I got my braces off a number of years ago but I still I wear my plastic retainers (they look kinda like those Invisalign retainers) at night. My question is how can I clean them? I always rinse them out or brush them but over the years they have gotten a little discolored and some sort of crusty, hard build up on them on the outside where it fits up at the roof of my mouth. Is there something I can use to clean them up without ruining them?
2006-09-17 10:01:45 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
The denture tablets are what our orthodontist recommended for my daughter's retainer, and they do work quite well. Use warm water, not hot water, because you don't want to distort the plastic. Because you have a lot of buildup, use a couple tablets in just enough water to cover the retainers and you may want to repeat the process. I have also used denture tablets to clean out built-up coffee stains (really gross buildup) in a stainless steel thermos, and they did a remarkable job, so I think they can clean off the build up on your dentures. As far as the discoloration, that probably is not important, since no one sees them but you. Repeat the cleaning every couple weeks and they should stay fine, plus they'll have a minty fresh taste. Do not use baking soda, as that is an abrasive and could cause problems on the plastic. I'm assuming the fit of your retainers is still okay. If not, you might want to see an orthodontist.
PS New retainers cost around $300 so if you can clean up this set, that's a much cheaper way to go.
2006-09-17 10:31:08 · answer #1 · answered by just♪wondering 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
How To Clean Plastic Retainers
2016-12-10 13:25:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How To Clean Retainers
2016-10-06 06:46:48 · answer #3 · answered by kovie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
How to clean plastic retainers?
I got my braces off a number of years ago but I still I wear my plastic retainers (they look kinda like those Invisalign retainers) at night. My question is how can I clean them? I always rinse them out or brush them but over the years they have gotten a little discolored and some sort of crusty,...
2015-08-06 17:19:56 · answer #4 · answered by Bird 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From my own personal experience, it was pretty to hard to avoid getting them kind of crusty no matter what I did. In the beginning, I brushed them carefully but there was always some crust when I saw it the next morning. I switched to tablets (I've used both Efferdent and Polident and they're pretty much the same). It's quicker and easier but I don't know if there's a huge difference because I don't leave them out to dry. It seems like there's always more buildup after I do that. I leave them in for the required time, then I rinse it out and continue to leave it in a cup of water. I did try experimenting one time and left it out to dry after the required time and as I expected, there was a little more crust.
Anyway, from your description, it sounds like there might be enough buildup to interfere with the whole purpose of retainers. I would say the best thing to do is replace them unless it's too expensive. I've also heard that it is possible to get them cleaned with some sort of machine they have at the orthodontist or at the lab where they made it, so you should go to yours and ask him/her about it.
2006-09-17 10:40:42 · answer #5 · answered by blank 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Ask your dentist to toss them into the ultrasonic cleaner or get one for home use. If the dentist does it in the office, they can put some mouthwash into a ziplock bag and then put that into the cleaner so it doesn't get yucked up by the crud that is lying in the bottom of the tank.
You might think about getting an ultrasonic cleaner. You can find them in the appliance department or sometimes near the toothpaste. You can also find them on eBay if you use "ultrasonic denture" as a search term. There seem to be some for about $35 and some for about $65, when you add shipping. There is no reason to get the bigger one. You can use diluted mouthwash as the cleaning solution. The good news is, if you own an ultrasonic cleaner, you'll find some things besides your Invisalign to clean in it.
2006-09-17 11:19:08 · answer #6 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you wear a retainer for a number of hours, plaque and bacteria build up on the appliance. This article explains how to use household products to keep your retainer clean and prevent it from smelling and looking dirty. Commercial products for cleaning retainers may provide better results, and include directions on their proper use
2015-03-09 23:30:06 · answer #7 · answered by Glenine 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think denture cleaning tablets will clean them up. They're designed for that sort of thing so should be fine in your mouth.
2006-09-17 10:03:46 · answer #8 · answered by claire 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I sure you can put in a glass of water with those tablets people use to clean their dentures...i heard it even gets rid of babeque sauce.LOLOLOL
2006-09-17 10:15:34 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 3⤊ 5⤋
ask your orthodontist first but i think baking soda will make them clear again if you put them in water with that and also clean them atleast once a week with denture cleaner and that will keep them clear and smell free! :D
i also have to deal with this but i have never tried the baking soda!
2006-09-17 10:15:17 · answer #10 · answered by carynluvzsportz247 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋