Cleaning A Retainer
You have just gotten your braces off and get to enjoy your new smile brace-free! An important part of keeping your smile in its new, beautiful state will mean wearing your retainers as directed. Dr. Kuhlberg will recommend one of three types of retainers depending on each individual’s needs and desires, including your bite, if you grind your teeth, and how your teeth were before braces. Here’s all you need to know about keeping each type of retainer clean.
Essix or Hawley Retainers
Essix: Clear retainers, also known as Essix retainers, are a popular option that look like aligners.
Hawley: Traditional retainers with a metal wire in front of your teeth with pink acrylic on the inside are known as Hawley retainers. Here’s how to keep them clean:
Every time you take out your retainers, clean them with hand soap and water (do not use hot water because it could distort your retainers.)
Disinfect retainers when needed with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, and then rinse thoroughly with water.
Never put retainers in a dishwasher (this could break or distort them.)
Keep retainers in a clean case when they are out of your mouth.
Leave the retainer case open in a safe place when possible so that retainers have time to dry after cleaning.
Clear retainer cleaner can also be bought at your local drugstore to help clean your Essix retainers.
Hawley retainers may get white spots that build up (calcium deposits.) Soak retainers in white vinegar and then scrub with a clean toothbrush.
Bonded Retainers
Bonded: These retainers are permanent and are bonded to the lingual (tongue side) of your teeth. Here’s how to keep them clean:
Brush your teeth regularly and thoroughly to keep your bonded retainer clean.
Gum picks can be used to clean in between teeth behind the wire.
Remind your hygienist at your cleaning that you have a bonded retainer.
It is important to keep your retainers clean for your oral health as well as the life of your retainers. If you have any further questions we are always here to help!
Give us a call at our office at (860) 673-5081.