Retainers can help keep your teeth straight for years to come. If you fail to wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist, your teeth may revert to their original positions. To prevent this issue, follow your retainer plan to a tee and keep them clean.
Recently, a few of our patients at RVOrthodontics have asked us if they can use denture cleaner on their retainers. The answer is you may use a denture cleaner but only when you’re in a hurry and need to clean your retainer quickly.
If you go this route, soak your retainer in the denture cleaner for about 20 minutes. Once you take it out, use a soft bristled toothbrush to gently scrub it. If you notice your retainer tastes like denture cleaner after you put it back in your month, keep rinsing it until the taste is gone.
Ideally, you’d use a soft bristled toothbrush and warm water to clean your retainer on a daily basis. You can also deep clean it about once a week with a mixture of white vinegar and water. Just be sure to avoid toothpaste or any abrasive cleansers that may harm rather than clean your retainer. Our Midlothian, VA dental friends at River Run Dental Spa always urge patients to contact a medical professional before deciding on any cleaner themselves.
If you’re leaving your home and need to take your retainer with you, put it in a case. Not only will this reduce the risk of you losing it or accidentally throwing it away, a case will keep it clean when it’s not in your mouth.
If you’re unable to remove debris from your retainer or it looks like it needs to be replaced, take it to your orthodontist. They can take a closer look and let you know whether you need to invest in a new one. Our Brier Creek family dentist friends at Wells Family Dental Group always state that an investment up front goes a long way.
