Whether you get braces, clear aligners, or any other orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to undergo retention therapy after finishing treatment to help protect your smile for a lifetime. While wearing a retainer is normally more convenient than active orthodontic treatment, it also presents its own set of challenges – including keeping your retainer clean. At Utah Orthodontic Care, we strive to be a comprehensive resource for orthodontic care in the Salt Lake City area, so we want to provide a few tips on how to keep your retainer clean.
The Best Ways to Clean Your Retainer
Cleaning your retainer isn’t difficult, and with proper care, you can keep your retainer clean and fresh, protecting your teeth from harmful bacteria. You should clean your retainer on a regular basis, checking for any signs of bacterial buildup or damage. If you ever do notice a problem, don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange for a new retainer or a professional cleaning. However, the most important part of caring for your retainer is cleaning it at home – and here are 4 simple methods for cleaning your retainer:
- Brushing: The simplest way to clean your retainer is simply by brushing it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You should brush your retainer anytime you take it out of your mouth.
- Denture Cleaning Tablets: You can also soak your retainer in a glass of tap water with a denture cleaning tablet. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions to give your retainer a deep clean.
- Mouthwash: Another option for cleaning your retainer is soaking it in mouthwash – but it’s critical that the mouthwash is non-alcoholic. Alcohol can damage acrylic, so ensure you’re soaking the retainer in a non-alcoholic mouthwash. You should let the retainer soak for about an hour to kill any germs and freshen the retainer.
- White Vinegar: Finally, you can use diluted white vinegar to clean your retainer. Mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water, then soak your retainer in the solution for roughly 15 minutes.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Salt Lake City Orthodontist
If you do soak your retainer, make sure to gently rinse and brush it afterward – and as always, if you notice a problem with your retainer or have more questions on cleaning it, don’t hesitate to reach out. Feel free to contact us with any questions on retainer care, or if you’d like to come in for an appointment, just use our easy online form to request one. We can’t wait to hear from you, and we wish you luck in protecting your new smile with your retainer!
