Plastic retainers are worn to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment. These appliances sit against the teeth and gums for many hours each day, creating a warm, moist environment perfect for microbial growth. Consistent cleaning is necessary because bacteria, plaque, and food particles quickly accumulate on the plastic surface. If left uncleaned, this buildup can lead to unpleasant odors, discoloration, and potentially transfer harmful microorganisms back onto the teeth, increasing the risk of decay and gum irritation.
Essential Daily Cleaning Routine
The daily routine is designed to remove the fresh film of plaque and debris. Immediately after removing the appliance, rinse it thoroughly under cool or lukewarm running water. Rinsing right away prevents saliva and food remnants from drying onto the plastic, which makes them much harder to remove later.
Use a dedicated, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the retainer surface after rinsing. Keep a separate brush solely for this purpose to avoid transferring oral bacteria. Apply gentle pressure while brushing all surfaces, paying particular attention to the inner contours that rest against the teeth and roof of the mouth.
For a more effective daily clean, incorporate a non-abrasive cleaning agent into the routine. Acceptable options include a small amount of mild, unscented liquid hand soap or dish soap. These soaps effectively break down plaque without damaging the plastic material. After brushing, the retainer must be rinsed completely before reinsertion. This light cleaning should be performed twice daily, or after every meal if the appliance is worn during the day.
Periodic Deep Cleaning Methods
While daily brushing removes most surface contaminants, periodic deep cleaning is needed to dissolve mineral deposits, stubborn stains, and disinfect the plastic more intensively. These methods act as a supplemental step. Specialized effervescent cleaning tablets, often found near denture care products, offer a convenient way to achieve this deeper clean.
These tablets are dropped into lukewarm water, where they release active ingredients that target odor-causing bacteria and break down buildup. The retainer should be fully submerged for the duration specified on the packaging, typically between 15 to 20 minutes. Over-soaking is not recommended as it may degrade the plastic material over time.
For a home-based deep cleaning solution, a diluted white vinegar soak is a common recommendation. A solution of equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water (50/50 ratio) can be prepared, and the retainer can soak for about 15 to 20 minutes to help remove plaque and mineral deposits. Alternatively, a mixture of 50% water and 50% three-percent hydrogen peroxide is effective at killing bacteria and reducing cloudiness. After soaking, rinse the retainer thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the cleanser before placing it back in the mouth.
Harmful Practices to Avoid
The most significant warning concerns temperature: hot or boiling water must never be used for rinsing or soaking. Plastic retainers are heat-sensitive, and exposure to high temperatures will cause the material to warp and lose its custom shape, rendering the appliance ineffective for maintaining tooth position.
Another widespread mistake is cleaning the retainer with standard abrasive toothpaste. Most toothpastes contain abrasive particles intended to scrub tooth enamel, but these particles can scratch the softer plastic surface. These microscopic scratches create rough areas that become ideal traps for bacteria and plaque, which leads to discoloration and odor.
Harsh chemical agents, such as bleach, strong alcohol-based mouthwash, or household cleaners, should also be avoided completely. These chemicals can degrade the plastic or acrylic material, causing it to become brittle, discolored, or even release harmful residues that can be ingested. When the retainer is not being worn, it should be stored in its protective case, ensuring the appliance is dry or placed in a proper soaking solution.