How To Clean Retainer

After completing orthodontic treatment and removing braces or clear aligners, the progress made in achieving straight teeth may be at risk of regression over time. Fortunately, dental retainers step in to preserve the results and prevent unwanted shifting. Retainers play a vital role in maintaining teeth alignment, and there are three main types available: permanent, clear plastic, and Hawley retainers. However, it’s not just about wearing them – keeping retainers clean is essential for good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems. Regular cleaning helps eliminate harmful bacteria, biofilm buildup, bad breath, stains, and preserves the retainer’s durability. Let’s explore the significance of retainer cleanliness and effective cleaning methods to ensure a healthy mouth and a confident smile!

What Are Retainers

After you finish orthodontic treatment and get your braces or clear aligners removed, your teeth may start moving back to their original positions over time, undoing the progress you made during treatment. But don’t worry, that’s where retainers come in! Wearing a retainer is super important for maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment. It helps prevent any unwanted shifting and keeps your teeth in their new, straight positions.

There are three main types of retainers available:

1. Permanent Retainers: These are not removable and consist of a wire bonded to the back of your teeth. They are durable and not visible, which is great. However, some people might find them less comfortable compared to other types of retainers. To keep them clean and prevent any buildup of tartar and plaque, you need to brush and floss regularly.

2. Clear Plastic Retainers: These retainers, like Essix, Vivera, and Zendura retainers, are thin, clear, and almost invisible. They fit over your teeth like a shell and are as comfortable as clear aligners. But, you need to be careful with cleaning them because they can collect bacteria and plaque if not cleaned regularly.

3. Hawley Retainers: These are the most traditional type of retainers. They consist of an acrylic piece that sits in the roof or floor of your mouth, with a wire running across the front of your teeth. They are durable and relatively inexpensive. You can clean them using a toothbrush and toothpaste. However, some people may find them less comfortable, and they have a visible metal wire.

Why Is It Important to Clean Retainers

Keeping your retainer clean is really important for good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems. Here’s why cleaning it regularly is a must:

1. Bacteria and Plaque: Just like your teeth, retainers can collect bacteria and plaque if not cleaned properly. These can cause bad breath, infections, and other oral health issues. Cleaning it regularly helps get rid of these harmful germs.

2. Biofilm Buildup: If you wear Retainers, bacteria can form a film on them, leading to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum problems. Cleaning the aligners regularly prevents this buildup and keeps your mouth healthy during orthodontic treatment.

3. Fresh Breath: A dirty retainer can make your breath smell bad. Cleaning it removes the bacteria causing the odor and keeps your breath fresh.

4. Preserving the Retainer: Proper cleaning prevents the retainer from getting damaged over time, making it last longer and avoiding the need for a new one too soon.

5. Preventing Stains: Certain foods and habits can stain the retainer. Regular cleaning removes these stains, keeping your retainer looking nice and clean.

6. Reducing Infections: Dirty retainers can lead to oral infections like gum issues. Cleaning it properly lowers the risk of these infections and helps your overall oral health.

7. Avoiding Spreading Germs: Not cleaning your retainer can make it a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Wearing it without cleaning reintroduces these germs to your mouth, potentially causing infections or other problems.

So, remember to clean your retainer regularly to maintain a healthy mouth and a bright smile!

How To Clean Retainers

Cleaning your Retainers is essential to maintain good oral hygiene. There are various methods you can use, but some are better than others. Let’s take a look at how to clean retainers

Denture Cleaning Solution:

Some orthodontists recommend using denture cleaner tablets or solutions to clean Retainers. Fill a clean container with warm water. Drop a denture tablet into the water. It will start to fizz and release cleaning agents. Put your retainers in the container, making sure they are fully submerged in the water and denture tablet solution. Let the retainers soak for the recommended time, usually around 15-30 minutes. After soaking, take the retainers out and rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any residue.

Fizzy 3-in-1 Foam Cleaner

Fizzy 3-in-1 foam cleaner is the perfect retainer cleaner for quick and easy cleaning. The foam retainer cleaner can be used on all clear aligner brands (Invisalign, Bite, Smile Direct Club, Candid, etc), retainers (Essix retainers/clear retainers, Hawley retainers), dental night guards, sports mouthguards and dentures. Fizzy retainer cleaner is free of alcohol, parabens, fluoride, hydrogen peroxide and artificial colors and hence is perfect for people with sensitive gum. No water needed to rinse your retainers, clear aligners, mouth guard or dentures. All you need to do is to pump some foam on your retainer, let it sit for a few minutes and rinse with water. For deeper cleaning, use a soft bristle brush to gently brush every detail and corner. It can be also used as a mouthwash, breath freshener and foam toothpaste. Since it’s also TSA compliant and travel friendly, it’s the perfect retainer cleaner for on-the-go and at home use.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a safe option for cleaning Retainers, but it might not be as effective as specialized cleaning products for tough stains or deep cleaning. Here’s a simple guide on how to use baking soda to clean your aligners:

1. Create a baking soda paste: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a paste. The paste should be thick enough to spread easily but not too watery.

2. Gently brush the aligners: Apply the baking soda paste to a soft-bristled toothbrush or a toothbrush specifically for cleaning aligners. Gently brush the aligners, covering all surfaces inside and outside.

3. Rinse thoroughly: After brushing with the baking soda paste, rinse the aligners thoroughly with water. Make sure there are no baking soda particles left on the aligners before you put them back in your mouth.

4. Avoid excessive scrubbing: Although baking soda is generally gentle, don’t scrub the aligners too hard to avoid any potential damage to the material.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean Retainers, but you need to be careful and follow some important guidelines:

1. Dilute Properly: Before using hydrogen peroxide to clean your aligners, mix it with water. A common recommendation is one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts water. This reduces its strength and lowers the risk of any potential problems.

2. Limit Exposure Time: Don’t let your aligners sit in hydrogen peroxide for too long. Extended exposure can weaken or damage the aligner material. Usually, a short soak or rinse is enough for cleaning. Always follow the time recommended by your orthodontist or retainer.

3. Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, rinse your aligners well with water. This ensures that no leftover hydrogen peroxide remains on them before you put them back in your mouth.

4. Avoid Overuse: While hydrogen peroxide can help remove bacteria and stains, don’t use it too often. Using it too much can make the aligners brittle or degrade over time.

Summary

Retainers are crucial for maintaining teeth alignment after orthodontic treatment. There are three main types: permanent, clear plastic, and Hawley retainers. Cleaning retainers regularly is essential for good oral hygiene and preventing dental issues. It helps eliminate bacteria, biofilm buildup, bad breath, and stains while preserving the retainer’s effectiveness. Avoiding unclean retainers prevents spreading harmful germs and infections. Various cleaning methods include denture tablets, Fizzy 3-in-1 foam cleaner, baking soda, and diluted hydrogen peroxide.