Your retainer is an important part of completing your orthodontic work, so take care of it and it will take care of you. Regardless of whether it’s made of acrylic and wire or thermoplastic, the process for cleaning your retainer should be pretty much the same.
Here is a simple and safe “Do It Yourself” Home Remedy to cleaning your retainers.
Please follow the steps and let us know how it worked for you!
1.) In a cup mix WHITE VINEGAR and WARM WATER. (Never Hot!)
2.) Soak Retainers in the vinegar mix for 30 minutes.
3.) After the 30 minutes keep in mind that your retainers will have an interesting vinegar taste…(yucky!) so it is important to brush your retainers and rinse with cold water thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth. Remember to use a soft bristles toothbrush to avoid scratching or damaging the appliance.
We would like for you to take caution of never putting your retainer in the dishwasher, boiling water, the washing machine or in direct sunlight — the heat from these sources can damage the retainer. If your retainer becomes cracked, or if any wires become loose, contact us immediately.
Failing to properly care for your retainer could lengthen the period of your orthodontic treatment, so keep up with it, clean it and — most importantly — wear it as directed.