How to Clean White Film from Orthodontic Appliances
Living with orthodontic appliances (braces, retainers, and so forth) requires you to set aside some extra time for proper maintenance. Orthodontic appliances need to be properly cared for and thoroughly cleaned to avoid food and plaque buildup and residue, which cause bad breath and leave an unsightly white film. Caring for and properly cleaning orthodontic appliances to keep them in good shape and residue free is an important part of a professional teeth-straightening treatment.
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Things You'll Need
- Mouthwash
- Dental pick
- Toothbrush (electric recommended)
- Floss
- Denture tablets
- Vinegar
Instructions
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Braces
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1
Begin with mouthwash. Rinse and spit a few times to dislodge food particles from between teeth and gums.
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2
Use dental pick to remove any food particles stuck to the brackets and wires. Rinse and spit.
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3
Brush teeth thoroughly. Make sure attention is paid to each individual tooth.
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4
Check teeth and make sure all food particles have been removed.
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5
Floss properly to get rid of anything that might be hiding.
Retainers
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6
Soak retainer in a container with a denture tablet for 15 to 20 minutes.
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7
After it stops fizzing, remove the retainer and rinse it off.
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8
If any white residue remains, use an old toothbrush soaked in vinegar to remove the buildup.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Electric toothbrushes are great for orthodontic appliances because they are small and can get into areas that a regular toothbrush might miss. Also, an electric toothbrush does tiny, circular motions that work great at dislodging food stuck behind braces wire and brackets.
Do not let a retainer soak for too long, and do not soak too often. Doing so might break down the retainer and make it weak or brittle and prone to breaking.
