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what-can-I-use-to-clean-my-retainers

What Can I Use To Clean My Retainers

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Note: This article is only to guide and increase your knowledge. Before taking any action, you can consult “drhealthandbeauty” doctors or your doctor for treatment.

After the orthodontic treatment, the wires are removed from the teeth, and a post-orthodontic plate or retainer is used instead. The retainer minimizes the extra movement of the arranged teeth and prevents any abnormality and misalignment in the teeth.

Depending on the orthodontist’s opinion, the patient may use the retainer. Therefore, it is very important to keep it clean because if used continuously without cleaning, the patient may have an infection in the gum mucosa, mouth and teeth.

Table of Contents
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Why do we need an orthodontic retainer?

After removing fixed or removable braces from your teeth, they tend to move somewhat towards their previous position.

This is a natural process that lasts until the end of life. But do not worry—this does not make your treatment ineffective. The effective solution is to use an orthodontic retainer. If you use it correctly, you will fix the position of your teeth after the treatment.

Does not cleaning the retainer affect the treatment result?

Retainers are in direct contact with many substances, from sugars and acids to bacteria and food particles.

Cleaning them prevents the growth of bacteria that damage teeth, cause tooth decay, and increase their lifespan, so the patient should know the correct way to clean and maintain them. 

Solutions for cleaning orthodontic retainers

There are different types of retainers, and various ways have been proposed to clean them. Below are the most reliable and available detergents and ways to keep all retainers clean.

Cleaning removable orthodontic retainer + suitable materials

Removable retainers include Hawley retainer and clear plastic retainer, which should be cleaned according to the following:

Wash these types of retainers immediately after removing them from the mouth before the waste material dries and hardens.

  • Use a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water.

After every meal, wash your retainer with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water and brush your teeth. Note that boiling water or high heat can change its shape.

  • Warm water and castile soap

Castile soap is less toxic than other cleaning products and is easily available in most stores or pharmacies. To clean the retainer with castile soap, a small amount of soap should be added to warm water. Then, dip the retainer in the mixture and clean it with a toothbrush.

The retainer should be left to soak for 2-3 minutes before rinsing again, if necessary. After that, it should be washed with cool water and put back in the mouth or placed in distilled water.

  • Ultrasonic cleaners

If deposits form on the orthodontic retainer, you can clean them with ultrasonic cleaners, which have cleaning and disinfecting properties, and a soft toothbrush. You can also apply an ear cleaner to clean the grooves.

  • Cleansing tablets

You can mix cleaning tablets with lukewarm water to clean the retainers. However, to use this method, pay attention to the instructions for using it and the length of time it can be placed in this solution, or consult your dentist.

Consult: If you notice deposits on your retainer that cannot be removed, you can take them to your orthodontist for cleaning using special solutions.

  • Solutions for cleaning dentures or retainers

These solutions are designed for deep cleaning and disinfecting of containers. Note that these materials contain persulfate, which can irritate the skin inside the mouth. Therefore, if you must use it after consulting your dentist, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging your retainer.

  • baking soda

It is a natural and effective cleanser for preservatives. It neutralizes odours and helps whiten the retainer without using harsh chemicals. To clean these retainers, combine baking soda and water in equal proportions, which becomes a paste, and then wash it with a soft toothbrush.

This combination disinfects the device, removes stains and keeps the retainer fresh.

If you feel an unpleasant smell in your mouth. Reading the article “Bad Breath Like Rotten Eggs (Causes And Remedies)” will be very helpful.

  • Vinegar

Vinegar has antibacterial properties. Make a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, place the retainer in it for 20 minutes, and then rinse. Vinegar kills bacteria and can also help dissolve mineral deposits that may build up on your retainer.

  • Hydrogen peroxide: deep cleaning

Hydrogen peroxide will be useful for a more thorough cleaning when your retainer is rusted or not cleaned regularly. Blend equal water and hydrogen peroxide and soak your retainer for 30 minutes. Be sure to wash it thoroughly with water before using it again.

Cleaning fixed orthodontic retainer

It is a thin wire permanently placed behind the teeth by an orthodontist. Here are the tips for cleaning them:

Note that oral and dental hygiene is not only very important for the maintenance of retainers, but failure to do so will lead to serious problems. In the article “How To Keep Healthy Oral Microbiome” you will find its importance and practical methods.

So, pay attention to oral hygiene, especially brushing and flossing. Learn from your orthodontist how to properly floss for this type of retainer.

Be sure to brush the back parts of the teeth carefully, as plaque can accumulate around the corners of the orthodontic retainer.

what-can-I-use-to-clean-my-retainers 1345

Do not do this at all.

While it is very important to use the right materials to clean the retainers. However, Some cases should be avoided to increase their lifespan and prevent oral and dental diseases due to the contamination of retainers. We will examine them below:

Toothpaste is harmful here

Although toothpaste may seem like an obvious choice for cleaning retainers, do not use toothpaste to wash the orthodontic retainer because this substance is abrasive and can cause scratches. These scratches cause bacteria to accumulate, eventually causing bad odour and stains.

Related: “Cavity Conundrum? Best Toothpaste To Reverse Cavities

Cleaning materials for dental prostheses!

Finally, what is the assignment?

Try not to use cleaning materials to wash dental prostheses because this material can cause sensitivity in the skin inside the mouth.

Hard toothbrush is prohibited

Do not use a coarse toothbrush to clean the orthodontic retainer, as it may scratch and damage. Do not use hot water for washing because high heat will change its shape.

Prohibition of certain mouthwashes.

Avoid washing the orthodontic retainer with mouthwash containing alcohol or sodium lauryl sulfate. These materials cause the device to dry out.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Avoid washing the orthodontic retainer with cleaning products containing bleach or other harsh chemicals, such as dishwashing liquid. These materials can destroy the retainers and leave harmful residues on them.

Transformative hot water

Never use hot water to clean your retainers; it can warp the plastic and change its fit. Always use lukewarm or cool water to avoid damaging the retaining structure.

Do not let the retainer dry.

For many retainer , dryness is the enemy. Drying the retainer can help the adhesion of plaque and food to it. For many retainer , placing them in distilled water when not in use can extend the life of your preserver and give you months of use.

An additional point

Do not immerse your orthodontic retainer in detergent for more than 15 to 20 minutes. And the use of ultraviolet disinfection light damages the retainer.

Permanent-Retainer.52f3e64

How often should I clean my retainer?

Wearing retainers should become a normal routine. We suggest following a daily and weekly routine to clean them.

  1. Daily routine: As we have mentioned many times before, it is necessary to wash the mouth and teeth after every meal to prevent the formation of plaques and consequently decay. So every time you brush your teeth, clean your retainer by gently brushing with a soft brush. This routine helps prevent food particles from sticking after each meal and before returning them to the mouth.

If your teeth are still decaying despite regular brushing. The article “What Is The Cause Of Tooth Decay Despite Brushing? Demystifying” will be a good guide for you.

  1. A weekly routine for more extensive cleaning should be done once a week using one of the methods listed above. This routine helps remove any build-up that may be missed by daily cleaning.

Next, we will examine the headers that tell you that a person should clean his holder:

  • The preservative has a bad smell or taste.
  • The retainer looks cloudy.
  • It has been more than a week since it was cleared.
  • There are white spots on the holder. (White spots can be the accumulation of minerals (tartar), plaques that cause cavities in the teeth, or a combination of the two)
  • Another sign that the retainer needs cleaning is constant breaking or cracking. Just as bacteria can damage teeth, they can also damage retainers.

 

Related: “Is Glycerin in Toothpaste Safe?

Frequently asked questions

Can toothpaste be used to clean orthodontic retainers?

Yes, it can be used, but do not use whitening toothpaste to clean the orthodontic retainer, because the whitening toothpaste scratches and wears the surface of the retainer and makes it unusable. To clean the retainer, it is better to use mild detergents.

 

How do I know what type of detergent is suitable for cleaning my orthodontic retainer?

In most cases, the use of mild non-acidic and antibacterial soaps can be a good chose for washing the orthodontic retainer. However, it is better to ask your orthodontist about this at the beginning of the period of use.

 

Can it be boiled to clean the orthodontic retainer?

No, It is forbidden to use boiling or hot water to clean the orthodontic retainer. Therefore, boiling the retainer for the purpose of disinfecting and cleaning it is not recommended at all, because this will cause serious damage to the retainer.

Conclusion

Proper retainer care is essential to maintaining your oral health and ensuring your retainers last as long as possible. By following the cleaning methods and tips in this article, you can keep your retainers safe, clean, fresh, and effective. Remember, clean retainers mean a healthier, more confident smile.

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Dr. Majid Zahrabi,

Neurosurgeon

  • Board Certified Neurosurgeon
  • DHA certificate holder
  • Plantation certificate holder, France
  • Certified holder of Discogol, France
  • A pioneer in the non-surgical treatment of disc herniation in the Middle East and CIS countries.
  • Under the training and coaching of Professor Jacques Theron (founder of Discogel Therapy) since 2008
  • More than 400 successful cervical and 1300 lumbar discogel injections
  • Trained and certified several neurosurgeons and spine surgeons in the Middle East and CIS countries for the treatment of Discogel
  • Strong belief in patient-centered care planning and participation
  • Neurosurgeon and spine surgeon at Imam Khomeini and Amir Mazandarani Hospital, Sari, Iran, with more than 430 surgeries annually, 2000-2011
  • Neurosurgeon and spine surgeon at Farmaniyeh, Nikan and Yas Sepid Hospital, Tehran, Iran, with more than 400 surgeries annually, 2011-2012
  • Neurosurgeon at Iranian Hospital, Dubai, 2022-2023
  • Since 2015, he has been working as a reference doctor for the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation with Discogel and has trained many doctors of spine-related specialties in various countries of the Middle East and CIS in person/practically and online.

 

Education:

  • Individual training sessions under the direct supervision of Professor Jacques Theron in Discogel treatment, 2008-2020
  • Training sessions under the supervision of Professor Thierry Boye on spinal implants, 2007
  • Participation and presentation in several national and international medical and neuro-spinal conferences
  • Board certificate by Iran Neurosurgery Board, 2001
  • Neurosurgery assistant training course, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, 1996-2001 (In 2001, he graduated from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with the first rank in the country.
  • His thesis the titled:The Application of human amniotic membrane in repair of dura matter in dogs.” ( It was happening for the first time in the world. )
  • General medical education, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran, 1984-1993

 

Published books:

  • CT scan of the brain for doctors
  • Etiology and treatment of painful spine disorders
  • Atlas of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of spine disorders
  • The most common mistakes in the treatment of spinal disorders
  • Reading brain CT scan in simple language (3rd place in the book of the year)
  • Treatment of head and spine injuries

 

Publications and articles:

  • Bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of DISCOGEL® (https://www.researchgate.net/)
  • Muscle recovery, reduction of pain, and improvement of movement strategies in patients with lumbar discopathy after injection of Discogel.
  • The article on the initial results of the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation with discogel injection, which won the second-best poster rank at the Pan Arab International Congress of Interventional Radiology (March 14-16, 2015) and was accepted for presentation at the Chicago Pain Congress.
  • The use of human amniotic membrane in dura mater repair in dogs, a study for the first time in the world.

 

Lectures:

  • Annual Congress of Physiotherapists of Iran, 2019
  • Chicago International Pain Congress, 2019
  • Iran International Pain Management Congress, 2018
  • Annual Congress of Physiotherapists of Iran, 2018
  • Presentation of Discogel as an innovative solution for the treatment of spinal disc herniation in Armenia for orthopedic specialists and neurosurgeons, 2017
  • First Live Workshop and Seminar on Minimally Invasive Disc Therapy (DISCON), 2017
  • Presentation of Discogel as an innovative solution for the treatment of spinal disc herniation in Azerbaijan for orthopedic specialists and neurosurgeons, 2016
  • Seminar of Iranian official managers, 2016
  • Presentation of Discogel as an innovative solution for the treatment of spinal disc herniation in Tajikistan for orthopedic specialists and neurosurgeons, 2016
  • International Neurological Intervention Congress in Iran, 2014
  • Educational seminar for nurses on treatment approaches for head and spine trauma, 2014
  • Educational seminar for general practitioners on treatment approaches for head and spine trauma, 2014
  • Speech at the Retraining Seminar for General Practitioners and Specialists in Dubai (Discon) in 2017
  • Speech in the internal retraining courses of Irani Hospital, Dubai
  • Holding lecture sessions and practical workshops on the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation with discogel injection in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Oman, and Armenia during the years 2015 to 2021.
  • Giving a lecture and holding a practical workshop for neurosurgeons in Vietnam at Ho Chi Minh City University in 2023

Dr. Majid Zohrabi started treating his patients in Dubai in 2022 and continues his activities in private medical centers in the UAE.