How to Clean a Retainer at Home?

Understanding Retainers

Understanding how to clean retainers is key to maintaining oral hygiene. Retainers should be gently cleaned regularly and stored properly to avoid bacterial buildup and damage. In this article we discuss how to clean dental retainers at home and everything you need to know about your retainers to help you maintain a healthy smile.

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are custom-made dental appliances that are designed to stabilize and maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment, including braces and clear aligners, help position your teeth into proper alignment to improve oral function (i.e. chewing, speaking, and breathing) and smile appearance. Without retainers, your teeth may shift back to their original positions.

There are different types of retainers, including removable retainers and fixed or bonded retainers. Removable retainers are commonly made from plastic (Essix retainers) or acrylic with metal wires (Hawley retainers), which can be taken on and off for eating and cleaning. Fixed or bonded retainers are often made of thin stainless-steel wire that is custom-fit and bonded to the back of the front teeth. In general, a removable retainer is also needed when a fixed retainer is used, as fixed retainers are bonded only to a limited number of teeth.

Why Cleaning Your Retainer Matters

Wondering how to clean retainers? Cleaning your retainer helps reduce the risk of dental health problems and helps you maintain the longevity of your retainer. When retainers aren’t regularly cleaned, bacteria and plaque accumulate leading to tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, improper fit of the retainer, and other dental issues.

Best Practices for Cleaning Your Retainer

Wondering the best way how to disinfect retainer? In this section we offer tips and effective methods on how to clean the retainer easily at home.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Cleaning your retainer can be a simple process. You should brush your retainer with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a retainer cleaning solution each day, making sure to remove all debris from the retainer. Rinse your retainer with water before and after each use. When not using your retainer, make sure they are completely dry and store them in your retainer case. Be sure to clean your retainer case daily, too.

Deep Cleaning Methods

- Using Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used to remove bacteria and debris buildup from your retainers. Mix equal parts of baking soda and water, and gently scrub your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also soak your retainer in a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of room temperature water for approximately 15 minutes. After soaking, rinse it thoroughly with water, and gently brush it to remove any remaining particles.

- Vinegar Solution

A popular home remedy for a retainer cleaner solution is vinegar. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts of room temperature water and soak your retainer for approximately 15 minutes followed by gentle scrubbing with your soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with water before reuse. However, if your retainer contains metal, it is best to avoid soaking your retainer in vinegar, as it may react with the metal and cause damage.

- Denture Cleaners

Some denture cleaners may be safe to use to clean retainers, but it’s generally recommended to use cleaners specifically made for retainers. Denture cleaners may contain harsh ingredients that can damage your retainer. If using a denture cleaner, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage.

- Castile Soap

Another great tip on how to clean plastic retainers is to use castile soap. Castile soap is non-abrasive and effective at cleaning retainers. Mix a small amount of castile soap with water and use your soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your retainer with the solution. Thoroughly rinse and air dry your retainer before using again.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Retainer?

It’s important to know how to disinfect retainer, as improper cleaning can damage your retainer. Avoid using hot water, placing your retainer in the dishwasher, or leaving your retainer in hot temperatures such as the car or in the sun, as heat can warp and damage the retainer. You should also avoid using harsh products on your retainer, including using a hard-bristled toothbrush, toothpaste, whitening products with bleach, and alcohol-based products, which can scratch, discolor, and damage your retainer.

Troubleshooting Common Retainer Issues

Your retainer may not be perfect forever, as common retainer issues may occur over time. Retainers may become loose or tight, damaged or cracked, stained, or develop a bad odor. It’s important to understand how to troubleshoot these problems if they occur. Here's a more detailed look at common issues and how to prevent and treat them:

Odor and Discoloration

Your retainer may obtain an odor or become discolored as a result of bacteria or debris buildup, or from using abrasive chemicals when cleaning. Make sure you are cleaning your retainer regularly with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner. If unable to remove the odor or stains, contact your dentist for evaluation and recommendations.

Cracks and Damage

Cracks or damage to your retainer may occur from improper use or handling, exposure to heat, or from regular use naturally over time. Make sure you are inserting and removing your retainer as instructed by your dentist. Keep your retainer in its retainer case and avoid placing them in napkins, your pocket, or anywhere they can be easily damaged. If you notice cracks or damage to your retainer, stop using your retainer and contact your dental professional immediately for replacement or repair.

Recommended Products for Retainer Care

To maintain your retainer, it is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle cleaning solutions daily. Here’s a detailed look below at common products recommended by dental professionals for retainer care:

Best Toothbrushes for Retainers

When looking for the best toothbrushes for cleaning your retainer, choose soft-bristled toothbrushes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Take a look at these toothbrush options for retainers:

Effective Cleaning Solutions

Check out these effective cleaning solution options available over-the-counter and online:

Baking Soda:

Vinegar:

Castile Soap:

Commercial Retainer Cleaners:

How Great Lakes Helps You Keep Your Retainer Clean and Fresh

Trying to figure out how to clean your retainer? Great Lakes Family Dental is here to help you with your retainer and all of your dental needs. Our orthodontists and dentists are leaders in providing high-quality dental care that’s tailored to your specific needs. With a full range of orthodontic services and retainers available to choose from, we’ll help you achieve and maintain the smile of your dreams.

Personalized Cleaning Guidance

Need to learn how to clean invisalign retainers or how to clean orthodontic retainers? Each type of retainer can be slightly different, and our team is here to help you manage your unique retainer. Hawley retainers contain an acrylic base with metal wires to hold the teeth in place. When cleaning your Hawley retainer, it is important to avoid hot water, and brush gently with mild soap or retainer cleaner, taking care to avoid damaging the acrylic or wire. Clear retainers are often made from plastic, and should also be kept away from hot water, warm temperatures, or abrasive cleaners or toothbrushes. Brush your clear retainer with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner. Our compassionate team will offer you step-by-step home care instructions to help you maintain your retainer for a lifetime.

Book a Consultation

Great Lakes Family Dental offers exceptional dental care that’s hard to beat! Great Lakes provides comprehensive dental care, including multiple dental specialists all in one office. Visit our friendly and expert team of dental professionals at one of our convenient locations for personalized retainer care. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my retainer?

As with your natural teeth, retainers should be cleaned daily. It is recommended to clean your retainers after meals and before going to sleep. This allows food particles, bacteria and debris to be removed so that your retainer stays fresh and clean for optimal oral hygiene.

Can I use toothpaste to clean my retainer?

In general, all toothpaste should be avoided on your retainer. Toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that can scratch and damage your retainer. Scratches within the retainer can trap bacteria and food debris which can transfer to your teeth and cause oral health problems. Toothpaste can also lead to retainer discoloration.

Is it safe to soak my retainer overnight?

Some commercial retainer products instruct you to soak your retainer overnight, which is generally safe when using according to manufacturer recommendations. It is best to discuss your retainer cleaning practices with your dentist or orthodontist for professional advice and recommendations to safely clean your retainer.

What should I do if I lose my retainer?

If you lose your retainer, it’s important to contact your orthodontist or dentist as soon as possible. Waiting to address the issue can lead to your teeth shifting and other dental issues. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth for any changes and discuss retainer replacement options. Avoid using do-it-yourself solutions as a substitute for your retainer, as this can lead to tooth damage and further issues.

What’s the best way to clean a retainer without damaging it?

Wondering how to clean a retainer? To effectively clean a retainer without disrupting the material and shape of the retainer, gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild soap or retainer cleaner. Rinse your retainer thoroughly using cool or room temperature water. Avoid using harsh chemicals (i.e. toothpaste, whitening products, mouthrinses) or hot water, as these can damage your retainer and reduce its lifespan. If using a commercial retainer cleaner, be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions. Once you have cleaned and rinsed your retainer, let your retainer air dry before placing it into your retainer case. Be sure to also regularly clean your retainer case to prevent bacterial growth.

How do I know if my retainer needs to be replaced?

There are common tell-tale signs that may suggest you need a new retainer. It may be time to replace your retainer if you notice it is damaged or has visible cracks, warped or deformed, discolored, feels too loose or too tight, or causes discomfort or pain. Other signs include unpleasant odors or tastes from plaque or bacteria buildup, or teeth shifting out of alignment. If you notice any of these signs or have other concerns, consult with your orthodontist or dentist right away.