If you want to keep the perfect order of your teeth after orthodontic treatment, retainers are a must. Besides being clean and useful, they also have to be properly taken care of. In any case, periodic cleaning of a removable or a fixed one is a must if you want to have proper oral hygiene and retainers work well with your smile.
Even though retainers are not in the best condition, they can still be very helpful to you!
What Is The Importance Of Cleaning Your Retainer?
In the same way, food deposits, bacteria, and plaque may be found on dental appliances if they are not cleaned regularly. Together with these, a neglected retainer can become a source of germs, which will not only cause unpleasant odors but will also give gum irritation and tooth decay, apart from other things. Moreover, the coloring of the retainer, because of the neglect, can affect both its beauty and functionality.
Thus, cleaning the retainer should be included in the daily routine of oral hygiene. If yes, give the retainer, which is the last protection between you and dental troubles, one of the best performances and at the same time, keep the best shield for your teeth as well from possible problems.
Method for Cleaning Removable Retainers
In case you have a removable retainer, such as a clear plastic one or a Hawley retainer, here is what you have to do to clean it properly:
1. Rinse Immediately After Removal
When your retainer is just taken out, it should be rinsed with warm (not hot) water to remove the microbes and the saliva. This provision prevents the production of deposits and also reduces the probability of odors.
2. Brush Your Retainer Gently
Take a soft toothbrush, a toothpaste that is not abrasive (ideally, a toothpaste without whitening agents) and gently brush all the surfaces of the retainer. Do not use strong items that can destroy the retainer by scratching it. And remember to clean the inside, as well as the outside of the retainer.
3. Soak in Cleaning Solution
Deep cleaning method by which the retention cleaning solution is used for the retention or denture once a week. Bacteria are one of the most important reasons for bad odors, as well as for fluoride toothpaste. Thus, they will remove the odors and bacteria that stick to the retainer, and brushing will not do. Do not exceed the time of soaking to prevent damage.
4. Avoid Hot Water
Do not soak or rinse your retainer with hot water because it will destroy your retainer quickly due to high-temperature water, it will distort the shape of your retainer. Always use lukewarm or cool water for cleaning.
5. Dry It Properly
When the cleaning is done, make sure the retainer is dry before putting it in the case. A little moisture is enough to provide bacteria with the environment they need to multiply.
How to Clean Fixed Retainers
The fixed retainer is that which is attached to the back of the teeth, and it moves with the user giving no possibility of removal. Therefore, you don’t need to take it out to give it a cleaning, but oral hygiene is still necessary with it.
1. Brush and Floss Carefully
Brush your teeth as well as the retainer with the help of fluoride toothpaste, but focus on the area around the retainer wire, in particular, where the wire touches the teeth. There are special floss threaders that are meant for orthodontics; thus, the most suitable one is an orthodontic one, which you can use to pass the floss under the wire and between teeth. Regular brushing and flossing help you to stay away from the plaque that almost always forms around the retainer.
2. Use Mouthwash
First of all, rinse the mouth with mouthwash and then clean it. By this method, the food and bacteria that are in the retainer and on the surface of your teeth are removed. Mouthwashes with alcohol in them are used, but if so, a precaution is also necessary, as they can cause dryness of your mouth.
3. Regular Dental Visits
Visiting the dentist or orthodontist at regular intervals is the right thing to do to make sure that the fixed retainer has not broken and that there is no plaque in the area around the fixed retainer. Your dentist will probably do the retainer cleaning during your visits, too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Retainer
- Using Harsh Chemicals: Do not clean your retainer with bleach or other strong chemicals. These substances, apart from breaking the material, also cause its discoloration.
- Skipping Regular Cleaning: The device can generate several problems if it is not taken care of, such as the formation of plaque and bad breath and infections may even result. The daily cleaning of the retainer should always be done.
- Storing in Damp Conditions: If your retainer is in a towel that has been left wet, or the bathroom, bacteria can grow on your retainer as the area is a damp environment. So, in this case, it is better to keep it in a dry and clean case from now on.
How to Keep Your Retainer Fresh and Long-Lasting
If you want your retainer to be in good condition, the following are some suggestions:
- Store It Properly: Do not place your retainer in the open if you want it to be exposed to dirt or other progressive agents. Instead, put it in its case.
- Keep It Away from Pets: Always be a step ahead of the pets and thus befriend them. They love the retainers and ask you to be there to make sure that the retainer is placed where they cannot reach it.
- Do not Eat with It: In case you have a removable retainer, you shouldn’t eat or drink with it in your mouth so that there is no food getting trapped in the retainer.
Conclusion
It is very important to clean your retainer, a simple but necessary thing to keep your oral health, and have your smile after orthodontic treatment. In case of a removable or fixed retainer, these cleaning steps will not only keep your retainer in excellent condition but also allow you to have a beautiful and lasting smile.
It is worth noting that a clean retainer is not only a hygienic practice but also a guarantee that the teeth will be in the right position. A little effort will be sufficient to retain the effectiveness of your retainer as well as your oral health.
References:
- American Dental Association (ADA). (n.d.). Retainers. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org
- WebMD. (2021). How to Clean Your Retainers. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com
- National Health Service (NHS). (2020). Braces and Retainers. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Retainers
You should clean your retainer daily, ideally after every meal, to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Regular cleaning ensures your retainer stays fresh and hygienic.
It’s best to use a non-abrasive toothpaste, as regular toothpaste can scratch your retainer over time. A soft toothbrush and a fluoride-free toothpaste are ideal.
You can soak your retainer in an antimicrobial mouthwash occasionally, but avoid soaking it in mouthwash daily. Overuse of mouthwash can cause discoloration or damage to the retainer.
No, hot water can warp and damage the material of your retainer. Always use lukewarm or cool water to clean your retainer.
For fixed retainers, brush and floss around the retainer wire using a special floss threader or orthodontic flosser. Regular brushing and the use of mouthwash are key to keeping it clean.
