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Tips on How to Clean and Care for Invisalign Retainers

August 3, 2020 - toothbar - 0 comments Invisalign Dentist in Austin

Are you wondering how to clean your retainer? The retainer sits inside the mouth and against the teeth. With time, bacteria, plaque, and tartar will accumulate on it. Like your teeth, ensure you clean the retainers daily.

You can remove Invisalign retainers when eating, but plaque or food particles that get stuck inside or the teeth can cause tooth decay. It can also cause the retainer to smell. Therefore, it should be as clean as possible. About 5 million people need retainers full time for a while after the removal of their braces.

Austin Invisalign dentistry experts can recommend several types. Hawley retainers are made of acrylic to fit in a patient’s mouth and have a wire that holds them in place. Cleaning this type of retainer is easy as they are removable.

Clear plastic retainers slip over the teeth and are invisible. They are also removable, but not as durable as Hawley retainers. The other category is known as permanent retainers. It includes fixed and bonded retainers. Dentists recommend them if a patient has a high risk of having their teeth shifting.

Here Are 9 Tips for Cleaning and Caring for Invisalign Retainers

  1. Use ZimaDental’s Dental Pod: If you want to save time and effort while ensuring an optimal cleaning of your retainers, we recommend using ZimaDental’s Dental Pod. This high-frequency cleaning pod uses 42,000hz waves to vibrate the solution and produce millions of nano-scale bubbles that release a significant amount of energy, removing the grime, bacteria and plaque while being non-abrasive on your retainer.
  2. Rinse Daily. Bacteria accumulates along the walls of Invisalign retainers quickly. When you remove them when eating or brushing, make sure you rinse them out with water. You can use clear antibacterial soap for the exercise. Avoid colored soaps as they can stain your teeth.
  3. Store the Retainers Safely. When you take out your retainers, don’t leave them on a countertop. If you leave them in the open, you may forget them, or they can pick up contaminants than when safely kept inside their tray container. Therefore, always pack them away after rinsing. If you leave them in an open place, rinse them out again.
  4. Clean Your Retainers Before Breakfast. When you wake up, you may notice that you have bad breath even if you are not wearing a retainer. The bacteria that cause the breath can also affect retainers if you wear them overnight. Therefore, clean them thoroughly after waking up for a fresher breath. It is an effective Austin preventative dentistry method.
  5. Always Brush and Floss After Eating. Brushing and flossing will help to remove food particles, and this prevents the accumulation of plaque, which can damage the enamel.
  6. Avoid Using Toothpaste. Toothpaste is not ideal for cleaning Invisalign retainers. Studies have shown that some toothpaste contains chemicals that can discolor retainers and wear them down. Although they cannot damage your teeth, they are not friendly to your retainers.
  7. Avoid High Temperatures. When your retainers are exposed to high heat, they can warp and get ruined. Therefore, avoid boiling water, microwaves, and dryers. Always use lukewarm water when cleaning them.
  8. Clean Your Case. Another Austin preventative dentistry measure is cleaning the case regularly. You can clean it daily before you put the retainer away. Gently scrub all the surfaces of the case using warm water and soap. Finally, rinse and dry it.
  9. Replace Them When Necessary. Like any other item in Austin Cosmetic Dentistry, retainers are subject to wear and tear. As a result, they need to be replaced from time to time. Some of them can last as long as 10 years, depending on your level of care.Do you have some questions about how retainers work and how to take care of them? If yes, contact The ToothBar. Our experts will recommend the best solution for you and offer valuable insights. We have Austin Cosmetic Dentistry and Austin Invisalign Dentistry professionals ready to serve you.

Dr. Kimberley Barclay

Co-founder and owner Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on cosmetic dentistry. She is also a member of the Seattle Study Club, one of the most advanced education groups for dental professionals.

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aesthetics of your smile, we make sure your dental health is set for the long run.

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This content was fact-checked by Dr. Kimberley Barclay and Dr. Lauren Jacobsen following editorial guidelines. Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Lauren Jacobsen is an active member of the dental community and engages in further education and training through membership with a local chapter of the Seattle Study Club and Spear Education courses.

Schedule Your Visit Now

Our team is ready to book your appointment. The proper Dental Care can make the difference in years to come. We don't just improve the aesthetics of your smile, we make sure your dental health is set for the long run.

Schedule your visit now