Tips to Clean and Maintain your Retainers like a Pro

If you have ever worn braces, then you know that your treatment doesn’t end after your braces come off. Most of the time, your orthodontist will give you retainers to wear for a while after you remove your braces. Retainers typically help the tissues and muscles in your mouth to hold your teeth to their new ideal location.

Just like how it is important to clean your teeth every single day, it is important that you clean your retainers every day. If you don’t clean them, then you will be wearing a retainer that has a build-up of bacteria, plaque and tartar on it. Disgusting, right?

Could you use some help in knowing how to clean your retainers the right way? We have come to your rescue as always and brought you a quick guide that will give you handy tips and tricks to clean and maintain your retainers.

Different Types of Retainers

Different types of retainers require different cleaning techniques. The three common types of retainers are - Hawley retainers, clear plastic retainers and fixed retainers.

Since both Hawley and clear plastic retainers are easily removable, cleaning them is not a hassle. Fixed retainers are attached to your teeth and the best way to clean fixed retainers is to floss them daily.

How to Clean Retainers?

Here is how you can clean different types of retainers.

- Cleaning Hawley and Clear Plastic retainers

Wondering how to clean clear plastic retainers? You must brush your Hawley and clear plastic retainers after every meal with lukewarm water. If you feel that your retainer could use a deeper clean, simply mix a mild soap with lukewarm water and gently scrub your retainers using a soft bristle toothbrush.

You can also ask your orthodontist to recommend a denture cleaner that you can dilute and use to soak your retainers overnight for a deep cleaning.

- Cleaning fixed retainers

You can clean your fixed retainers using a 6-inch piece of floss. Simply take your floss under your retainer wire and go up and down between your teeth. Repeat the process with each tooth and you are good to go.

3 Helpful Tips and Tricks to Clean Your Retainers

Here are a few handy retainer cleaning tips that will help you keep your retainers squeaky clean.

1. Don’t expose your retainers to extreme heat

You must never rinse your retainers in hot water. Also, make sure that they don’t come in contact with microwaves, dishwashers, washer dryers, etc.

2. Avoiding using harsh chemicals to clean

Remember that when it comes to cleaning your retainers lukewarm water and a mild soap are all that you need. Make sure that you never use a retainer cleaner that is full of harsh ingredients which will do you more harm than good. Looking for a gentle aligner cleaning solution that will clean your aligners without damaging them? Shop for makeO aligner cleaning foam and enjoy wearing bacteria- free aligners.

You can also consider using home remedies like baking soda and vinegar to clean your retainers at home.

3. Replace them when required

Your retainers won’t last you forever and they are prone to wear and tear. If you feel that you could use a new set of retainers, then don’t procrastinate and buy yourself a new set as old retainers might cause you serious dental woes.

Head over to the makeO website to grab our retainers which will make your post-aligners journey seamless.

The Takeaway

Looking to buy premium quality dental care products all under one roof? Check out makeO toothsi today and we guarantee you it won’t disappoint you.

makeO toothsi is drawing the attention of oral care enthusiasts with their wide range of oral care products ranging from teeth whitening kit, electric toothbrush, retainers to chewies and aligner cleaning foam. Now, step up your oral care routine like never before with makeO toothsi.

FAQs

Are you supposed to clean your retainer?

Yes, you are supposed to clean your retainers at least once a day for the best results.

Can you use toothpaste to clean your retainers?

No, you must never use toothpaste to clean your retainers as they are abrasive and will cause scratches on your retainers and damage them.

Should I soak my retainer overnight?

You can soak your retainer in an overnight soaking solution once a week if you want to thoroughly clean your retainers.

What is the best way to store my retainer?

You must store your retainer in water when you are not wearing them as air drying can make them brittle and wear them prematurely.