Say Goodbye to Crowded, Flared, and Protruding Teeth
December 8, 2022
Retainers are composed of porous materials that may absorb any liquid or substance you use to clean or soak them. The cleaning solution thus becomes a component of the retainer and always finds its way into your mouth.
Moving retainers from your mouth, which is a moist environment, to the bathroom counter, which is a dry environment, is not a good idea since it will cause your retainer to dry out and age prematurely. What would be the best course of action? Never let your retainer dry out as this can lead to biofilm and tartar adhering to it. Consider using distilled water to soak your retainer because the minerals in ordinary water may cause plaque, commonly known as “calculus,” to build on your retainers.
To make sure your retainer is free of germs every week by soaking it in white vinegar for around 15 minutes. After that, rinse and soak as normal in distilled water.
Your retainer’s material may get damaged from brushing, creating a haven for germs to grow and live. So stick to soaking and save the toothbrush, as much as possible, for your teeth.
You should see your orthodontist if your retainers need to be cleaned if you notice that there is more accumulation than usual. The retainers may be cleaned and disinfected using an ultrasonic cleaner and specialized cleaning solutions that your dentist has on hand all without the use of hazardous chemicals.
Retainer cleansers are offered by several manufacturers. These items offer a cheap alternative for those who do not have the time or desire to create their own solution.
It’s crucial to adhere to the instructions on the box. Some varieties call for an overnight soak or the use of a sonic cleaning device. Others should not be applied to those with sensitive teeth, gum problems, or certain kinds of retainers.
It’s crucial to keep your retainer fresh and odor-free, yet many common cleaning techniques might damage both your retainer and your oral microbiota.
To keep your retainer clean, just soak it in distilled water along with baking soda and/or castile soap. It might also be beneficial to soak your retainer in white vinegar once a week or have the orthodontist clean it.
Avoiding the use of other cleaning chemicals should make it easier for you to maintain your retainer for a very long time to come and should protect your oral health as well.
Put your retainer in a stainless steel container and fill it with lukewarm water, white vinegar, and baking soda. Together, these substances eliminate plaque and destroy germs. Your retainer should be clean and sanitized after soaking for 10 to 15 minutes.
Depending on their particular course of therapy, a person may wear a retainer for a set amount of time. A person’s teeth may sometimes be fitted with a permanent retainer by an orthodontist.
Maintaining clean retainers is crucial for overall dental health. For particular cleaning instructions on how to care for retainers, one should see a dentist or orthodontist.
Depending on the kind of retainer a person has, cleaning recommendations could change. For instance, cleaning guidelines for detachable retainers can include giving it a good brushing with toothpaste both before and after usage.
A permanent retainer, however, could be more challenging to clean. For simpler flossing, people with bonded retainers may prefer to use floss threaders in addition to brushing them as part of their regular oral hygiene practice.
Call us at 407-876-2991 for a free consultation or click here to request an appointment. We have 2 offices to care for our patients. Our Orlando office is in Lake Nona where we also serve St Cloud residents. We are located at 13250 Narcoossee Rd, Suite #100, Orlando, FL 32832. Our Windermere office, where we also serve Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, Metro West and Ocoee, is located at 422 Main St, #2, Windermere, FL 34786.
Known as “Dr. T” to his patients, Andrew J. Tringas, DMD, MS, is an Orthodontist, creating outstanding smiles for his patients every day.
