How to Clean Your Retainer: Tips & Products 2019 | The Strategist

If you wear your holder regularly, we recommend firstly, and secondly, knowing the importance of keeping it clean. Whether it’s the plastic and metal you received after the braces were removed or a more modern looking Invisalign tray, the cleanliness of the holders is vital to the health of your mouth. To help you with this, we spoke to orthodontists and dentists about the 14 best products and tools to keep your retainers and aligners fresh and bacteria-free.

Retainer Brite 120 tablets Value Pack (4 months delivery)

Several experts we’ve spoken to recommend Retainer Brite, which is available in soluble tablets. Dr. Mitch Zientz of Wellspring Dental in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn says, “We recommend Retainer Brite the most for everyday use. It is an effervescent product from a leading dental manufacturer that is inexpensive and safe on the material over time. Soak for a few minutes, then brush off any residue and rinse off. “Dr. Cristina Texeira, associate professor in the Department of Orthodontics at NYU’s College of Dentistry, also recommends Retainer Brite because it won’t mess your retainer or aligner as much as it could be soaked in an old mouthwash. “Solutions like Listerine are slowly leaving a cloudy, foggy look on the aligners or retainers,” she warns. Dr. Rebecca Block, a clinical assistant professor of dentistry at Touro College, is also a fan of Retainer Brite and notes that these are easy for patients to purchase. “While you’re brushing your teeth and getting dressed, it’s a good time to sit your retainers in a cup of water with a retainer cleaning tablet to keep your retainers fresh and clean,” says Dr. Block.

Steraligner starter kit

WhiteFoam Clear Retainer Cleaner

There are many great over-the-counter retainer cleaning solutions out there. Dr. Yelizar notes, “There are many other aligner cleansers on the market, such as Sterialigner, which was developed by an orthodontist, or Ever Smile White Foam, which are purported to have bactericidal effects to keep your aligners clean and bacteria-free. ”

Invisalign cleaning crystals for aligners and retainers

Invisalign crystals also appeared on many expert lists. Dr. Isaak Yelizar of Diamond Braces notes that the need to clean Invisalign aligners became less urgent after the company approved the change of aligners for prescription aligners every seven days (instead of 14) as Recommend Chicken Curry or Coffee and Wine I usually use Invisalign crystals. “

OAP gel cleaner

OAP foam cleaner

For a more natural alternative, Dr. Zientz the OAP cleaner, which is available as a gel or foam. “It’s sulfate-free and just as effective at cleaning and disinfecting mounts or equipment,” he says. All you have to do is apply the gel or foam, scrub the retainer, and rinse. “No soaking required,” says Dr. Zientz. He also notes that it’s great for people with allergies.

Colgate Extra Clean full head toothbrush, soft

The experts agree that in addition to soaking your retainer, it’s important to brush. In fact, brushing your holder can be the most practical (and easy-to-remember) way to clean. Dr. Golda A. Erdfarb, Associate Professor of Dentistry at Touro College of Dental Medicine, says, “I tell my patients, who are generally teenagers, ‘They will wear this holder all the time. When you wake up in the morning and brush your teeth, you need to brush your retainer with your toothbrush and toothpaste too. At school, take it out after you eat, rinse your mouth, rinse your holder, and put it back in. At night when you brush your teeth, brush your holder with your toothbrush and toothpaste. ‘It is important to set realistic expectations for young people. If the care instructions are too complicated or impractical, the patient will not follow them. “Dr. Erdfarb recommends a toothbrush with a soft brush.

Oral-B White Pro 1000 Power rechargeable electric toothbrush

And if electrics is more your style, Dr. Zientz in full support. “Electric Toothbrushes All The Way!” he says. “You really make a big impression when you clean everything.” The Oral B Pro 1,000 is an affordable (and highly rated) choice.

Colgate Cavity Protection toothpaste with fluoride

To brush you need toothpaste – and when it comes to the choice, the experts agree: it must contain fluoride. You’ve probably heard your dentist praising fluoride before, but Dr. Erdfarben broke it down for us: “Fluoride not only strengthens the teeth, it also remineralises the teeth,” she says. “Teens don’t want to take the time to brush and maintain their oral hygiene. Therefore, when they remove their braces there can be multiple areas of demineralization that can be reversed if caught early. This reversal is all due to the power of fluoride. “Dr. Zientz drives home the point: “Fluoride is safe. Fluoride is your friend, ”he says.

Baking soda (1 gallon)

According to Dr. Whitney R. Mostafiz, scrubbing with baking soda and water is a “great mechanical option” for cleaning your holder. She says, “I’ve never specifically measured, but I’d say a cup of water to a teaspoon of baking soda. However, if you are creating a paste consistency, reduce the amount of water. “

Dawn Ultra Antibacterial Dishwashing Liquid

Several of our experts shared a recommendation that we found surprising: soap and water. “Soap is still a great disinfectant,” says Dr. Texeira. “Only any antibacterial soap and toothbrush will do it.” Dr. Zientz says, “Antibacterial soap and water are a safe, easy, and inexpensive way to keep your clear equipment clean. Just make sure you rinse well. “He warns against using excessively hot water as it“ can distort or damage equipment ”. For certain soaps, Dr. Texeira and Dr. Zientz antibacterial soap. Dr. Zientz says, “Liquid antibacterial will be the easiest. Something like Dawn, which is very harmless, would probably be the nicest and most effective. “

Hydrogen peroxide antiseptic solution

Dr. Yelizar says if you’d like to try a different DIY method of cleaning aligners, you can “even soak the aligners in 10ml. Hydrogen peroxide in half a cup of water ”followed by the“ aligner toothbrush ”to brush off with a pea-sized amount of soap.

Efferdent denture cleaner

Polident Antibacterial Denture Cleanser

Sure, you probably don’t want to think about dentures just yet, but don’t be afraid of cleaning solutions with dentures in the name. Two of Dr. Mostafiz’s recommendations for retainer cleaners that you can order online are exactly that: Efferdent Denture Cleaner and Polident Antibacterial Denture Cleanser.

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