How to Clean Removable Retainers

Congratulations! Wearing a retainer means you are in the home stretch of your orthodontics treatment.

Just remember that keeping your retainers fresh and clean every day is important to your health. Unclean retainers can accumulate bacteria and put you at risk for bad breath and tooth decay.

Fortunately, cleaning it is easy to do with just a few simple tools. You will need a soft tooth brush and some antibacterial liquid soap or dishwashing detergent. Cradle the retainer in your hand under luke warm running water and make a lather with just a little bit of soap. Using the brush, gently scrub the device thoroughly. When you are done, rinse well.

The clean retainer should go back into your mouth immediately or in its case for safe keeping.

Here are some things you should not use to clean your appliance:

• Toothpaste. It can scratch the plastic allowing more places for bacteria to hide.
• Hot water. Heat can destroy the shape of your device, making it unusable.
• Bleach. It is too harsh and can ruin the appliance by degrading the plastic.

Wearing your retainer as directed and cleaning it properly will get you the rest of the way toward that beautiful smile you’ve work so hard to achieve. If you have any further questions on how to go about this, please schedule an appointment at Affinity Dental Clinics today!

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