Your retainer is just like your teeth: you need to clean it thoroughly to ensure it stays free of plaque and bacteria. While Invisalign users are already familiar with cleaning their aligners every day, it may take some getting used to if you’ve had traditional metal braces.

Why Do Clean Retainers Matter?

A clean appliance means healthy teeth. Throughout the day, bacteria builds up in your mouth and can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, and cavities. It’s important to remove this buildup every day to keep your retainers, teeth, and gums free from plaque.

How Should I Clean My Retainer?

There are different methods you can use to clean your retainer. Many patients gently scrub the retainer under lukewarm water with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Be sure to scrub each side as you go to get every surface.
Some patients prefer to get a deeper clean by soaking their retainers in denture cleaner first. You can use any over-the-counter denture cleaner to soak your retainers. To get a deeper clean without added chemicals, you can also use one part distilled white vinegar with three parts water for approximately 15 minutes to help get rid of any stains.

Retention Phase

Remember: Throughout the retention phase, your full compliance is necessary to make sure your teeth stay in their correct positions. If you fail to wear your retainer every day, you may need additional orthodontic treatment. This could potentially mean additional costs to you. Be sure to wear your retainer every day for the length of time we prescribe unless you are brushing, flossing, or eating a meal.

We can’t wait for you to get the beautiful, new smile you’ve always wanted. Contact our office any time if you have any questions about your retainers or the retention phase.