Retainers are essential for preventing relapse and ensuring your newly straightened teeth stay in their proper positions. In most cases, patients wear retainers for 12 to 14 hours a day right after they get their braces off. After some time, they can begin wearing them only at night. Some patients will need to wear their retainers indefinitely to keep teeth stay in place.
If you’ve been prescribed a clear retainer by your orthodontist and are unsure of how to keep it clean, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips and tricks on how to clean a clear retainer:
- Clean retainer as soon as you remove it from your mouth and it’s still wet. This will make it easier for you to remove any debris before it becomes hard.
- Use lukewarm water after you eat a meal to brush out your retainer. When you do this, consider brushing your teeth as well.
- If you believe you need a deeper clean, mix mild dish soap with lukewarm water and use a soft bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away the debris.
- Use a cotton swab so that you can capture the deepest ridge and grooves that are found on clear retainers.
- Invest in retainer or retainer cleaners such as Polident or Efferdent.
Our Short Pump, VA dental friends state that many ask how to clean orthodontic appliances. If you want to know how to clean your orthodontic appliance, contact us today.
Contact Gladwell Orthodontics
Keeping your retainer in tip-top shape is important. If you would more information on how to clean your clear retainers, call our office today at 919-453-6325 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gladwell.
