Clear retainers are a great way to maintain your teeth’s alignment, especially if they are fresh from orthodontic treatment. Many prefer them because they are virtually unnoticeable and comfortable to wear daily. It’s never been easier to have a perfect smile!
However, clear retainers require some maintenance on your end. They require regular cleaning to make sure they don’t harm your teeth. So, in this blog, let’s learn the importance of cleaning clear retainers and some easy steps to keep them spotless. Continue reading to learn more about how to keep your clear retainers in good condition.
The Importance of Cleaning Clear Retainers
When someone has unclean clear retainers, it’s usually noticeable immediately. That’s because unclean clear retainers become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that cause bad breath and give your retainers an unpleasant yellow tinge.
Moreover, clear retainers that are not cleaned properly can harm teeth and lead to plaque formation. Colgate describes plaque as a sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that causes cavities and gum disease.
Just like plaque can accumulate on your teeth and harden to tartar, it can also happen to your retainers. So, unclean retainers increase the risk of decay, cavities, and gum disease. You must take time out of your day to thoroughly clean your retainers.
Steps to Clean Clear Retainers
Keeping your clear retainer clean isn’t complicated. All it requires is a bit of time and attention! The cleaning process should be followed every day with weekly deep cleanings. Let’s get into it!
1. Daily Cleaning
To remove saliva and debris daily, rinse your clear retainer under lukewarm water. Use a separate toothbrush to clean your retainer and scrub all its surfaces thoroughly.
2. Weekly Deep Cleaning
Use a specialized denture cleaner, such as effervescent tablets, to form a soak around once a week. If that’s unavailable, a mild soap or vinegar solution can soak your retainer for 5-10 minutes. This will thoroughly sanitize it.
3. Clean Protective Case
Most retainers come with a protective case you can store them in when not in use. It’s important to clean the case and maintain proper hygiene levels. You can clean it when you clean the retainer by giving it a rinse under lukewarm water.
Make Retainer Cleaning Part of Your Oral Hygiene Routine
While you may have set timings to brush your teeth, it can be confusing to incorporate cleaning a retainer into your routine. You can make cleaning your clear retainer part of your daily oral hygiene.
After you brush your teeth, take some time to clean your retainer with a separate toothbrush and give it a thorough rinse. You can also use phone reminders or a helpful sticky note on your bathroom mirror to remind you to keep your retainer clean.
Healthline suggests that if you notice debris on your retainer that won’t come off with regular cleaning, you should take it to your orthodontist. They may offer special solutions to remove the hardened tartar.
Clean Retainers, Healthy Smile!
Keeping your retainer clean can save you from decay and cavities. Moreover, a clean retainer won’t get that unpleasant yellow tinge that can ruin your smile.
Feel free to contact me if you suspect any issues with your retainer or require further instructions on its use. At Wink Orthodontics, my team is equipped with an in-house lab to create customized clear retainers that are comfortable and easy to use. Dial (459) 850-5555 to schedule an appointment.