It is a significant achievement when you complete your orthodontic treatment! After months or years of either braces or Invisalign, you can enjoy the benefits of your newly straight smile; however, there is one final step.. A retainer will hold your teeth in place. You may think of a retainer as a small detail that is not that important when it comes to holding your result. However, since a retainer is held in your mouth for long periods every day, it can easily accumulate plaque, bacteria and/or food particles. Poor hygiene of your retainer will result in bad breath, discoloration and/or oral health issues. Therefore, we have listed 7 tips to care for a retainer to assure it stays clean to maintain your long-lasting appliance.1. Daily Retainer Care.
Similar to your teeth, regular cleaning is very important for your retainer. When a retainer is not cleaned there will be bacteria and plaque build-up which could result in bad smells and stains.
• Removable retainers (Hawley retainers and clear plastic retainers) should be cleaned every day (with a soft toothbrush and gentle soap and/or non-abrasive toothpaste).
• Fixed retainers (a bonded wire on the back side of your teeth) should be cleaned around very carefully (using floss threaders or interdental brushes to ensure plaque is being cleaned off).
2. Be Mindful Of Strong Cleaning Agents.
Many individuals believe that using bleach or strongly-scented cleaners means their retainer is cleaner to use. While some strong cleaning agents are effective on some items, they can break down the plastic of the retainer or irritate your mouth. There are better, more sanitary ways to clean the retainer such as:
- Soap and water (unscented)
- Retainer cleaning tablets (only use sometimes; not more often than once a week)
- Diluted vinegar (only sometimes; a good deep clean)
3. Rinse After Every Meal.
Allowing debris from food and sugar to remain on the retainer will promote bad breath and cavities over time since the debris becomes bacteria food. After every meal, make a habit of rinsing your retainer under warm water before putting it back into your mouth. This only takes seconds, but it will keep any debris down and will keep your retainer fresher throughout the day.
4. Soak Your Retainers Occasionally.
Cleaning your retainers each day by brushing them is an important part of cleaning and maintaining them. Somewhat less frequently, we recommend soaking your retainers to clean them of bacteria and to prevent discoloration. You have a few different options for soaking:
- Retainer cleaner tablets- but be careful to use the right amount of water when dissolving the tablets.
- Baking soda- use one teaspoon per cup of water and you will be able to remove bacteria and odors.
- Vinegar- use 50% vinegar and 50% water! Soak the retainer for 15-20 minutes and rinse really well!
5. Handle They Way Your Should.
Retainers are made to be durable, but they can break. If not cleaned out or used improperly, you can rely on it only giving you a dead retainer faster than usual.
- The wires should not be bent, ultrasound is not allowed and don’t brush too hard.
- Don’t clean with toothpaste that includes any kind of abrasives, and don’t use rough or hard-bristled brushes on it as they will scratch the material.
- Every time you remove your retainer from your mouth, place it in the storage case and never wrap it in a napkin or tissue, because you might forget it there or throw it away.
6. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene.
Your retainer may be clean, but you can’t wear it if your mouth is compromised. As soon as there is a patient with bad hygiene, the bacterial presence falls along the retainer itself can be quite high.
- Brush your teeth two times a day with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss daily to clean away sticky plaque deposits in-between your teeth and below fixed retainers.
- Rinse once a day with a gentle mouthwash to help reduce the bacteria and freshen your breath.
7. Repair or Replace as the Need Arises.
While care for retainers can extend their life, they will not last indefinitely. Clear plastic retainers can become cloudy or lose their shape. Hawley retainers may have a bent wire, or an area of acrylic that has worn off the surface. If you notice any of the following, it is time to see your orthodontist to replace a retainer, or have a retainer repaired.
- Cracks or breaks
- Warping or not fitting properly
- Odd odors or stains that will not go away.
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