After completing orthodontic treatment—whether with braces or clear aligners—wearing a retainer is the key to maintaining your beautiful, straight smile. Retainers keep your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize. But to keep your retainer doing its job effectively, it’s important to take good care of it. A dirty or damaged retainer can lead to bacteria buildup, bad odors, or even tooth movement if it no longer fits properly. Here are 4 essential tips to help you keep your retainer clean, fresh, and long-lasting.
1. Clean Your Retainer Daily
Just like your teeth, your retainer needs daily cleaning to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup. Over time, residue from saliva, food particles, and bacteria can accumulate on the surface, leading to unpleasant odors and potential oral health issues.
How to clean it:
- For removable retainers: Rinse it with lukewarm water every time you take it out. Then, gently brush it with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild dish soap. Avoid hot water—it can warp the plastic and ruin the fit.
- For clear plastic retainers: Use a retainer or denture cleaning solution a few times a week to give it a deeper clean. Simply soak it according to the product’s instructions and rinse thoroughly before wearing it again.
- For permanent (bonded) retainers: Use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean around the wire daily, since plaque can easily build up in those hard-to-reach spots.
Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, or boiling water, as these can damage your retainer’s material.
2. Always Store It Properly
When your retainer isn’t in your mouth, it should be kept in a protective case. Leaving it out exposes it to bacteria, dust, and potential damage—or worse, the risk of losing it. Retainers are easy to misplace, especially when wrapped in a napkin or left on a counter.
Pro tip: Always keep your retainer case with you, whether you’re at school, work, or traveling. If your retainer gets dry, bacteria can grow faster, so rinse it before storing and again before putting it back in your mouth.
3. Handle It with Care
Retainers are durable but not indestructible. Rough handling or improper cleaning can cause cracks, warping, or bending. Always remove your retainer gently, using even pressure from both sides rather than pulling from just one corner.
Avoid exposing it to heat—don’t leave it in a hot car, near a heater, or soak it in hot water. Heat can distort the shape, making it uncomfortable or ineffective.
If you notice any cracks, rough edges, or fit issues, contact your orthodontist right away. Wearing a damaged retainer can irritate your gums and may not keep your teeth in proper alignment.
4. Wear and Maintain It Consistently
Even the best retainer won’t work if you don’t wear it as directed. Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions—some retainers need to be worn full-time for several months, while others can be worn only at night. Consistency prevents your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Make your retainer part of your daily routine: clean it when you brush your teeth and store it safely when eating.
Your retainer is the final step in protecting the investment you made in your smile. By cleaning it daily, storing it properly, handling it with care, and wearing it consistently, you’ll keep your teeth straight, your mouth healthy, and your retainer in great condition for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Christine M. Snow earned her dental degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry where she was recognized for high clinical achievement. Since graduating, she has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education and also stays current through her memberships in the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the Chicago Dental Society. If you need orthodontic treatment, we would be happy to serve you. Schedule an appointment online or call our Frankfort office at (708) 550-4426.