What's the best way to take care of a dental retainer?

Question

Best care for a retainer to eliminate it's bad taste as well as cleaning it to where it doesn't smell stale and it's nice and disinfected.

Answer 1

All orthodontic retainers and appliances tend to accumulate food particles, plaque and tartar just like teeth do. Every time you brush your teeth, brush your retainer

Removable retainers should be taken out during eating, contact sports and when you brush your teeth. To clean the retainers, remove them first and brush them in tap water using soap and a denture brush. Use warm or cool water and soap. Hot water will warp the retainers.

Some people recommend using toothpaste and a toothbrush. I prefer to use a denture brush because it is harder than a toothbrush and it will remove plaque and smelly bacteria more effectively. I prefer to use antibacterial soap and rinse VERY well afterwards.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000GGKQWU.01-A2UILHLLDUMCAM._SCMZZZZZZZ_V65937247_.jpg



Limit the soaking time to 15 minutes if you choose to use Efferdent because Efferdent weakens the solder joints. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth.



The safest place for your retainers is in your mouth. If you are not using the retainers they should always be kept in a box. There is a great risk of loosing retainers if they are wrapped in tissue paper after you remove them from your mouth.

http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/ToothWhiteningCosDent/Orthodontics/Orthodontics/WearingCaringForYourRetainer.cvsp


There are products you can buy, but the cheapest alternative is soap, water and a denture brush http://www.dentakit.com/retainerbrite.html
http://www.sonicbrite.com/testimonials.htm

Answer 2

Denture tablets use to work well, but there is a new product made by Efferedent that is specially designed for cleaning retainters called fresh guard. Here is the instructions on how to use freshguard.

1. You want to clean your retainers with a soft bristle tooth brush and non-abrasive (non tarter control, or grit-less) tooth paste after ever use. If tooth paste isn’t available rinse the retainers in water before storing. Avoid cleaning or rinsing your retainer with any store bought mouth wash.
2. We recommend using Freshguard to clean your retainers. Freshguard is available at most drug stores, or online. If freshguard isn’t available denture cleaning tablets can also be used.
3. To use Freshguard follow the instruction on the box. Freshguard should be used at least twice a week

We also have a video on youtube on how to clean your retainers with freshguard.

Answer 3

brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You should also drop it in a cup of water with efferdent (the denture cleaner thing) I usually drop it in the denture cleaner every morning while i brush my teeth and get ready. & then i slip it back on.

Answer 4

DROP A DENTURE CLEANING TABLET LIKE EFFERDENT OR POLIDENT INTO SOME WARM (NOT HOT) WATER AND LET THE RETAINER SOAK IN THIS OVERNIGHT.
RINSE WITH WARM WATER AFTERWARD AND WEAR!
NOTHING IS EASIER.