How To Clean Clear Retainers (in 2022)

Keeping your retainers clean and free of stains and smells is important. Failing to do so will result in stains and then yellow discolor leaving them unattractive to look at. In this article, we take you through ways to keep your retainers sanitized and odour free.

 
aligner
 

1: Use a Soft Toothbrush To Clean

Your retainers can develop a growth of bacteria, so make sure to have a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the aligners at least once a day. Use gentle motions to remove debris from the inside or outside of your retainers to avoid damaging the items.

2: Use Antibacterial Soap To Wash

Find a clear soft antibacterial soap at your local drugstore to wash your retainers occasionally. To eliminate bacteria from the plastic, use only a tiny drop of soap combined with cool water to wash the aligners gently.

3: Floss and Brush Your Teeth

It is imperative to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to remove food particles that can stain your retainers. If you can also perform oral hygiene at lunchtime, then it is recommended so that you can keep your retainers cleaner.

4: Soaking Your Clear Retainers

You are required to wear your retainers for the majority of the day or night. However, if your retainers are discolored, then you can soak the items to remove debris. Place the retainers in the tray that is filled with cool water to soak the devices overnight.

5: Keep Your Retainers Sanitized

Make sure to keep your orthodontic aligner trays sanitized to prevent any transference of debris such as food particles or bacteria. You can rinse your aligner trays with cool water, or you can brush the items with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

6: Clean Frequently

Keep your orthodontic aligners as clean as your teeth by rinsing the items as often as possible. For optimal treatment with aligners, make sure to wear the devices as many hours as possible, including while you are sleeping.

7: Use Cleansing Crystals

The companies that provide the computer software to create your customized aligners also make specialized crystals. These crystals will keep the devices and trays sanitized. Keep a supply of these crystals nearby. And make sure to use the cleanser according to the direction on the package. Soaking your orthodontic aligners for 15 minutes once a week in the crystal solution will keep the devices cleaner.

How Not to Clean Your Devices

  • Toothpaste

Great for cleaning teeth. Not so great for retainers as they stain and corrode the plastic. Your teeth can handle the elements but your trays cannot.

  • Mouthwash

This will dry out your trays leaving them likely to need replacing. It is also less effective in cleaning.

  • Boiling water

This will destroy the shape in an instant. even just hot water will warp the plastic. We advise steering well clear of this.

  • Cleaning agents

People have known to use agents like bleach to clean their trays. This apart from being detrimental to your body is another sure-fire way to destroy your trays. Avoid at all costs.

  • Denture cleaners

This may seem suitable but over time will discolor the trays. Many of them also contain persulfate, a chemical that the FDA labels a known allergen.

What Happens if I Fail to Clean Them?

Unclean aligners and retainers are a minefield of nasties. Bacteria like Streptococcus, including S. sanguinis, S. mitis, and S. salivarius, in addition to Lactobacillus and Veillonella all dwell in the plastic molds. You may also become exposed to Candida albicans, a yeast that can infect your mouth.

 

It Is Possible To Stain the Plastic of Your Clear Retainers

  • Remove while chewing food
  • Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting
  • Avoid drinking beverages that have artificial dyes
  • Use the correct types of toothpaste and mouth rinses
  • Don’t put foreign objects such as ink pens inside your mouth
  • Don’t use denture tablets to clean your teeth or retainers
  • Avoid placing on colorful surfaces that can stain the devices
  • Keep in protective trays to prevent damage
  • Drink water frequently to rinse your mouth

By following these guidelines, you probably won’t have stained devices, but you must still clean the devices to prevent having a buildup of debris that can lead to a bad taste or foul odor. Use these methods to keep your devices looking spotless and smelling fresh. People often ask ‘How do you get plaque off clear retainers?’ & ‘How do I get the white stuff off my retainer?’ Just by cleaning with a toothbrush in a basic form. But we recommend preventative measures thus avoiding the need to remove stains and plaque in the first place.

 

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How To Find a Great Orthodontic Facility In California

At Beach Braces in Manhattan Beach, Calif., you can have an examination from Dr. Panucci. Our orthodontic specialist offers these treatments to straighten teeth:

  • Lingual braces that are placed on the backs of your teeth
  • Braces with colorful brackets and wires
  • Ceramic braces that have color-matching brackets
  • Self-ligating braces that don’t require metal ties or elastic bands
  • Invisalign aligners that are made of clear plastic

We have a friendly orthodontist who cares for children, teenagers, and adults by performing a top-of-the-line examination with medical images. Orthodontic Aligners are comfortable and easy to take care of by following the suggested guidelines. 

With the proper care, your aligners will not become stained, ensuring that you have an aesthetically pleasing smile during your treatment. To schedule your first appointment at our orthodontic facility, contact Beach Braces today at 310-379-0006.

Contact Us Today

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Beach Braces Orthodontics
220 N. Aviation Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006

 

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