How to Clean a Retainer

Thanks to orthodontic treatment, kids and adults alike are sporting beautiful smiles with perfectly aligned teeth. But if you're lucky enough to have a new million-dollar smile, you have to be diligent about wearing your retainer to keep those newly straightened teeth from shifting back to their original position. You'll also want to follow your dentist's home instructions carefully—and that means giving your retainer the same care and attention you give your teeth.

But where should you start? Here's how to clean a retainer to make your post-braces journey as smooth as possible.

Why Retainer Maintenance Matters

You probably already know that your teeth can become covered with bacterial plaque, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, if you don't brush them regularly. Well, your retainers also get coated in debris and bacteria. Therefore, if you take your retainer out to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, it only makes sense that you'd clean your retainer, too.

Putting a bacteria-covered retainer back in your mouth after brushing your teeth is counterproductive to preventing dental disease. A squeaky-clean retainer can help keep your teeth and mouth healthy and your breath fresh—and it's not hard to do.

How to Clean a Retainer

Cleaning your retainer each time you clean your teeth is ideal, but the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends a thorough cleaning at least once a day. Follow these simple steps to keep your retainer clean and bacteria-free.

Rinse

Use lukewarm water to rinse off any debris and food particles that may be stuck to your retainer.

Brush

When it comes to how to brush a retainer, think thorough but gentle. Put a small amount of nonabrasive toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean all areas of the retainer, taking care not to damage or bend any wires. If you have a fixed retainer, delicately brush around the wires. Consider using an interproximal brush (a thin dental tool resembling a mascara wand) and floss threaders to get between your teeth.

Soak

Soaking your retainer in an effervescent retainer-cleaning solution once a week can help dissolve any buildup and reduce stubborn odors. However, the AAO warns against using hot water or products with bleach or alcohol to avoid damage to your retainer or bodily harm if ingested.

So, can you soak retainers in mouthwash? Yes, but only alcohol-free formulas. Mix a mouthwash like Tom's of Maine Whole Care Mouthwash with equal parts lukewarm water, soak for five to ten minutes, and rinse well. If you're unsure which cleaning products are safe to use on your retainer, check with your orthodontist.

Tips for Storing Your Retainer

Always handle your retainers carefully when taking them in or out of your mouth. Use both hands to avoid bending or breakage. And remember: Your retainer should either be in your mouth or in the container your orthodontist provided. That's it.

You've probably heard countless stories of retainers being thrown out in napkins, left on cafeteria trays, and chewed up by beloved pets. Safe storage can save you the headache of all these scenarios and then some.

Before storing your retainer, make sure it's clean and dry to keep bacteria from growing. Avoid exposing it to heat when not in use, such as in a hot car or near a stove.

Supporting Your Best Smile

Wearing and caring for your braces—and now your retainer—as directed by your orthodontist isn't just a responsibility. It's your part in guaranteeing the beautiful, healthy teeth you and your orthodontist worked hard to achieve will last a lifetime. To make sure your retainer is doing its job, keep scheduled appointments with your orthodontist so they can ensure it fits correctly. In the meantime, keep your teeth and gums healthy and share your smile with the world!

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