How to Clean Retainers with best and simple way

Clean Retainers is essential for every user otherwise it will be turned unhygienic. Before that, if you do not know what is Retainers then take a look around the next two lines. One retainer never the same as another one because it is customized for each person. Generally, retainers are made of metal or plastic.

Types of retainers

Mainly there are two types of retainers

Fixed Retainers: fixed retainers or permanent retainers which are made of stainless steel or something like that. Permanent retainers are also known as bonded retainers, lingual wire, and fixed retainers. Usually, this type of retainers used on the lower part of the jaw on the teeth.

Removable Retainers: Removeable is not like fixed retainers or permanent retainers it can be a takeoff from the tooth and again place where it was located. Generally, it is less expensive than the fixed retainers. It is adjustable, plastic color can be chosen. Its can durable for 1 to 20 years and doesn’t stain easily. Easily removed when eating or oral hygiene. But it has some problems like bacteria can living on it, can be damaged or lost, metal wire or another ingredient can be visible. Hot water can change its shape.

Advantages of Permanent Retainers

• It is lasting for prolonging if maintained properly
• There is no fear of losing, as it is permanently attached to the teeth.

Disadvantages of Permanent Retainers

• It is difficult to clean by brush or floss
• Can not eat hard food like dry food

Advantage of Hawley Wire Retainers

• Can be repaired or tightened
• It is customizable with different types of colors, logos, etc.
• It is sustainable

Disadvantages of Hawley Wire Retainers

• Replacement is expensive
• Allow the slight movement of teeth
• Can be broken or lost
• More visible

How to Clean Retainers

Always try to follow the instructions that your orthodontist has given you. Though you need more information you can read what below and apply what applies to you.

You have to clean up your retainer every day. It is painful but you have to do it otherwise your retainer gets bacteria and unhygienic.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide, it is an excellent element for retainers cleaning. This chemical is the demon for the dirt that sticks every conner. It is a common chemical that can be found in any grocery or pharmacy. First, take a small bowl and pour it with this chemical over it until the retainer is covered. Now let it for 12 hours. After that wash it until the chemical remains.

Use Baking Soda, take 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 cup of water, and a toothbrush. This process is best for cleaning plastic retainers. Now take a medium-size bowl mix the soda and water. Sunk your retainer in this mix overnight. In the morning, take it and brush it gently.

Best way to Clean Retainers

Clean the retainer as much as possible as take it out of your mouth, try to when it is still wet. Because the dirt can’t be hard. Otherwise, it will be hard to clean up the retainers.

Use vinegar, take a small glass bowl and place the retainers. Now pour it with vinegar over the retainer cover-up. Now soft things and gently rub them. Try to concentrate on most dirt areas.

Use lukewarm water and brush it very gently. Add a little bit of antibacterial soap or washing up liquid. Always remember that don’t use toothpaste. It can be scratch the surface of the retainer. If you want you can use baking soda mixed with water.

If dirt is more then you can use a cotton bud. Cotton is very useful to remove dirt. Be careful, that you have to use cotton bud gently

Some Important Information About to Wear Retainers

• Take off your retainer before you go swimming
• Take off your retainer when eating if it is possible especially when you’re eating at nice places such as Italian restaurants in Washington DC.
• Usually, retainers are expensive so do not worry if you take care of them properly, they will be lasting for years.
• Do not use hot water to clean retainers

Keep reading What Can I Eat After a Dental Cleaning?