You had better make sure you know how to keep the retainer free of bacteria and clean if your orthodontist has fitted you with the same for straightening your teeth. You will not regret following the cleaning instructions if you wake up in the morning to find the retainer fitted by your Embrace orthodontist has become a self-sustaining bacterial ecosystem. Do not worry in case you did not pay attention when your orthodontist was talking to you about the “Intro to Retainers.” We have provided below the retainer cleaning information you need.
How to Clean Your Retainer Thoroughly
We asked Dr. Ramune, the Embrace orthodontist in Edmonton, to share her views about which materials are ideal for cleaning retainers, and we shall now share his professional tips with you. Do not forget that these instructions are for retainers made from acrylic and metal wires.
1. Use toothpaste along with a soft toothbrush.
Do not use tartar control toothpaste in case you choose to use the toothpaste and toothbrush method, as it contains abrasive ingredients. You should avoid abrasive toothpaste and only use a soft toothbrush, as repeated scrubbing can scratch the acrylic surface of the retainer, and scratches on retainers are an ideal place for bacteria to hide. Thoroughly scrub your retainer on all sides, but never use force as you can thoroughly clean a retainer without using force that causes scratches.
2. Use denture cleaner, as they are not meant just for toothless individuals.
Individuals using retainers for straightening their teeth can use them too. You can use popular denture cleaners such as Dentasoak, Polident, and Efferdent to clean your retainers. Soak the retainer in the denture cleaner for the duration as mentioned in the instruction sheet accompanying the cleanser. Rinse it and clean the surface gently with a soft toothbrush after you have soaked it for the recommended amount of time.
3. Use mouthwash.
Once you have confirmed that the mouthwash does not contain alcohol, use it to clean your retainers, as alcohol can potentially damage the retainer acrylic. Once you have found several nonalcoholic types of mouthwash, select clear one, as this prevents discoloration of the retainer. In case you have a non-alcoholic mouthwash soak the retainer in it for 60 minutes, following which you should remove it and scrub it gently using a soft toothbrush.
4. You can use distilled white vinegar as well.
If you like to use organic products for your hygiene or want to find a cleaner, which is already available in your house; use distilled white vinegar. Mix three parts water to 1 part vinegar in a cup and soak the retainer in this mixture for approximately 15 minutes. Follow this by using a soft toothbrush to gently brush the retainer.
More Retainer Cleaning Tips by Dr. Ramune
I already mentioned above that you ought to avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol. However, we would like to specify that you should only search for cleaners that may contain Lysol or alcohol. It is a good idea to carefully check the ingredients of the cleanser you are planning to use to clean your retainers.
You may have observed that all of the suggestions mentioned above for cleaning your retainer also included gentle scrubbing using a soft toothbrush. It is ideal to opt for a gentle brushing after a cleansing soak for wire and acrylic and wire retainers, ensuring that you have cleaned all of the crannies and nooks thoroughly.
It is a bad idea to use bleach to clean your retainer. Apart from being a harsh chemical for your retainer, it is preferable not to get bleach in your mouth. Never use bleach for cleaning a retainer even if someone recommends it.
Schedule an appointment with trusted orthodontist in Edmonton at Embrace Ortho