What's the white stuff on my retainer?

Question

There's this white hard stuff that's on my bottom retainer and I don't know what it is or how to get it off. How should I normally clean them?

Answer 1

Soak your retainer in equal parts of vinegar and water for 8 hours. It works for me!

Answer 2

It is just a build up of dried saliva and tartar which can be removed the next time you go to the dentist or orthodontists, ask them to clean it. We have a specific solution for appliances we use along with the ultrasonic machine that viberates all of it off. They make several brands of appliance cleaner, but most patients say the vinegar and water solution works. But you don't need to be without your retainer in your mouth very long. Ask your orthodontists, they may have samples.

Answer 3

That white stuff is called plaque and calculus. It is the result of bacteria and non-thorough cleaning.

I will suggest two excellent products for cleaning your retainers: SonicBrite and Retainer Brite. You can get both at www.dentakit.com, or possibly through your orthodontist.

Answer 4

My orthodontist tells me to brush my retainer daily and rinse in cool or cold water. Twice a week, I have to soak my retainer in Efferdent denture cleaner for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, I rinse them off fully and wear them.

Answer 5

Dried saliva and bacteria
-Use an extra soft toothbrush with plain toothpaste and just brush it.
-Soak it in a mixture of mouth wash and water