Here at Olson Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves a smile that they're proud to call their own. For this reason, we work hard to deliver our patients high-quality and convenient orthodontic care.
Retainers are used to keep your teeth in their new position after your braces have been removed. With that said, retainers need to be cleaned regularly because of food and plaque that accumulate in the mouth. Read on to learn our best tips on how to keep your retainer clean.
Keep Your Retainer Moist
One of the best ways to keep your retainer clean is to keep it moist. With that said, it's best to keep your retainer in a stainless steel container at night with water and baking soda or you can use castile soap.
Use White Vinegar
Another thing that you can use to clean your retainers is white vinegar. Vinegar is a great, non-toxic product that can get rid of bacteria in your retainer. When using white vinegar, be sure to thoroughly rinse the retainer to ensure all vinegar residue has been removed.
Refrain From Brushing Your Retainer with Hard Bristles
Brushing your retainer helps remove build up, but we recommend a soft bristled brush to avoid causing small scratches than can house bacteria.
Use a Retainer Cleaning tablet
Another way to periodically clean your retainers is to use a retainer cleaning tablet. They can be purchased online from Amazon or through a Google search for “retainer cleaner”. Most tablets are dissolved in a cup of warm water and then retainers can be soaked for around 15 minutes to help loosen/remove any mineral buildup on the retainer. Some tablets may contain persulfates so people with sensitivities or allergies to this ingredient should not use them.
Olson Orthodontics in Litchfield Park
Are you in need of a quality family orthodontist in Verrado and Litchfield Park? Olson Orthodontics has you covered.
We know that there are a wealth of options when it comes to your orthodontics care. This is why we focus on using the latest in cutting-edge orthodontics technology to ensure treatment is effective, safe, and as convenient as possible. Request an appointment with us today.