How to Clean a Retainer: Daily Steps and What to Avoid

If you’ve recently had braces or another orthodontic treatment, you’re probably aware of the importance of wearing your retainer. But did you know that cleaning your retainer regularly is just as crucial?

Retainers are in your mouth for a large portion of the day, which is plenty of time to accumulate bacteria and plaque. Cleaning your retainer will help you avoid tooth decay and other oral health problems. It’ll also keep your mouth healthy and contribute to a beautiful smile.

Below we explain popular cleaning methods and products for your retainer. You can also consult your dentist if you have any questions about cleaning them.

How to Clean Retainers (By Type)

The type of retainer affects the way you care for it. Current American Association of Orthodontists cleaning guidance recommends lukewarm water, a soft brush, and mild dish soap for removable retainers. Some dentists recommend retainers that are fixed into place, while removable options need separate cleaning outside the mouth.

Daily removable-retainer routine: Rinse with lukewarm water, gently brush every surface with a separate soft toothbrush and mild dish soap, rinse away all residue, and place the retainer in its case when you are not wearing it. Follow the appliance maker’s or orthodontist’s instructions if they differ.

Regardless of what retainer you use, you should speak to your doctor about how to take care of it properly. This can help you keep the retainer in good condition and avoid getting it damaged.

Here are the different types of retainers and how you should clean them:

1. Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers, also known as fixed or bonded retainers, get cemented to your teeth. They’re great for people who have trouble wearing removable retainers.

Here’s how to clean a permanent retainer:

1. Gently brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
2. Use a long piece of floss with a floss threader to clean between the teeth
3. Hold the floss between the teeth and under the retainer wire below your gum to remove any debris
4. Slide the floss to the next tooth you want to clean
5. Repeat

You can also use a water flosser (oral irrigator) as an adjunct tool to help keep your permanent retainer clean.

2. Clear Plastic Retainers (Essix Retainers)

Clear plastic retainers, also called Essix retainers, look like clear aligners but are usually thicker. They're discreet and removable.

To clean a clear plastic retainer:

1. Remove your clear retainer before each meal and brush your teeth after
2. Soak your plastic retainer in lukewarm water and mild dish soap
3. Avoid using toothpaste or any abrasive cleaning product that can damage it
4. Gently scrub the retainer with a denture brush or soft toothbrush you don’t use for your teeth

For occasional soaking, use a retainer-cleaning product that is compatible with your appliance and follow its stated dilution and time. Ask your orthodontist when the product instructions do not identify your retainer material.

3. Hawley Retainers

A Hawley retainer is a removable appliance that's custom-made to fit your mouth. It's made with acrylic and metal to help prevent your teeth from shifting.

Hawley retainers often accumulate hardened plaque and food particles on the acrylic palate portion of the retainer. Keeping the retainer clean is important to avoid damage over time and prevent bad breath.

To keep a Hawley retainer clean:

1. Remove your retainer before eating
2. Brush the Hawley retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush (a separate brush from the one you use for your teeth)
3. Use a retainer cleaner approved for appliances with acrylic and metal when deeper cleaning is needed
4. Keep the retainer in its retainer case when it is out of your mouth
5. Do not soak longer than the cleaner or appliance instructions allow

4. Clear Aligner Trays

Clear aligner trays are similar to clear plastic retainers. They're designed to fit around your teeth and are removable appliances.

To keep your clear aligner trays clean:

1. Remove your clear aligner trays when eating
2. Rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water
3. Clean them daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap detergent
4. You may soak them for a short period in a denture cleaner or retainer soak
5. Rinse again with water and insert aligners

It’s essential to keep your aligners clean so they can keep your teeth in the correct position while looking nearly invisible. Unsanitary aligner trays will make your teeth look dirty and can affect the quality of your oral health.

Best Retainer Cleaner Products

While some great retainer cleaners are out there, other products can cause significant damage. The best retainer cleaning products are ones that are mild and non-abrasive.

Recommended cleaning products include:

1. Soft Toothbrush and Mild Soap

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap or a cleaner made for your appliance. Avoid toothpaste unless your orthodontist or manufacturer specifically approves it, because abrasive or whitening ingredients can scratch clear plastic.

2. Occasional Soaking

Use a retainer-cleaning product that is compatible with your appliance and follow its stated dilution and time. Hawley retainers contain metal and acrylic, while clear retainers use different plastics, so one homemade soak is not appropriate for every appliance.

3. Castile Soap

Castile soap is a safe and non-toxic way to keep retainers clean.

To clean your retainer with castile soap, simply squeeze a drop into a container of warm water. Then, immerse the retainer in the water and clean it with a brush.

4. Retainer Cleaner

Retainer cleaners are special cleaning solutions made specifically for retainers.

Talk to your dentist before using a premade retainer cleaner, and always follow the instructions on the packaging. Retainer cleaner may not be right for you if you have gum disease or sensitive teeth.

5. Denture Cleaner

Occasionally, soaking retainers in denture cleaner may help remove hardened mineral deposits. However, you should talk to your dentist or orthodontist about whether a denture solution is right for your particular retainer.

Some denture cleaners are too harsh for certain retainers. Soak your retainer in a denture cleaner for the time indicated on the product’s packaging or as directed by your dentist.

Signs it’s Time to Clean Your Retainer

If you notice your retainer looks slightly different than when you first got it, this is a sign to give it a good clean. Here are some other signs:

• A bad smell from your retainer
• A sour or bad taste when the retainer is in your mouth
• The retainer looks cloudy or has a film of bacteria
• You haven’t cleaned your retainer in several days

How Often Should You Clean a Retainer?

You should be cleaning your retainer daily. If you brush your teeth twice daily, try to clean your retainer simultaneously. This makes the process more convenient.

Myths About Cleaning Retainers and What to Avoid

Speak with your dentist to learn how to clean your retainer and what products are safe. Aside from that, here’s what you should keep in mind when cleaning your retainers:

• Avoid hot or boiling water and dishwashers, which can warp a retainer
• Avoid abrasive toothpaste, bleach, and alcohol-based cleaners
• Do not soak a retainer longer than directed, especially when it contains metal

There are some common misconceptions about retainers, and you want to avoid them to prevent damage. Some myths include:

1. Only Use Water to Clean Retainers

Water removes loose debris but does not replace daily brushing. Routine cleaning does not require sterilizing the appliance; use only products approved for your retainer type.

2. You Don’t Need to Clean Retainers Daily

Food and plaque can build up on your retainers within a day. Leaving them to develop is harmful to your retainer and your oral health. It can result in harmful bacteria build-up, leading to bacterial and fungal infections.

3. Retainer Cleaner Products are Damaging

Retainer-made products are deemed safe if they’re non-abrasive and designed for oral appliances. Speak with your dentist if one is good for your retainer type.

Why Should You Clean Your Retainer?

Cleaning your teeth is crucial for good oral hygiene. The same goes for any appliance for your mouth, such as a retainer.

Orthodontic appliances like retainers can easily collect bacteria and become a magnet for plaque and food debris. When this happens, it can cause bad breath and discomfort in your mouth.

What Happens if Your Retainers Are Too Dirty?

If you clean your retainer daily, it should be easy to maintain. However, if you can’t remove buildup after a thorough cleaning, it might be time for a new retainer.

After prolonged use, your retainer may start to develop a stubborn buildup of plaque and other bacteria. The buildup is more likely to occur if you live in an area with hard water because calcium can leave mineral deposits on the surface.

Summary

• Clean your retainer daily to prevent bacteria buildup on your oral appliance
• The proper cleaning method will depend on the type of retainer you have
• The best cleaning products are always mild and non-abrasive
• Consult your dentist for retainer cleaning product recommendations and advice on properly caring for your retainers
• Review the differences among clear, Hawley, and fixed retainers before choosing a cleaning method