How to Clean Teeth Retainers
After orthodontic work has been completed, dental retainers enable wearers to maintain the straightness of their teeth. Proper retainer care is necessary to avoid bacteria buildup, calcium deposits and tooth decay. There are several methods you can use to clean and sterilize your retainer safely without harming the retainer's plastic.
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Things You'll Need
- Disposable retainer wipes
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
- Retainer cleaning solution
- Paper cup
- Effervescent retainer cleaner
- Dish soap
Instructions
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Clean Teeth Retainers
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1
Brush the retainer. Wet the retainer in cold water. Apply toothpaste to a toothbrush and brush the surfaces and wire of the retainer in a circular motion. Rinse the retainer and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
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2
Use a retainer cleaning solution. Place the retainer in a small paper cup and add tap water until the retainer is fully covered. Pour 1 tsp of retainer solution into the cup and rub the retainer surfaces between your thumb and forefinger to remove debris. Allow the retainer to soak in the mixture for five to 10 minutes. Remove the retainer from the cup, rinse it with cold water and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
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3
Use disposable retainer wipes. Rinse your retainer with cold water and clean the surfaces and wire of the retainer with the wipe.
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4
Sterilize the retainer with effervescent tablets. Dissolve two tablets of effervescent retainer cleaner in cold water and allow the retainer to soak for 10 minutes. Remove the retainer, rinse it under cold water and allow it to air dry.
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5
Use dish soap to clean your retainer. Dilute .5 tsp of liquid dish soap in 8 oz of cold water and mix with a spoon. Place your retainer in the mixture and scrub with a toothbrush using a circular motion. Rinse your retainer in cold water and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean your retainer daily. Ask your orthodontist which cleaning method is recommended for your particular retainer. Sterilize your retainer after recovering from illness to avoid reinfection.
Avoid using hot or warm water on your retainer, because it can warp the plastic. Never use alcohol-based cleaners on acrylic retainers.
