How to clean dental retainers?
A frequent question that we are asked in our dental office has to do about dental retainers, focusing on their cleaning process.
Several dental treatments require their use, such as the retention stage after braces are removed, orthodontics with Invisalign, or even the use of dental guards in cases of bruxism. So, how do you clean dental retainers? Here are some methods that you can follow.
Why do I need to clean the retainers?
Some retainers are worn daily, which makes them susceptible to plaque build-up and bacteria growth. If they are not cleaned, retainers can cause additional problems, such as bad breath or tooth decay. Some of the following methods can help you achieve clean dental retainers.
First method: The best way to clean dental retainers
Materials:
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Neutral liquid soap
Steps:
Step 1. Rinse your retainer with lukewarm water for 20 seconds.
Step 2. Add a drop of liquid soap to the head of the toothbrush.
Step 3. Start brushing the dental retainer. Start from the inside, using no extra force to avoid damaging the retainers.
Step 4. Begin cleaning the outside of the retainers.
Step 5. Once both parts are clean begin rinsing your retainers. Rinse with the clean toothbrush until foaming stops.
Advantages:
Ø This is the most appropriate way to clean dental retainers since no abrasive substances are used.
Ø You can get the ingredients at any supermarket.
Second method: How to clean dental retainers with vinegar
Materials:
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- White vinegar
- Water
Steps:
Step 1. Soak the retainers in a solution containing half parts of white vinegar and half parts of water for 15 minutes. They can be left soaking in their protective case.
Step 2. Remove the retainers from the container and briefly rinse them for a few seconds.
Step 3. Brush your retainers with the soft-bristled brush, first on the inside and then on the outside.
Step 4. Rinse your retainers with plenty of water, they should keep being rinsed until there is no vinegar smell.
Advantages:
Ø The ingredients are easy to find at home.
Third method: Using cleaning products
Materials:
- Effervescent tablets
Steps:
Step 1. Remove the pill from its container and follow the package instructions. Each pill has its own time of action.
Step 2. Rinse the retainers with plenty of water.
Advantages:
Ø They offer complete care with specific products for cleaning retainers.
How to keep dental retainers clean?
You can keep your retainers clean by cleaning them daily with any of the methods that were seen in this article. Also, you can keep them clean by removing them when you are about to eat and by leaving them inside their protective case when you are not using them.
When should I clean my retainers?
Dental retainers should be cleaned at least once a day. However, it is also a good idea to brush them briefly after each meal.
These were some tips compiled by our dentists and orthodontists from Somos Dental. At Somos Dental we offer conventional dental braces and more. We also manufacture night guards for patients with bruxism problems. We have also taken strict hygiene measures in the face of the crisis due to the new Coronavirus (Covid-19) so you can have a safe experience with us. Lastly, you can contact us by filling our online form that includes a free first appointment. You can also contact us through Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, email, or by calling at 623-232-0089.
There are several dental treatments that its use involves: the retention stage after the braces are removed, orthodontics with invisaling, or even the use of dental guards in cases of bruxism or significant dental wear. So, how do you clean dental retainers? Here are ways to properly clean your retainers.
Why do I need to clean the retainers?
During the retention stage, transparent retainers are used to keep the teeth in the correct position after the brackets are taken off. A retainer must be worn daily, which makes it susceptible to plaque build-up and bacteria growth. If not cleaned, retainers can cause additional problems, such as bad breath or tooth decay.
First method
Materials:
• Soft bristle toothbrush
• Neutral liquid soap
Steps:
Step 1. Rinse your retainer with lukewarm water for 10 seconds.
Step 2. Add a drop of liquid soap to the head of the toothbrush.
Step 3. Here you start brushing the dental retainer. Start from the inside, using no extra force to avoid damaging the retainers.
Step 4. Begin cleaning the outside of the retainers.
Step 5. Once both parts are clean begin rinsing your retainers. Rinse with the clean toothbrush until foaming stops.
Advantages:
- It is the most appropriate way to clean dental retainers, since no abrasive substances are used.
- You can get the ingredients at any supermarket.
Second method
Materials:
• Soft bristle toothbrush
• White vinegar
• Water
Steps:
Step 1. Soak the retainers in a solution containing half parts of white vinegar and half parts of water for 15 minutes. They can be left soaking in their protective case.
Step 2. Remove the retainers from the container and briefly rinse for a few seconds.
Step 3. Brush your retainers with the soft bristle brush, first on the inside and then on the outside.
Step 4. Rinse your retainers with plenty of water, they should keep being rinsed until there is no vinegar smell.
Advantages:
The ingredients are easy to find at home.
Third method
Materials:
Effervescent tablets
Steps:
Step 1. Remove the pill from its container and follow the package instructions. Each pill has its own time of action.
Step 2. Rinse the retainers with plenty of water.
Advantages:
They offer a complete care with specific products for cleaning retainers
When should I clean my retainers?
Dental retainers should be cleaned at least once a day. However, it is also a good idea to brush them briefly after each meal.
These were some tips compiled by our dentists and orthodontists from Somos Dental. At Somos Dental we offer conventional dental braces and more. We also manufacture night guards for patients with bruxism problems. We have also taken strict hygiene measures in the face of the crisis due to the new Coronavirus (Covid-19) so you can have a safe experience with us. Lastly, you can contact us by filling our online form that includes a free first appointment. You can also contact us through Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, email, or by calling at 623-232-0089.
