After completing the orthodontic treatment, it's important to use the retainers to keep your teeth straightforward. You can get problems with your teeth again, and they become dirty if you don't take care of them. This is why it's important to know how to clean and fresh your retainers.
This article will teach you how to keep your retainers clean and fresh. Here, you can learn some tips to store your retainers in good condition and save from damage. When you follow these steps, you can easily keep your retainers clean and fresh because fresh retainers help your teeth to be straight for years and healthy.
Always remember that clean retainers are useful and give you advantages.
Importance of Clean Retainers
As you brush your teeth daily, it is also important to clean your retainers. If you do not clean them, they become dirty and damage your teeth. A dirty mouth contains germs and smells bad, even giving you cavities.
Retainer is like a house for your teeth. If this house becomes dirty, then the teeth won't feel happy and will become damaged. This is a permanent way to clean your retainers, so it helps you keep your teeth healthy.
Types of Retainers
Here are a few types of retainers that your orthodontist has suggested. Let's take a deep look:
- Hawley Retainers: This type of retainer is made up of metal and plastic and looks like a horseshoe with wire in front.
- Invisalign Retainers: These retainers are made of plastic and give the look of aligners that wear during treatment. We can say that they are mostly invisible.
- Permanent Retainers: They are thin wires that attract to your teeth with glue from the back side. They are permanent and stay in your mouth every time.
Cleaning Methods
Cleaning your retainers is pretty easy. You should clean them every day and every week. Here's how:
Daily Cleaning Routine
- Brushing: The best way to clean your retainers is with a soft toothbrush because it can remove all the food particles. Use toothpaste that has fluoride absent because fluoride can damage the retainers.
- Rinsing with Mouthwash: You can also wash your mouthwash can help you kill the germs and make your breath become fresh. Always search for a mouthwash that contains alcohol because alcohol can dry your retainers.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
In addition to your daily cleaning routine, you should also deep clean your retainers once a week. This will help remove any stubborn stains or buildup.
- Soaking in a Cleaning Solution: Here are different cleaning solutions that are used to clean your retainers. Many people can use local products to clean their retainers. But most people will manage their own cleaners at home.
- Using Retainer Cleaning Tablets: There are also tablets in markets that are used for cleaning retainers. Put a tablet in a glass of water and soak your retainers for 30 minutes.
- Vinegar and Water Solution: If you want to use a natural cleaning method, then use vinegar to remove stains from your retainers. If you want to make a vinegar solution, then mix water and vinegar equally. Soak the retainers for 30 minutes.
- Hydrogen Peroxide and Water Solution: Another natural and effective way to treat this is to use hydrogen peroxide because it can help you remove stains from your retainers. Just mix 1 part of hydrogen peroxide in 2 parts of water. Here, the same principle applies, and the retainers are just soaked for about 30 minutes in this solution.
Addressing Stubborn Stains
Do your retainers have stubborn stains? Then, there is a need to use more effective cleaning methods. Here is the solution to make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it on your retainers and scrub slowly with a soft, bristled brush.
- Baking Soda and Water Paste: Baking soda is the best option because it can help you to clean the stains in a good way from the retainers, and this is done by making a paste of baking soda and water by mixing them up.
Storage and Care
If you want to make your retainers last long, then proper storage is important. Keep them in a clean, dry case if you are not wearing them. It can help protect your retainers from dust, dirt, and accidental damage. Also, dont store them in hot, cold, or extreme temperatures because it can damage the plastic.
When the retainers are in your hand, and you don’t wear them, protect them from cracks and fractures. Do not bite on them, or never adjust them with your own help. In case you notice any cracks or broken, contact your orthodontist to repair it or make a replacement.
How to Clean Invisalign Retainers?
Invisalign is a most popular retainer among a lot of people who want to keep their teeth straight after visiting an orthodontist. They are mostly invisible, which makes them a great choice for people who do not like to wear metal retainers.
Cleaning these retainers is more difficult than cleaning traditional retainers. The main reason is that they are made up of plastic, which can stain and build up more easily.
Here are some tips for cleaning your Invisalign retainers:
- Always try to brush your retainers with a soft brush and toothpaste. Be sure to brush all surfaces of the retainers.
- Regularly washing your retainers can help kill germs and freshen your breath.
- Put your retainers in the cleaning solution for 30 minutes one time a week. You can also use a commercial retainer and make your own solution by mixing vinegar and water,
- Harsh chemicals can damage your retainers.
- Store your retainers in a clean case when you're not wearing them.
- In case of any damage or crack on the retainers, visit your orthodontist so they can replace it or repair it.
FAQs
Can I use regular toothpaste to clean my retainers?
Ofcourse, you can use regular toothpaste to clean your retainers. But always use toothpaste that does not contain fluoride, as fluoride can damage your retainers.
What should I do if my retainers get stained?
As your retainers get stained, you can try soaking them in the cleaning solution or using baking soda and water paste.
What should I do if my retainers break?
If your retainers break, you should see your orthodontist for repairs or replacement.
Can I wear my retainers while eating?
No, retainers are not worn during eating. Because when you wear them while eating something, it can get damaged.
How to keep Invisalign from yellowing?
Dont worry if the retainers become yellowish, then avoid smoking, drinking coffee, or tea, and also ignore containing high pigmented foods and beverages. Just brush the retainers daily with a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste and clean it with mouthwash.
Conclusion
It is necessary to clean your retainers and maintain them in good condition so that you do not waste orthodontic treatment. When you follow the guidelines, you can keep the retainers clean and fresh and maintain good condition. Always brush your retainers daily, soak them in cleaning and keep them in the dry case when not using them. If you have confusion or any questions, then visit your orthodontist.