The Importance of Retainer Care

Your retainer spends significant time in your mouth, which means bacteria, food debris, and plaque accumulate on its surface throughout the day. Even if you maintain perfect dental hygiene and your teeth are spotless, a dirty retainer transfers all that buildup back to your freshly cleaned teeth the moment you put it in. This can lead to tartar buildup, cavities, and other dental problems.

The benefits of properly cleaning your retainer speak for themselves:

• Prevents bad breath by eliminating odor-causing bacteria

• Extends your retainer’s lifespan by preventing damage and discoloration

• Keeps harmful bacteria from recolonizing your mouth

• Promotes overall better oral hygiene

Daily Cleaning Routine

Consistent wear of your retainer is crucial to see results. For a closer look, discover how long you have to wear your retainer. However, with regular use, general upkeep is a high priority.

A simple daily cleaning habit takes only a few minutes but can significantly improve your retainer’s longevity. If you incorporate it into your regular teeth cleaning routine, the habit will become second nature. 

Rinsing After Each Use

It may be tempting to remove your retainer and leave it on the counter while you go about your day, especially if you’re in a rush. But the quickest and easiest way to keep your retainer clean is by giving it a quick rinse with cool or lukewarm water right after every use. This step removes saliva, food particles, and bacteria before they can harden or multiply. 

Brushing with Mild Soap or Baking Soda

Gently brush your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush using unscented liquid soap. You can also clean with a baking soda paste made by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water to form a non-abrasive cleaner. It is important to ensure that you stick with either of these cleaning methods and avoid harsh products like toothpaste for daily maintenance .

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Daily cleaning handles surface debris, but weekly deep cleaning tackles the tougher buildup that regular maintenance misses. This deeper clean keeps your retainer fresh and significantly extends its lifespan. Using our ultrasonic cleaner and cleaning tablets, weekly upkeep of your retainer is made easy and efficient.

Soaking Your Retainer in Vinegar Solution

To disinfect and remove mineral buildup, mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water, then soak your retainer for 15-30 minutes once a week. Vinegar’s natural acidity breaks down mineral buildup and kills bacteria without damaging your retainer. Use a soft bristle brush to scrub your retainer gently in areas with visible buildup when you’re done soaking.

Remember to rinse your retainer thoroughly with cool water when you’re done to remove any vinegar taste or smell. 

Alternative Soaks for Extra Cleaning

For stubborn stains, try soaking your retainer in these alternative solutions:

• Denture cleaner – Use these specialized cleaners designed explicitly for dental appliances for a gentle, yet effective clean.

• Hydrogen Peroxide and baking soda mix – Soak your retainer in a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water with a teaspoon of baking soda for extra stain-fighting power. 

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Retainer

You can further protect and maintain your retainer’s longevity by avoiding these common mistakes.

Hot or Boiling Water

Hot and boiling water can warp the plastic, changing its shape and affecting the precise fit that keeps your teeth aligned. Once warped, a retainer isn’t effective and needs replacement.

Harsh Chemicals

Bleach, alcohol-based mouthwashes, or strong cleaning products can damage the retainer material and create harmful residues that can affect your health, so it’s best to stick to gentler solutions for your cleaning routine.   

Abrasive Toothpaste and Hard Brushes

Regular toothpaste contains abrasive particles designed to scrub away plaque from tooth enamel. Hard-bristled brushes can also scratch and damage your retainer.

Dishwashers and Washing Machines

These appliances use heat and chemicals far too aggressive for dental appliances, causing damage to the material and fit. 

Extra Tips for Maintaining Your Retainer

Beyond regular cleaning, these simple habits will help experience all of the retainer benefits:

• Always store your retainer in its case to protect it from damage, loss, and contamination.

• Brush your teeth before using your retainer to transfer less debris between surfaces.

• Visit your dentist for professional cleaning as needed.

• Replace your retainer every 6 months or when it starts looking worse for wear.

SmileSet Retainers: The Right Solution for Easy Care

At SmileSet, clear retainers are an easy, discreet, and convenient way to prevent your teeth from returning to their original positions. Our lightweight, durable retainers are specially designed to come after your aligner treatment plan with easy care as a top priority. 

Made from BPA-free, medical-grade materials under licensed dental professional supervision, SmileSet retainers feature smooth, clear surfaces that resist buildup and make daily cleaning effortless. 

Explore our comfortable, easy-to-use retainer options today for a smile you can continue to count on. For more additional dental care, our doctor-approved at-home teeth aligners and night guards are also designed to help you achieve a lasting, healthier smile. 

Sources: 

Polident. Why You Should Keep Retainers, Aligners and Mouth Guards as Clean as Possible. https://www.polident.com/en-us/removables/living-with-a-removable-appliance/why-keep-retainers-aligners-nightguards-germ-free/

B Weiss. Vinegar Solution: Can Vinegar Clean Your Retainer? https://bweisshealth.com/blogs/oral-health-blog/how-to-clean-retainer-with-vinegar-pros-and-cons?srsltid=AfmBOop8g_SuKo1e2Fz5CYp_c4DqCAWrRLgaaTEueN1292hnMQXap2Bp