Post orthodontic treatment, with braces or clear aligners now removed, you might be so happy that you finally don’t have to deal with ortho wax, aligner chewies, or aligner removal tool. However, there’s a possibility of gradual teeth shifting back to their initial alignment over time, potentially undoing the progress achieved during treatment. There’s one more aligner accessory you need, retainers. Wearing a retainer assumes pivotal importance in maintaining the outcomes of your orthodontic journey, halting undesirable shifting and preserving the newly aligned tooth positions.
Exploring Retainer Varieties
Three primary types of retainers grace the landscape:
Permanent Retainers: These are wires that stay glued to the back of your teeth. They’re hidden, but some people find them a bit uncomfortable. You need to brush and floss well to keep them clean.
Clear Plastic Retainers: These are thin and see-through, like a shell for your teeth. They’re comfy, but you have to be careful to clean them so they don’t get yucky.
Hawley Retainers: These are old-school – they have an acrylic part that sits on the roof of your mouth and a wire in front of your teeth. They’re tough and can be cleaned with a toothbrush, but some folks find them a bit awkward.
In essence, retainers safeguard the hard-earned results of orthodontic endeavors, and by embracing proper care and cleaning, you can relish your revitalized smile for years to come.
Consequences of Not Cleaning Your Retainers Regularly
If you don’t clean your retainer regularly, several problems can arise:
Bacterial Buildup and Plaque: Skipping regular cleaning lets bacteria and plaque grow on your retainer’s surface. This can lead to issues like bad breath, infections, cavities, and gum disease.
Persistent Bad Breath: A dirty retainer transfers bacteria to your mouth, causing ongoing bad breath or halitosis.
Retainer Deterioration: Neglecting cleaning can result in bacteria and plaque building up, which damages the retainer over time. Regular cleaning is vital to maintain its lifespan and avoid early replacement.
Staining and Discoloration: Certain foods and habits can stain the retainer’s surface. Without consistent cleaning, these stains become stubborn and affect the retainer’s appearance.
Higher Infection Risk: Unclean retainers contribute to oral infections, especially gum problems. Bacteria and plaque can lead to inflammation and gum disease, impacting your overall oral health.
How To Clean Retainers
There are various methods to clean your retainer, but some are better than others. Let’s break them down:
Fizzy 3-in-1 Foam Cleaner
Fizzy 3-in-1 foam cleaner is a quick and effortless retainer cleaner. This retainer cleaner is versatile and works with all major clear aligner brands like Invisalign, Bite, Smile Direct Club, Candid, etc. It’s also suitable for retainers like Essix/clear retainers, Hawley retainers, dental night guards, sports mouthguards, and dentures.
One of the best things about Fizzy retainer cleaner is its gentle formula. It’s completely free of alcohol, parabens, fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, and artificial colors, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive gums.
With this foam cleaner, you don’t need to soak your retainers with water. Just pump some foam onto your retainer, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse it off with water. For a deeper clean, use a soft bristle brush to gently clean every detail and corner.
Fizzy retainer cleaner also doubles as a mouthwash and breath freshener, offering you added convenience in your oral care routine. You can even use it as a foam toothpaste for those times when you’re on the go and need a quick refresh.
Traveling with Fizzy retainer cleaner is a breeze. It’s TSA compliant and designed to be travel-friendly, ensuring you can keep your retainers clean and fresh even when you’re away from home.
Ultrasonic Cleaner for Retainers
Cleaning your retainers with an ultrasonic cleaner is simple and efficient. Here’s how you can do it:
Add Water: Fill the ultrasonic cleaner’s tank with water following the provided instructions. Be careful not to put in too much water.
Optional Cleaning Solution: If your ultrasonic cleaner comes with a special cleaning solution, you can add the recommended amount to the water. This solution helps with tough stains and bacteria.
Put in the Retainer: Fully submerge your retainer in the water-filled tank. Depending on the tank size, you might be able to clean more than one retainer at once.
Turn on the Cleaner: Follow the instructions to turn on the ultrasonic cleaner. It will create tiny vibrations in the water, making bubbles that gently clean the retainer.
Wait for Cleaning: Let the cleaner run for the suggested cleaning time, usually a few minutes. The exact time can vary based on the specific cleaner model.
Rinse the Retainer: After the cleaning cycle, take out the retainer and rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove any leftover cleaning solution or residue.
Dry and Store: Gently dry the retainer with a soft towel and put it in its proper case to keep it clean until you need to use it again.
Using an ultrasonic cleaner has its benefits and drawbacks. It’s excellent for deep cleaning, effectively removing dirt and bacteria. It’s also fast, easy, and gentle on your retainers. However, it can be costly and not suitable for travel. Also, not all types of retainers may work well with this method. To use it safely and effectively, it’s important to follow guidelines and consider your specific retainer type.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Retainer Cleaning
Hydrogen peroxide can be a helpful retainer cleaner, but it’s important to be cautious and follow specific guidelines:
Proper Dilution: When using hydrogen peroxide to clean your retainers, make sure to mix it with water. A common recommendation is to mix one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts water. This dilution reduces its strength and minimizes potential risks.
Limit Exposure: Avoid leaving your retainers in hydrogen peroxide for an extended period. Prolonged exposure can weaken or harm the retainer material. Usually, a short soak or rinse is sufficient for effective cleaning. Always adhere to the recommended time provided by your orthodontist.
Thorough Rinsing: After cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, thoroughly rinse your retainers with water. This step ensures that no residue of hydrogen peroxide remains on them before you put them back in your mouth.
Avoid Excessive Use: While hydrogen peroxide can help eliminate bacteria and stains, it’s important not to use it excessively. Overuse can potentially make the retainers fragile or cause them to degrade over time.
By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively use hydrogen peroxide to clean your retainers and maintain their cleanliness and quality.
Indicators for Replacing Your Retainer:
- Cracks or Damage: If you notice cracks or damage, your retainer might not secure your teeth effectively, potentially causing teeth shifting and oral concerns.
- Wear and Tear: Over time, the retainer’s material can degrade, losing its shape and functionality.
- Too Tight: If it feels overly tight, your teeth might have shifted, leading to discomfort.
- Too Loose: A loose retainer may not maintain proper teeth alignment. It’s advisable to have it assessed by your orthodontist.
- Unpleasant Odor or Taste: A foul smell or taste could point to bacteria or plaque buildup, indicating the need for a replacement.
- Discoloration: Yellowing or discoloration may weaken the material and suggest bacterial accumulation. Replacing it, if necessary, helps maintain good oral health.
Summary
Retainers play a pivotal role in upholding the outcomes achieved through orthodontic treatment, ensuring that teeth remain in their new positions and don’t revert to their original arrangement. The three primary types of retainers – permanent, clear plastic, and Hawley retainers – cater to various preferences and medical needs. Consistent retainer cleaning is essential to prevent potential issues like bacterial buildup, halitosis, deterioration, and an elevated risk of infections. Diverse cleaning methods, including denture tablets, Fizzy 3-in-1 foam cleaner, and ultrasonic cleaners, provide effective solutions for maintaining retainers that are both fresh and hygienic.