teeth and your orthodontic investment. Daily rinsing, gentle brushing and regular deep cleaning can help keep bacteria and plaque at bay while extending the life of your retainer.
By following a consistent cleaning routine and avoiding common mistakes like using hot water, you can keep your retainer fresh, comfy and effective. A clean retainer not only helps you have a healthy smile but also ensures your teeth stay properly aligned for years to come.