How to Clean and Care for Your Dental Retainer: Expert Tips for Lasting Results

05 November 2024

How to Clean and Care for Your Dental Retainer: Expert Tips for Lasting Results

Wearing a retainer is essential once you’ve reached the end of your orthodontic treatment. Retainers play a vital role in keeping newly aligned teeth in position while the surrounding gum and bones adjust to their new position. But, like any device worn in the mouth, they need some TLC to stay effective and hygienic. Improper care can lead to plaque build-up, unpleasant odours, and even damage to the retainer. Therefore, knowing how to clean and care for your dental retainer is pivotal to maintaining oral health, protecting your smile, and extending the longevity of your retainer.

Why proper retainer care matters

When you’re wearing a retainer it comes into daily contact with saliva, bacteria, and food particles. Without regular cleaning, the surfaces of the retainer can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, plaque, and odour, which besides being unpleasant can also impact your oral health. A well-maintained retainer feels comfortable to wear and lasts longer, ensuring it continues to do a good job.

Understanding the Various Types of Retainers

Retainers come in two main types:

Fixed: Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth and can only be removed by a dentist.

Removable: Removable retainers are either made from metal and plastic (Hawley retainer) or entirely from thin transparent plastic (Essix retainer). The latter is made from a mould of your newly aligned teeth and fits snugly over the teeth similar to Invisalign.

Whichever type of retainer you have, it’s essential to clean it every day. Keep reading to learn how to clean and care for your dental retainer.

Care Tips For Fixed Retainers

While you can’t remove a fixed brace to clean it, you can still maintain a good routine to keep both your mouth and retainer clean and fresh.

Use an interdental brush for daily cleaning

Cleaning your fixed brace should be included into your daily oral care routine. Rather than using a regular toothbrush to clean around the wires, we suggest using an interdental brush. By sliding the interdental brush around the retainer wire after brushing it becomes easier to remove any trapped plaque or food particles you may have initially missed.

Tip: Interdental brushes come in a variety of colours that relate to the different diameters of the bristles and the wire core. Choose a size that fits comfortably between your teeth to avoid any discomfort.

Floss regularly using a floss threader

Flossing your teeth when you have a fixed retainer can be a little tricky but a floss threader can help you reach between the teeth where the retainer is bonded.

Here’s how you do it:

Loop your floss through the threader and gently guide it under the retainer wire, allowing you to floss between the teeth as usual. Repeat for each gap.

Tip: Orthodontic floss threaders are available at most chemists and pharmacies or you can purchase them online. Ask your dentist for recommendations.

Schedule regular dental check-ups

If you have a fixed retainer it’s important to visit your dentist regularly. Why? So that your dentist can inspect the retainer for wear and ensure it’s still bonded correctly to your teeth.

If you’re experiencing discomfort, or the wire seems looser, contact your dentist for an adjustment to prevent your teeth from moving.

Now we’ve talked about how to keep bonded retainers clean, what about removable retainers?

Care Tips for Removable Retainers

Removable retainers, including Hawley retainers and clear plastic appliances, require daily cleaning outside the mouth. These retainers can accumulate bacteria, odour, and plaque, so a consistent cleaning routine is essential. Here’s what you need to do.

Rinse your retainer every time you remove it

Whenever you remove your retainer, get into the habit of rinsing it under lukewarm water. This keeps it fresh and prevents plaque buildup. Avoid hot water as this can warp plastic retainers and affect their fit.

Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush

Brushing your retainer gently every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush removes bacteria and saliva and keeps it free from scratches. Use a mild liquid soap instead of toothpaste as the latter can often be too abrasive for the retainer materials.

Clean the entire surface of the retainer paying special attention to crevices that trap food particles.

Soak your retainer weekly for a deep clean

A weekly soak helps to keep your removable retainer odour-free and deeply clean. Try using professional retainer cleaning tablets and simply follow the instructions on the box.

Other popular cleaning methods for retainers include hydrogen peroxide solution, baking soda, and a non-abrasive denture cleaner.

Store in a clean, ventilated case when not in use

When you’re not wearing your retainer, always place it in its protective case to protect it from dust, bacteria and accidental damage. Don’t wrap it in a napkin, as it could easily get thrown away by mistake.

Tip: don’t forget to clean your retainer case regularly with warm, soapy water to keep it free from bacteria.

General Tips for Both Fixed and Removable Retainers

Whatever type of retainer you have, a few general habits can help keep it in great condition:

Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine

Maintaining tip-top oral hygiene is essential for both your teeth and retainer during this retention phase of orthodontic treatment.  Brush twice daily and floss to avoid plaque build-up around your retainer, between your teeth, and below the gumline.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water throughout the day helps ramp up saliva production, Saliva is your mouth’s natural mouthwash. It can help to rinse food particles away and keep your mouth fresh, reducing the chance of build-up on your retainer.

Inspect your retainer regularly

Check for any cracks, bending, or wear. If you notice a persistent smell or any damage, consult your dentist at the earliest opportunity.

Schedule regular dental visits

During your dental check-ups, your dentist will also check the condition of your retainer and your overall oral health, offering professional cleaning if necessary.

Small Steps for a Lasting Smile

Knowing how to clean and care for your dental retainer makes a big difference in how comfortable, effective, and fresh it stays. By following these simple but effective cleaning habits, you’ll ensure your retainer lasts longer and keeps your smile aligned for years to come.

Ready to keep your smile bright and healthy?

At Cheadle Hulme Dental, we’re here to support you with expert advice and professional retainer care. Book a consultation with our team today and let us help you maintain your beautiful smile for life!

Meanwhile, if you’re considering teeth straightening, we’d be pleased to examine your teeth and recommend your best options.

Call us today on 01614 86 0743 or use our online booking system.