Maintaining optimal oral health goes beyond brushing and flossing. Neglecting to clean your retainers properly can lead to a host of problems, including bad breath, gum inflammation, and potential oral infections. Retainers can harbor bacteria throughout the day, emphasizing the need for regular cleaning. Additionally, these oral devices can contribute to plaque buildup due to limited saliva contact, highlighting the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene. In this article, we will delve into the significance of cleaning retainers and explore how to clean retainers. By following these practices, you can eliminate odors, extend the lifespan of your retainers, and enjoy a fresh and healthy oral hygiene experience.
Why is it important to clean retainers and improve your oral hygiene?
- Maintaining oral health: Retainers can harbor bacteria throughout the day if not cleaned properly. This bacterial accumulation can lead to bad breath, gum inflammation, and potential oral infections. Regular cleaning helps eliminate bacteria, reducing the risk of oral health issues.
- Preventing plaque buildup: Retainers fit tightly around your teeth to maintain alignment but can limit saliva contact. When consuming sugary or acidic foods, the reduced saliva flow increases the chances of tartar buildup. Tartar can accumulate on both your teeth and the retainer trays, emphasizing the importance of oral hygiene.
- Eliminating odors and bad breath: Neglecting regular cleaning of retainers can result in unpleasant odors and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. This can negatively impact your overall oral hygiene experience. Proper cleaning eliminates unwanted odors and ensures a fresh feeling when wearing the retainers.
- Extending the life of retainers: Retainers are designed to be worn for a specific duration prescribed by your orthodontist. Regular cleaning helps maintain the integrity of the retainers, preventing damage and extending their lifespan. This ensures a smooth treatment process without interruptions caused by broken or worn-out retainers.
How to Clean Retainers
Cleaning with foam cleaner
Retainer Cleaners: Fizzy Oral Care’s Foam retainer cleaners designed for on-the-go use are tailored to provide convenience. The 3-in-1 retainer cleaner foam is available in travel-sized packages, making it travel friendly and portable. They efficiently clean your retainers without requiring water or rinsing. Just apply the foam cleaning solution to your retainers, let it sit for a few minutes, and you’re good to go.
Cleaning with an ultrasonic machine & Invisalign cleaning crystals or tablets
Deep cleaning retainers with an ultrasonic machine and cleaning crystals or tablets can provide a thorough and effective cleaning. Follow these steps:
- Fill the ultrasonic machine with water, avoiding hot water to prevent warping the retainers.
- Add Invisalign cleaning crystals or tablets designed to break down plaque and remove stains.
- Submerge the retainers in the water-filled ultrasonic machine, ensuring they are fully covered. Place the aligner trays downward for better cleaning.
- Turn on the machine and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes while you brush your teeth. The ultrasonic vibrations generate bubbles that dislodge plaque and debris from the retainer surfaces.
- After the cleaning cycle, remove the retainers from the machine and rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water, eliminating any cleaning solution residue. Avoid using hot water.
Summary
Maintaining oral health is crucial for retainers as they can harbor bacteria, leading to bad breath, gum inflammation, and oral infections. Regular cleaning eliminates bacteria, prevents plaque buildup, and eliminates odors, ensuring a fresh feeling. It also extends the life of retainers, preventing damage or interruptions in treatment. Retainer cleaners designed for on-the-go use provide convenience by effectively cleaning retainers without water or rinsing. For a thorough clean, an ultrasonic machine with cleaning crystals or tablets can be used. Submerge the retainers, run the machine, and rinse them afterward.
