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Cleaning retainers is more than just a safety measure,ā itās a commitment if you want to maintain your radiant smile and keep your teeth healthy. Retainers are crucial for safeguarding the results of your orthodontic investment, whether youāve had clear aligners or metal braces or just need assistance in keeping your teeth aligned.
But there is a catch as retainers can get dirty quickly if you donāt care for them. Simply thinking about gum infections, bacteria, and bad odors can give anyone the chills. Eww!
But the good news, keeping your retainer clean isnāt exactly rocket science, and we have all the tips and tricks to help keep your retainer in the best possible shape. Keep on reading to understand how to properly clean retainers in the most ideal ways, what not to do, and when to change them.
Why Clean a Retainer?
Retainers spend several hours in your mouth, gathering food particles, plaque, and bacteria along the way. With time, they create a unique sticky mold, known as plaque, that is not only toxic but also puts your dental health in danger. Stinky retainers can become the root cause of gum diseases, infections, and tooth decay if left unattended.
Metal and clear plastic retainers can contain bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidisā the variety that results in staph infections.
Cleaning your retainer is not only about the eww factor but is also important for:
Reducing Breath Odours: No one likes dirty or stinky-looking retainers. Regular retainer cleaning removes bacteria which removes bad odors.
Reducing Gum Disease and Tooth Decay: Plaque can gather on your transparent retainer, which can affect your teeth, resulting in gum issues and cavities.
Improve Retainer Life: Clean and well-maintained retainers last much longer.
Bottom line? A cleaner and well-maintained retainer equals a radiant and happy smile.
Meet Your Retainers: Types and How They Get Compromised
There are three retainer varieties, and each one needs a special cleaning method. Letās simply break them down:
Hawley Retainers (Metal Wire)
What are they: These are tried and tested retainers, crafted with strong metal wires that go in front of your teeth and include an acrylic plate that aligns with your mouthās roof area. Or lower side of your teeth.
How are they compromised: The acrylic parts and wire can hide certain food particles and bacteria if not cared for regularly. These removable type clear retainers are very easy to maintain and clean.
Clear Retainers (Plastic)
What are they: Crafted from clear thermoplastic, transparent retainers are almost invisible and easily fit your teeth. They are ideal if you are looking for a discreet treatment, but they can be susceptible to cloudiness and stains. You can obtain quality retainers from companies like Aligner32.
How are they compromised: Clear aligners attract plaque and food particles as these are neatly fitted along your teeth, which can get stuck resulting in unpleasant odors and appearance.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded)
What are they: These are bonded or glued to the front or back of teeth and work 24/7 to keep your teeth aligned. These are not removable, meaning you need to maintain them like your own teeth.
How are they compromised: Tartar and plaque can attach to the wire, if left unattended and can result in gum inflammation, weakened gums, tooth decay, and much more.
When to Clean Retainers?
You must keep your transparent retainers as clean as possible. Ideally, you need to clean them every day. In the case of a removable retainer, plaque and bacteria buildup occur at low levels which is why they are easy to clean.
However, you need to be more diligent in the case of bonded retainers. You need to clean them at least daily, especially when you carry out brushing, and after taking meals to remove food particles. Extra cleaning will benefit you later as you can maintain a clean mouth and will have to attend fewer dentist visits.
How to Clean Retainers at Home
Letās get going into the deep abyss regarding the best way to clean retainers properly. These innovative ways will ensure your retainer remains functional and fresh.
Toothbrush and Water
One of the most simple and efficient ways to clean transparent retainers is by using a soft toothbrush with water. This should be your go-to method every day.
Step 1: Rinse the retainer with tap or slightly warm water. Avoid hot water as it can damage and wrap your retainer, ruining the ideal fitting.
Step 2: Gently brush the retainers with your toothbrush. Avoid using your daily toothbrush as it can damage and leave small surface scratches.
Step 3: For more efficient cleaning, use mild soap with another toothbrush and rinse properly to remove all leftover soap particles.
Bonus Tip: You can use a cotton swab to ensure proper cleaning through crevices and grooves that your brush canāt reach.
Cleaning Tablets
These are small fizzy type tablets that instantly dissolve in water and are ideal for perfect retainer cleaning. These are mostly labeled as retainer or denture cleaners and should be used a few times every week or so.
Usage: Simply drop one tablet into a slightly warm water cup. Once done, place your transparent retainer in the cup, and let it stay there for 10 to 15 minutes.
How it works: The effervescent fizz breaks down plaque and bacteria to make your retainer odor-free and fresh.
Baking Soda Wash
Baking soda is your ideal hero when it comes to transparent retainer cleaning. Itās gentle, efficient, and provides an almost perfect deep cleaning result. Use this cleaning method occasionally, and be careful with metal retainers, as baking soda can be damaging over time.
Step 1: Mix a small tablespoon of baking soda into a small warm water cup.
Step 2: Soak your clear retainer in the mixture for some minutes, allowing it to remove and lift off the residue.
Step 3: Rinse and carefully brush the retainer with a toothbrush to remove any leftover dust or debris.
Pro Tip: Use the method sparingly, only once or twice a month, for deep cleaning.
Vinegar Wash
Vinegar is an effective disinfectant since it does wonders on metal and plastic retainers. Plus, itās easily accessible.
Step 1: Simply mix equal portions of water and vinegar (5% acidity) in a cup or container.
Step 2: Let your retainer soak in the mixed solution for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Rinse your clear retainer and thoroughly brush to remove any remaining residue.
Why effective: According to a research study, vinegar removes more bacteria than simply brushing the retainer alone.
Cleaning Permanent Retainers
When cleaning your permanent retainers, adjust to flossing and small brushes designed for special cleaning. As for how to clean metal retainers, there are certain ways to keep your permanent retainers clean which are as follows:
Flossing: You can use a floss threader for efficient cleaning under the retainer wire and cleaning effectively in between the teeth.
Interproximal Brushes: These are cone-shaped small brushes that are perfectly designed for effective cleaning.
Water Flossing: One of the more modern ways is to use a water flosser which effectively removes away all plaque and leftover food particles without any kind of harshness.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Retainers
Toothpaste: Even though it may appear like a great way to clean, some toothpaste might be too abrasive for retainer plastic or acrylic surface.
Boiling Water: Boiling temperatures can damage retainers as they can warp them, making the retainers almost unwearable.
Chemical-Based Cleaners: Harsh chemicals like sulfate or bleach can affect your clear retainers and donāt remove more bacteria than regular brushing.
Alcohol-Based Cleaners: These can weaken or dry out your retainers, so simply stick to water-based cleaners only.
When You Need a New Retainer
Even with the utmost and delicate care, your transparent retainers won āt last an eternity. Here are some small signs that might indicate that you need to see your dentist for a retainer replacement.
Visible Damage: Small cracks or chipping can affect your retainerās ability to keep your teeth aligned.
Warping: If you feel like your retainer is getting tight or loose, then it might have lost its ideal fitting due to it being exposed to high temperatures.
Regular buildup: If you see a buildup of yellow or white tartar that does not get cleaned or is stubborn, then itās time to order your new transparent retainer.
Wrap-Up
Small efforts can go a long way in maintaining the effectiveness of your retainer and ensuring your amazing smile. By regularly integrating easy cleaning ways into your everyday life, you can maintain your lovely retainer for a very long time and enjoy a healthy smile. So, show some deep love for your retainerā and everyone will applaud you for it.
FAQs
1. What is a retainer?
A retainer is an orthodontic application that is used after your teeth alignment therapy to maintain your teeth alignment and reduce the chances of teeth relapse.
2. Can I use toothpaste to clean my retainer?
Yes, you can use a non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your retainer.
3. What can I use to clean permanent retainers?
You can use various retainer cleaning methods, such as flossing through a floss threader, interproximal brushes, and water flossing.
4. Can we use hot water to clean clear retainers?
No, you should not use boiling water as it can wrap your retainers and damage them.
5. Can you use denture cleaner on retainers?
A denture cleaner provides the ideal deep cleaning of retainers. You should use this method every week or so to supplement your normal retainer cleaning method.
