Maintaining Freshness & Hygiene: A Guide to Retainer Care

A retainer is an orthodontic device used to hold teeth in specific formation. The device is usually prescribed to maintain the changes created by braces. Keeping your retainers clean is important not only for fresh breath but, more importantly, to reduce bacteria and buildup. Clean your retainers daily using a toothbrush, castile soap and mouthwash. Even with regular cleaning, retainers can get a little stale so freshen them up with an effervescent cleaning tablet.

Things You'll Need

• Glass
• Warm water
• Effervescent orthodontic appliance cleaner (e.g. Efferdent® or Retainer Brite®)

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill the glass halfway with warm tap water.

• 2

  Drop one effervescent tablet into the warm water. It will immediately start to fizz.

• 3

  Submerge the retainers completely in the bubbling solution.

• 4

  Allow the retainers to soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Follow the manufacturer's directions for use. Some solutions change color when the cleaning process is complete while others simply stop fizzing. Check the product box to determine when the soaking is done.

• 5

  Remove the retainers and rinse completely with clear water.