There are various ways to clean dental retainers. For basic cleaning, use castille soap or a mild detergent and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also clean retainers by soaking them in a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda. Do not boil or clean the retainer in the dishwasher.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Mild Soap
Step 1. Rinse the retainer with warm or cold water
The water will make the dental retainer ready to clean.
Step 2. Apply a mild soap to the toothbrush
You can use liquid castille soap or a mild dishwashing detergent. In addition, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Thus, the dental retainer will not be scratched.
As an alternative, you can use toothpaste. However, use regular non-bleaching toothpaste or make a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda and water in a 3:1 ratio
Step 3. Rub the retainer gently
Be sure to scrub the inside and outside of your retainer. Scrub until all dirt and dust is removed.
Step 4. Rinse the retainer one more time
Do this after the retainer is clean. Hold the retainer under a stream of warm or cold water until all soap residue is gone.
Clean dental retainers once or twice a week or as often as possible
Method 2 of 3: Soaking the Dental Retainer in Vinegar and Water Solution
Step 1. Mix equal ratio of vinegar and water in a cup
However, make sure that the solution made is sufficient to completely submerge the dental retainer when it is inserted into the cup.
Alternatively, you can use 3% hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar
Step 2. Rinse your retainer with warm or cold water and place it in a cup
Let your retainer soak in the vinegar solution for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, take it out when you're done.
Step 3. Scrub your dental retainer with a toothbrush
Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently rub the outside and inside of your dental retainer.
Step 4. Rinse the object with cold water
Make sure you rinse the retainer thoroughly until all the residue is gone. After that, put the object back in your mouth or in the container.
Soak your dental retainer once or twice a week to keep it clean
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning Teeth Retainers with Baking Soda
Step 1. Mix 240 ml of cold water and 15 ml of hydrogen peroxide in a cup
Then, add 5 ml of baking soda. Use a spoon to stir all the ingredients until well blended.
To give the solution a fresh, minty taste, add a drop of peppermint oil
Step 2. Place the dental retainer in the cup
Make sure the retainer is completely submerged in the solution. Soak the retainer in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes. After that, take it out.
Step 3. Rinse the dental retainer with cold water
Do not use warm or hot water; this can make the retainer melt. Rinse thoroughly until all adhering residue is gone. Then, reattach the retainer to your teeth.
Soak your retainer once a week to keep it clean and fresh
Tips
You can use commercial cleaning products to clean dental retainers, such as Retainer Brite, Sonic Brite, Denta Soak, and OAP Cleaner
Warning
- Do not clean dental retainers by soaking them in hot water. This can cause the retainer to melt and warp.
- Do not use the dishwasher to clean your dental retainers.
- Do not use harsh cleaners that contain chemicals, such as clothes bleach, denture-cleansing tablets, and/or mouthwash.
