Once your braces are taken off you might have a short period of wearing retainers.
This is an important part of orthodontic treatment. And just like your teeth, they needs to be cleaned every day for both health and hygiene reasons (you don’t want the smell of them to let you down in those crucial moments!)
Here are a few suggestions on how to keep your retainers in excellent condition (IMPORTANT – Check with your dentist first before applying any of these suggestions):
- Like your teeth, your retainers are going to be subject to plaque. So, after brushing your teeth, brush the top and bottom surfaces of the plastic retainers to get rid of any pieces of food.
- Note: a toothbrush can put scratches on the clear plastic retainers, so check with your dentist on precisely where to clean, and with what sort of brush.
- To kill bacteria and germs, you can soak your retainer in mouthwash. Do not let it soak too long though, 30 seconds to 1 minute should be enough.
- You could also use disposable retainer wipes. Rinse the retainer with cold water and wipe the retainers.
- Use a retainer cleaning solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not leave them soaking longer than necessary, and do not let them soak all day.
- Keep your retainers away from high temperature sources like radiators, the clothes dryer (if you forget it in your pants pocket, for example), a hot car, and even hot foods and liquids
- When you are not wearing or cleaning them, always remember to keep the retainers inside its case. This will keep them protected from cracking, getting chewed by pets/pests, or getting lost.
- Every week or so, give your retainer a good, thorough cleaning. You can do this by using an effervescing denture-cleaning tablet (follow package directions).
- Another option is brushing it using a soft-bristled toothbrush, with a paste made by mixing 1 tsp. of baking soda and about 1 tbsp. of warm water (do not use on clear retainers as this mixture is abrasive). Rinse well.
- Take care not to bite on or bend the wires of the retainer as this might prevent them from fitting correctly into your mouth.
