5 Easy Tips To Keep Your Retainer Clean
Keep your retainer clean! It may be more important than you think!
In addition to making sure your retainers stay clean, fresh and last for years to come, a clean retainer will also keep you healthy. A recent article on Healthline states, “…retainers can harbor dangerous bacteria like Streptococcus, including S. sanguinis, S. mitis, and S. salivarius…” In addition to bacteria, retainers can accumulate a fungus called Candida Albicans, which can lead to infections and possibly sinus problems.
It can be frustrating not having a consistent method of keeping your retainers clean, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is a simple and fail-proof checklist you can use when caring for your clear and plastic retainers to minimize frustration and maximize your time and energy!
1. Clean Your Plastic Retainers Daily
Keep your retainer clean by brushing them gently with your soft-bristle toothbrush. Gently scrub your retainers after you brush your teeth to loosen up the soft and mostly invisible plaque that accumulates as you wear it. Mechanically removing the soft plaque will prevent the plaque from hardening into tartar. This may be the simplest and essential step to keeping your plastic retainer clean long term.
2. Deep Clean Your Plastic Retainers Weekly
Once per week be sure to give your retainer a deeper clean to break up set-in plaque, hardened tartar and to kill microbes that cause bad breath. A deeper cleaning of your retainer will also keep your retainer looking brand new, preserve the beautiful colors of your Hawley retainer or the clarity of your clear plastic retainers.
Here are a few very cheap, yet extremely effective ways of deep cleaning your retainers:
- Use a mild dish soap such as Dawn, scrub gently with a toothbrush and rinse well before inserting
- Use a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water. Soak for 5-10 min depending on level of plaque and tartar. Scrub gently with a toothbrush and rinse well before inserting
- Use an effervescent tablet such as Retainer Brite. Scrub gently with a toothbrush and rinse well before inserting.
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3. Protect Your Plastic Retainers With A Case
A retainer case isn’t simply a means to house your retainer to keep it from being crushed, thrown away or chewed up by the family pet. An additional important function of a retainer case is to keep your retainer clean from dirt, dust and outside-of-the-mouth debris. Keeping your retainer in its proper case is an essential step to keeping your retainer clean, overall.
Look for a case that fits both an upper and lower retainer, comes with a snap-lock closing mechanism and is ventilated, such as this affordable orthodontic retainer case. Buying multiples of the retainer case will give you a case for home, school and work, so you always have one handy.
PRO TIP– Avoid Crushing Your Retainer! Never Wrap Your Plastic Retainers In A Napkin Or Put In Your Pocket. Remember if it’s not in your face it’s in the case!
4. Avoid These Cleaning Methods
Always use a mild soap or tablets specifically indicated for intra-oral appliances.
Avoid any and all harsh chemicals when cleaning your retainers on a regular basis. Harsh chemicals can dissolve the material that makes up your retainer leaving it fragile, brittle or full of voids over time. This can leave small spaces for plaque and bacteria to accumulate making it impossible for you to thoroughly clean your retainers. Chemicals can be absorbed by your retainer and possibly be ingested while you wear it. These are probably not chemicals that you want in your body.
Avoid heat at all times while cleaning your retainer! Heat can melt the delicate plastic causing irreparable distortions and damage with clear plastic aligners. Excessive heat can cause the wire of a Hawley retainer to become easily distorted possibly bend. These bends add unplanned forces to the teeth and can cause unwanted movements of teeth during your retention phase.
- Dishwashers
- Washer and Dryer
- Dashboard of your vehicle
- Boiling water
- Microwaves
5. Replace Your Retainer As Needed
Nothing last forever, and orthodontic retainers are no exception. Eventually, all retainers, both Hawley and clear plastic ones will need to be replaced. Here’s what I’ve seen in my experience from patients that take really good care of their retainers
Hawley retainers, when well taken care of, can last more than 5 years. This saves you money, time and effort in the short term if you are committed to taking good care of them. Signs of a Hawley retainer needing replacement include broken acrylic or a bent or deformed wire. Hard white or yellowish tartar deposits may build-up and be impossible to remove. This is also a sign that a new retainer is needed.
Clear plastic retainers tend to need replacement after 18-24 months due to the delicate nature of the plastic. Plastic retainers are particularly vulnerable to people that grind or clench their teeth. Signs of needing replacement include yellowing, a foul odor that won’t go away, or cracks or holes in the plastic from normal wear and tear.
Bonded permanent retainers stay bonded forever, but they can be removed and replaced by your orthodontist for deep dental cleanings. In cases such as this, when replaced you will receive a brand new bonded permanent retainer after your dental cleaning.
Use these 5 great tips to keep your retainer clean. Clean retainers will stay fresh and in tip-top shape! After such a major investment in your smile and bite through orthodontic care, your retainer is designed to protect your investment by keeping your teeth and bite perfect. So clean and protect your retainer daily! By doing so you assure yourself years of service out of your retainers.
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