Cleaning your retainer, aligner, or mouthguard is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. To keep your dental appliance in top condition, it's important to follow the instructions your dentist gave you on how to properly clean it. Here are some tips on how to clean your retainer, aligner, or mouthguard the right way. First, rinse it thoroughly with warm water. This will help remove any food particles that may have become stuck in the appliance.
Then, use a gentle soap and water solution to clean the appliance. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly with cold water afterwards to remove any soap residue. You can also use specialized cleaning tablets, such as Polident Pro Guard & Retainer*, to help remove bacteria and odors. Baking soda is sometimes claimed to be a “natural, homemade” method for cleaning retainers that have become stained over time. However, its abrasive composition can scratch and damage the retainer, aligner, or mouthguard.
Therefore, it's best to avoid using baking soda for cleaning. Invisalign cleansing crystals are another option for cleaning aligners and retainers. Simply dissolve a packet of the crystals in warm water in a glass and soak the appliance for 15 minutes. Then rinse it thoroughly with warm water before using it again. Finally, always rinse your retainer, aligner, or mouthguard thoroughly with cold water before placing it back in your mouth. This will help remove any soap product that may have been left behind and cause an aftertaste. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your retainer, aligner, or mouthguard stays clean and free of bacteria and odors.
If you have any questions about how to properly clean your dental appliance, be sure to consult your orthodontist.
