If you are here, it’s probably because you are about to say goodbye to your braces or clear aligners. Retainers are essential for maintaining your new smile and, since they will soon become your best friends, it’s essential to learn a few tricks on how to clean them – just as you learned how to clean your teeth with braces or aligners.
Why do you need to clean your retainers?
While retainers are in your mouth, they come into contact with saliva, plaque and food particles. Learning how to clean your dental retainers is very important. If you don’t clean them correctly or as often as you should, it can directly impact your oral health and the longevity of your appliance.
- Oral health
If retainers aren’t cleaned properly, they can become a source of bacteria, plaque, and debris. These can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum irritation or infection. The presence of bacteria can also cause unpleasant odors, and certain foods or drinks – like coffee and tea – can also stain your retainers.
- Longevity of your appliance
Lack of cleanliness can degrade the materials of your retainer over time due to residual plaque, sugars, and acids from food.
How to clean dental retainers?
If you have used an Invisalign aligner, you are likely familiar with the cleaning routine for removable clear plastic retainers as it’s pretty similar. The same goes for Hawley retainers. Remove your retainer and gently brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water. You can also soak it in a retainer-cleaning solution for a deeper clean.
Tips for cleaning removable retainers:
- Clean your retainer every day.
- Each time you remove them, rinse them with lukewarm water.
- Brush them daily with a soft toothbrush and mild dish soap or special retainer soap.
- Allow them to air dry completely to prevent bacterial growth.
Fixed retainers
Cleaning a fixed retainer might remind you of your braces routine. Simply brush carefully around the wire and use floss or an interdental brush to clean between the teeth. Regular dental check-ups will also help maintain the hygiene of fixed retainers.
Tips for cleaning fixed retainers:
- Floss and brush between the wire and your teeth every day to remove plaque buildup.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing the wire and brackets.
- Use an interdental brush or water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Pay special attention to the gum line to prevent plaque buildup and irritation.
What do you use to clean a retainer?
Can you clean retainers with baking soda?
Yes. Mix baking soda and water to make a paste and gently coat your retainer. This helps remove odors but avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent scratches on the surface.
Can you clean retainers with hand soup?
Yes, as long as it’s a clear, unscented, and gentle hand soap. This is a good option for your daily cleaning, but it shouldn’t replace your weekly deep cleaning. Use a specialized retainer-cleaning product at least once per week.
Can you clean retainers with vinegar?
Yes. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and cool water, soak your dental appliance for 15–20 minutes, and rinse thoroughly afterward. This will help to disinfect and remove odors.
Can you clean retainers with mouthwash?
Avoid using bleach, alcohol-based mouthwash, or strong detergents, as these can degrade retainer materials and irritate your mouth and gums.
It’s best not to soak your orthodontic appliances in regular mouthwash. Many contain alcohol or other harsh ingredients that can weaken or discolor it. If you like the minty-fresh feeling, use an alcohol-free mouth rinse and only briefly swish it with your dental appliance in place, followed by a thorough rinse under lukewarm water.
Can you clean retainers with toothpaste?
Can you clean retainers with alcohol?
No. Alcohol and similar chemicals can damage the material of your appliance and may be harmful if ingested. Check below which retainer-cleaning products are safe and which ones to avoid.
How often do you clean retainers?
You should clean your retainers – both removable and fixed – daily and give them a deeper clean once a week.
If you have a fixed retainer, regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain and catch any buildup early.
| Safe Cleaning Products | Unsafe Cleaning Products |
|---|---|
| Mild dish soap | Bleach or harsh detergents |
| Retainer-cleaning tablets or solutions | Alcohol or alcohol-based mouthwash |
| Baking soda | Toothpaste |
| White vinegar | Hot water |
| Mild, unscented hand soap | Scented or colored soaps |
| Diluted hydrogen peroxide | Strong chemicals (e.g., bleach) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my retainer smell so bad?
If you notice your dental appliance is releasing an unpleasant smell, it may be due to bacteria or plaque buildup.
Common causes include:
- Not cleaning it daily
- Storing it dry without cleaning first
- Not cleaning your appliance case
- Eating or drinking while wearing your retainer
- Using hot water or harsh cleaning products
- Not brushing or flossing after meals
Tip: Clean daily with mild soap or a retainer cleaner to keep it fresh.
Can I use denture cleaner on retainers?
You can occasionally use a denture cleaner, but it’s better to choose products made specifically for your orthodontic appliance. Some denture cleaners can be too harsh depending on your retainer type.
How to clean my retainer case?
Cleaning your retainer case is just as important as cleaning your dental retainer. Bacteria, and even mold, can be built if it is not properly cleaned.
How to clean it:
- Rinse it with warm water every time you take out your retainer
- Wash it with hand soap 2 to 3 times per week
- Always let it dry completely
- Disinfect weekly, e.g. with white vinegar or retainer cleaning tablets
Also, replace your case every 6 to 12 months. If you notice a bad smell or it is difficult to clean it, change this sooner.
How to deep clean retainers?
For long-term maintenance of your appliance, you can:
- Use a retainer-cleaning tablet or solution once a week for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Soak your retainer in a mix of one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water for 15–20 minutes to remove stains and bacteria.
- Consider investing in an ultrasonic retainer cleaner for quick and thorough clean.
