How Often Should I Clean My Retainers?

Anyone who has had their teeth straightened with braces or clear aligner therapy will need to wear retainers to keep their new smile perfectly in place. This is because your teeth will gradually migrate back to their previous, more “natural” positions. If you have removable retainers, it’s incredibly important that you wear them as often as directed so that your teeth do not shift. If your retainers are not worn for an extended period of time, your teeth will shift and additional orthodontic treatment may be required to straighten them back up.

In addition to wearing your retainers regularly, patients should also commit to keeping them clean. Every morning when you take your retainers out, you should rinse them thoroughly with cold water to remove bacteria and debris. We recommend giving your retainers a deep clean at least once a week. If you get sick, it’s a good idea to deep clean your retainers as soon as you are better again, even if you just recently cleaned them.

How Should I Clean My Retainers?

By wearing and cleaning your retainers as often as recommended, you can maintain both a healthy and beautiful smile! Follow these care tips:

• While toothpaste is generally too abrasive to use on retainers, you should daily clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, a mild dish soap, and cool or lukewarm water.
• Regularly soaking your retainers for at least 20 minutes will prevent buildup and discoloration. You can use white vinegar diluted in water (about a 1:1 ratio), denture cleanser, or Retainer Brite tablets.
• After brushing and soaking your retainers, be sure to thoroughly rinse them before putting them back in your mouth.
• Never boil your retainers, put them in the dishwasher, or soak them in dangerous chemicals like bleach.

Clear Aligners at Vero Dental

Vero Dental offers Invisalign^® clear aligners in Denver, CO. This orthodontic treatment can address mild to moderate misalignment. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with our team to see if clear aligner therapy is right for you!

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorized in: Invisalign®, Oral Hygiene