Following Invisalign® treatment or similar orthodontic work, you may be all smiles in the short term — but knowing how to clean retainers will ensure a healthy long-term glow. So long as you maintain them correctly, retainers will work to hold teeth in position — without causing further complications.

Before we dive into all things retainer care, let’s return to the basics: what is a retainer, and why is it so important to keep it clean? If you have a new retainer or are considering getting one, this blog is for you.

What Is a Retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made dental device that helps maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. Whether you’ve used clear aligners (such as Invisalign®) or traditional braces, we would recommend using a retainer to ensure your teeth don’t shift back to their original positions. There are different types of retainers, including fixed and removable ones. Fixed retainers bond to the back of your teeth for long-term stability, while removable retainers are easier to use and maintain.

Removable retainers are often part and parcel of the Invisalign® package. Though they closely resemble clear aligners, they’re made from thicker, more durable plastic. Depending on individual needs and recommendations, either retainer type — or a combination of both — can prove effective in preserving orthodontic outcomes. That’s why it’s so important to take good care of your retainer.

What Happens When You Don’t Clean Your Retainer

Without proper care, retainers can become breeding grounds for bacteria, causing bad odours and potential oral health issues — periodontal gum disease, in a worst-case scenario. When dental issues advance, complex procedures like root canal treatment may become necessary. Because we want to avoid tooth extraction wherever possible, we recommend cleaning your retainer as often as you brush your teeth.

How to Clean Retainers Manually

Cleaning your retainer is simple, but doing it properly is a case of doing it consistently. For removable retainers, we recommend brushing them every day using a soft-bristled brush and retainer-cleaning solution (or mild dish soap). Remember to rinse your retainer before and after washing it, avoiding hot water, as this can warp the plastic material.

For a deeper clean — which we recommend doing at least once a week — you can soak your retainer in a denture cleaner or a mix of water and mild dish soap. Never use harsh chemicals, as they can compromise the appliance and cause harm if ingested.

If you have a fixed retainer, be sure to brush and floss around it with diligence to remove plaque and food particles.

How to Clean Retainers the Ultrasonic Way

If manual retainer care sounds like too much elbow grease, products such as the Dental Pod® by ZIMA Dental® can automate the process. These ultrasonic cleaning machines leave dental appliances spotless in four simple steps:

Plug in the machine at the wall and fill it with water.
Place your dental appliance in the pod and press the Power button to turn it on.
Secure the pod’s lid and give the machine five minutes to do its thing.
Remove your sparkling clean dental appliance from the pod before giving it a final rinse!

Want an Abbotsford Retainer Cleaner?

If you like the sound of this four-step solution, you’ll love our new referral incentive starting this October (2024). When existing Abbotsford Dental patients successfully* refer a friend to our clinic, they will receive an ultrasonic retainer cleaner — valued at $149.98 — absolutely free! Get your loved ones in for a checkup and clean or other dental treatment, and enjoy retainer maintenance made easy. But get to it ASAP, as we only have 100 to give away!

* = The referred patient must schedule and attend an appointment.

New Patient Perks

First time at Abbotsford Dental? We take care of our new patients too. When you book your first appointment with us, you can enjoy all of the following services for a 60% discount (or $320 off!):

Full checkup and clean
Fluoride treatment
Any internal X-ray
Panoramic X-ray for wisdom teeth (if necessary)
3D digital scan of the teeth.

Retainer Care with Abbotsford Dental

At Abbotsford Dental, we understand the relationship between keeping your retainer clean and retaining long-term oral health. We offer comprehensive care, including professional cleanings, and advice on how to keep your retainer in pristine condition. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your smile stays as perfect as it was the day your braces came off — or when your clear aligners became obsolete.

For Retainer Care & Beyond

Abbotsford Dental is a dentist with a comprehensive selection of services and a holistic health approach. Whether you’re wondering how to clean retainers or want to whiten using teeth-whitening trays, our team is here to help with all your general, cosmetic, and restorative dental needs. Schedule your next appointment with Abbotsford Dental and continue to take care of your newly adjusted smile.