How to clean your retainers: A simple guide to daily and weekly care
Cleaning your retainer every day helps prevent plaque build-up, staining, bad smells and gum irritation. Rinse it with cool water, brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, and deep clean it weekly with a suitable retainer tablet. If your retainer becomes damaged, loose or cloudy, contact your local Alpha Dental Care practice for advice.
Cleaning your retainer matters
Retainers play an important part in keeping your teeth straight after braces or aligner treatment. To keep them working properly, it is vital to clean them every day.
A clean retainer helps prevent plaque build up, unpleasant smells, staining and irritation to your gums. The good news is that cleaning orthodontic retainers is straightforward once you know what to do.
This guide explains how to clean the most common types of retainers, including clear plastic retainers, Hawley retainers, Invisalign retainers and fixed retainers, using safe and effective steps you can follow at home.
The type of retainer you have matters
There are three main types of retainer, and knowing which one you have helps you choose the right cleaning method.
- Clear plastic retainers: thin, transparent trays that fit over your teeth.
- Hawley retainers: an acrylic plate that sits on the roof of your mouth with a wire across the front teeth.
- Fixed retainers: a thin wire bonded behind your teeth that you cannot remove.
Clear retainers are the most common, and are sensitive to heat and abrasion, so gentle cleaning is especially important.
How to clean your removable retainer every day
Follow these steps each time you remove your retainer.
- Rinse with cool or lukewarm water: Rinse away saliva and loose debris. Do not use hot water because it can warp plastic retainers.
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush: Use a soft brush and mild, unscented soap. Toothpaste is not recommended because it is abrasive and can scratch clear retainers.
- Brush all surfaces thoroughly: Clean the inside and outside of the retainer. If you have a Hawley retainer, brush gently around the wire and acrylic.
- Rinse well before wearing it again: Make sure any soap is fully removed to avoid irritation.
How to deep clean your retainers every week
A deeper clean once or twice a week helps remove stubborn build up.
- Use a retainer or denture cleaning tablet: Soak the retainer following the instructions on the packet. This helps remove stains, bacteria and mineral deposits.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use bleach, boiling water, vinegar or anything abrasive. These can damage plastic and metal parts.
- Do not soak metal retainers for too long: Extended soaking can weaken or corrode the wire on Hawley retainers.
How to clean fixed retainers
Fixed retainers stay in your mouth, so you clean them in the same way you clean your teeth.
- Brush carefully along the gumline and around the bonded wire.
- Use floss threaders or interdental brushes to reach between the teeth where the wire sits.
- Regular dental check ups help ensure the retainer stays clean and secure.
Tips to keep your retainer clean and fresh
- Always store your retainer in its case when not in use.
- Never use hot water because it can change the shape of plastic retainers.
- Do not use toothpaste on clear retainers because it can make them cloudy.
- Clean retainers as soon as you remove them. Dried plaque is harder to remove.
- If your retainer develops persistent odour or staining, a proper weekly soak usually helps.
When to replace your retainer
You may need a replacement if it cracks, becomes cloudy despite cleaning, feels loose or no longer fits comfortably. A damaged retainer cannot hold your teeth in place, so contact your dentist if you notice any changes.
