Ethan Clarke
Retainers are custom-made dental appliances used to keep teeth in position after orthodontic treatment. They are usually made of plastic or metal and can be removable or fixed. It is important to keep them clean and free from bacteria to maintain oral hygiene. Here are some tips on how to wash a plastic retainer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature of water | Lukewarm or cool |
| Type of water | Distilled |
| Cleaning agents | Baking soda, castile soap, mild dish soap, denture cleaner, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide |
| Cleaning tools | Soft-bristled toothbrush, cotton swab, soft cloth |
| Cleaning techniques | Brushing, soaking, flossing |
| Drying | Pat dry |
| Cleaning frequency | Daily |
| Case cleaning | Once or twice a week |
| Case drying | Wipe with a clean paper towel or cloth |
| Case storage | Top rack of the dishwasher |
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What You'll Learn
Use lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush
Using lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush is a great way to clean your plastic retainer. This method is simple and direct, and it is effective at removing bacteria and plaque.
Firstly, prepare the water. Lukewarm or room temperature water is best, as hot water can cause the retainer to warp and deform. Fill a cup or bowl with the water, ensuring there is enough to fully submerge the retainer.
Next, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the retainer. You can use the toothbrush to brush away any debris or plaque on the retainer's surface. Be sure to clean all parts of the retainer, including the deepest grooves and ridges. If there is a lot of plaque build-up, you can use a cotton swab to get into the smaller spaces. Rinse the retainer with lukewarm water after brushing to ensure all debris is removed.
You can also create a mixture of water and baking soda to use with your soft toothbrush. Baking soda is a great natural disinfectant that can help remove bacteria and prevent plaque. Make a paste with a 50/50 mix of water and baking soda, ensuring it is thick enough to stick to the retainer. Then, use the soft toothbrush to gently scrub the retainer with the paste. Finally, rinse the paste off the retainer with lukewarm water.
This method of cleaning your plastic retainer is simple and effective. It is important to clean your retainer regularly to prevent bacteria and plaque build-up, and this method ensures a safe and thorough clean.
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Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives
Plastic retainers should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar. However, it's important to avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasives when cleaning them, as these can damage the plastic material and cause discolouration.
Mouthwash, for example, often contains alcohol, which can harm the plastic of your retainer. Mouthwash can also contain sodium lauryl sulphate, which can dry out your retainer and your mouth, leading to bad breath and cavity formation. In addition, the colourful ingredients in mouthwash can stain your retainer.
Toothpaste should also be avoided when cleaning plastic retainers, as it can be too abrasive and scratch or dull the plastic. Instead, use a mild, unscented liquid dish soap or castile soap, which is less toxic than many other cleaning products. You can also use a small amount of baking soda and water to create a paste that will gently clean your retainer without the use of harsh chemicals.
When cleaning your retainer, avoid using abrasive materials such as toothpicks, scouring pads, or metal brushes. These can scratch the plastic material and cause damage over time. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a soft cloth to gently scrub your retainer.
Finally, never put your retainer in the dishwasher or washing machine, as this can cause discolouration and melting of the plastic. Always clean your retainer by hand and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives to keep it in the best possible condition.
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Soak in white vinegar and water
To soak your plastic retainer in white vinegar and water, start by creating a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water in a clean container. Make sure you have enough liquid to fully submerge your retainer. Then, place your retainer in the mixture and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
Vinegar is a gentle disinfectant that can remove odours and residues from your retainer. Soaking your retainer in vinegar once or twice a week is sufficient to keep it clean. However, overuse can weaken the materials, especially for clear retainers. Therefore, it is important not to leave your retainer soaking in vinegar for extended periods.
After soaking your retainer in the vinegar mixture, rinse it under lukewarm water to remove any residual vinegar taste or smell. Then, place your retainer on a clean towel and let it air dry completely before storing it in its case.
In addition to soaking your retainer in vinegar and water, you can also add a squirt of castile soap to the mixture. Castile soap is made from olive oil and coconut oil, and it can effectively clean and moisturise your retainer without exposing it to harmful substances.
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Baking soda paste for deeper cleaning
Baking soda is a safe, natural, and effective deodoriser for cleaning plastic retainers. It helps combat the stink commonly associated with retainers and keeps bad bacteria at bay. Baking soda can also stabilise the pH of the mouth naturally, which keeps the bacteria that cause problems in the mouth at bay. It is also a disinfectant due to its higher pH level.
To make a baking soda paste, mix baking soda with a bit of warm water until it forms a paste. The mixture should be half water and half baking soda and thick enough to stick to the retainer. You can also add a teaspoon of baking soda to about half a cup to a cup of lukewarm water to make a soak solution.
After mixing the paste, use a soft cloth or brush to apply it directly to the retainer. Brush the paste inside and outside the retainer, then rinse off with cool or warm water. Make sure to scrub until all dirt and debris are removed.
You can also try this method: after applying the paste, leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. Next, soak the retainer in a solution of equal parts vinegar and lukewarm water for 20 to 30 minutes. Finally, rinse and brush the retainer thoroughly.
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Keep it moist and stored safely
Keeping your retainer moist and stored safely is essential to prevent bacteria build-up, discolouration, and damage. Here are some detailed tips to achieve this:
Keep it Moist
Retainers are designed for a wet environment, so it is crucial to prevent them from drying out. Always keep your retainer in your mouth or submerged in liquid. Use distilled water, as the minerals in tap water can contribute to plaque formation on your retainer. If you're using a storage case, ensure it is clean and moisture-tight to maintain the retainer's moisture level.
Use Soaking Solutions
To keep your retainer clean and moist, soak it in a non-abrasive solution. Avoid mouthwash, as it can stain and break down the plastic over time. Instead, opt for distilled water, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or baking soda solutions. Baking soda is an excellent option, as it stabilises the pH of your mouth, keeping problem-causing bacteria at bay. It also acts as a scrubbing agent, helping to remove plaque and bacteria.
Avoid Harmful Substances and Conditions
Do not use harsh chemicals, such as bleach, or abrasive materials like toothpicks and metal brushes, as these can damage the plastic material. Avoid hot water, as it can cause warping and discolouration. Keep your retainer away from direct sunlight and heat sources for the same reason.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean your retainer regularly, ideally once a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water. For a deeper clean, mix lukewarm water with mild dish soap and gently scrub away plaque and debris. Rinse your retainer thoroughly after each use and before placing it back in your mouth.
Safe Storage
Always store your retainer in its case when not in use. Leaving it out or wrapped in a tissue can dry it out, making it more prone to breakage and plaque build-up. Keep your retainer case clean by washing it with mild dish soap and rinsing it thoroughly. You can also put the empty case in the dishwasher once a week to ensure thorough sanitisation.
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Frequently asked questions
Always wash your retainer with cool or lukewarm water. You can use a mild dish soap or a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away plaque and other debris. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and scratch the plastic.
You can soak your retainer in distilled water, a 50/50 mix of water and baking soda, or a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar. You can also use denture cleaner or retainer cleaning tablets, but check with your dentist first. Avoid using mouthwash, as it can stain and damage the plastic.
You should clean your retainer at least once a day, ideally as soon as you remove it from your mouth. It is also important to clean your retainer case regularly, at least once or twice a week.
