Once you’ve finished your Invisalign treatment, we’ll encourage you to use a retainer to prevent your new smile from shifting out of shape.
Like Invisalign aligners, retainers are made of durable, clear plastic, and custom-fit to your smile. And just as you did with your aligners, you need to take care of your retainers to avoid harmful plaque and bacteria buildup from forming.
In this post, we explain when you need to clean your retainers, top tips for doing so, which substances to use, and what to avoid.
When should you clean your retainer?
Similar to cleaning braces and aligners, you should aim to clean your retainer daily.
But if you leave it too long between scrubs, there are a few telltale signs that you shouldn’t ignore, for the sake of your oral health and the condition of the retainer.
Look out for:
- A strange-looking film coating the retainer
- A cloudy or dirty appearance
- A bad smell or taste
- White spots on the retainer (this could be a plaque or mineral buildup)
- Cracks in the plastic (this could be as a result of bacterial damage)
If any of these sound familiar, read on for some simple cleaning tips…
Top tips for cleaning your retainer effectively
1. Try to avoid harsh and abrasive chemicals — Some people like to use cleaning chemicals to get their retainers sparkly and spotless, but they’re not always the best option for keeping them bacteria-free. Chemicals can weaken the plastic, resulting in tiny cracks, which presents the perfect hiding place for sneaky, harmful bacteria.
2. Don’t oversoak — If you do opt for chemicals, don’t leave your retainer in the solution for too long. This can corrode metal components (if your retainer has them) and compromise the shape, quality and effectiveness of the retainer.
3. Avoid exposure to heat — High temperatures can warp your retainer, so avoid cleaning them with boiling water or popping them in the dishwasher. Always use lukewarm water when cleaning.
4. Don’t forget to clean your case — When your retainer isn’t in your mouth, it should be in your case. This means the case needs to be squeaky clean, too. Gently scrub it inside and out with warm, soapy water, before rinsing and drying.
Which substances should you use to keep retainers clean?
When it comes to keeping your retainer in tip-top shape, we recommend that you use only water and Retainer Brite cleaning tablets:
Water
It’s important to note that water on its own won’t completely clean your retainer, but if you drink plenty of it during the day, it can help prevent bacteria from multiplying and spreading.
Water also keeps your retainer moist. If you let your retainer dry out, debris can harden, which can lead to cracks appearing when cleaning.
And remember, drinking water is always preferable to fizzy drinks and caffeine, as they can adversely affect your retainer in the same way they affect your teeth (i.e. by corroding or staining the plastic).
Retainer Brite
Retainer Brite is a specially-formulated, highly-efficient cleaning tablet for removable aligners and retainers. It helps to kill nasty odour-causing bacteria, prevents plaque build-up, and leaves your retainer looking brand new.
To use these tablets, simply:
- Pour warm water into a glass. Warm, not hot! Hot water can distort the plastic. Use just enough water to cover your retainer.
- Drop one tablet into the water. It should turn blue and start to bubble. This means it’s working.
- Place your retainer into the water and set a timer for 15 minutes. Make sure your retainer is completely submerged.
- The solution will then clean the bacteria and plaque from your retainer.
When the timer goes, remove the retainer from the solution and rinse it thoroughly under warm water. Once rinsed, your retainer should be fresh, clean, and ready to use again.
What to avoid when cleaning retainers?
There are a few tools, techniques and substances to avoid when it comes to cleaning your retainer effectively. These include:
- Hard-bristled toothbrushes & abrasive kinds of toothpaste — Using the wrong type of toothbrush or toothpaste could result in tiny scratches forming on your retainer. These scratches can become breeding grounds for bacteria.
- Alcohol-based mouthwashes — Alcohol in mouthwash can cause your retainer to dry out, making damage more likely in the long run.
- Denture cleaners — Many solutions or tablets designed to clean dentures contain a chemical called persulfate, which can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in your mouth. Best avoided.
- Caustic chemicals — Do not, under any circumstances, use bleach to clean your retainer. It doesn’t belong anywhere near your mouth, and even a residual amount could cause issues. Not to mention the fact that it can damage the plastic!
