how to clean invisalign retainers

How To Clean Invisalign® Retainers for a Clear, Fresh Smile

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Invisalign® retainers are the cutting edge of orthodontics and popular with everyone from teenagers to adults. This teeth-straightening system allows patients to adjust their smiles over time with clear, reusable retainers as opposed to traditional metal braces. 

However, these retainers don’t come cheap, and keeping them fresh and functional requires some care. Keep your Invisalign® looking as good as new with our tips on how to clean an Invisalign® retainer with common household items. 

Table of Contents

Why Cleaning Your Invisalign® Retainers Matters

To get the most out of your Invisalign® retainer investment, you need to know how to properly clean Invisalign® retainers. 

Invisalign® retainers go in your mouth, home to a wide variety of bacteria, fungi, and food particles. If you don’t work to keep your Invisalign® retainer clean, it can become stinky and gross quickly. 

Studies show that using an Invisalign® retainer does not negatively impact the oral microbiome or plaque build-up, as long as good oral hygiene habits are kept up and Invisalign® retainers are cleaned daily. 

Daily Cleaning Routine for Invisalign® Retainers

Want to know how to clean Invisalign® retainers daily? Here is a step-by-step guide to daily Invisalign® retainer cleaning and maintenance. 

Rinsing and Brushing Your Retainers

The first step to keeping your Invisalign® retainer clean is the most obvious: rinsing and brushing it in the morning and the evening when you brush your teeth. 

Treat your Invisalign® retainers as part of your oral hygiene routine. After removing the retainer and brushing and flossing your teeth, take the time to carefully brush your Invisalign® retainer with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive, fluoride-based toothpaste or mild soap for at least 2 minutes. 

Be thorough without being too rough, as micro-abrasions on your Invisalign® retainer are the perfect hiding spot for cavity-causing bacteria. 

Using Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals or Alternatives

In addition to daily brushing and rinsing, Invisalign® retainers need to be deep cleaned weekly. There are lots of different methods to deep clean Invisalign® retainers, but the most common is to use Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals, baking soda, or denture cleaning tablets. 

Can I Wash My Invisalign® Retainer With Dish Soap?

You can clean your Invisalign® retainer with dish soap, but the type of soap matters. Aim for a mild, unscented, and diluted dish soap and scrub with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to thoroughly rinse afterwards to prevent a mouthful of soap. 

Keep in mind that the majority of dish soaps on the market are too strong and abrasive for Invisalign® retainers, so be sure to dilute. 

What Is the Best Cleaning Device for Invisalign® Retainers

If you like a deep clean, consider purchasing an ultrasonic retainer cleaning device. These devices work by emitting sonic waves designed to agitate the retainer and release any bacteria or plaque. They are usually used in combination with denture tablets or Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals. 

You do not need an ultrasonic device to keep your Invisalign® Retainer clean, but it can certainly help. 

Deep Cleaning Your Invisalign® Retainers

In addition to twice-daily brushing and rinsing, Invisalign® users should also plan to deep clean their Invisalign® retainers at least once a week. Here are some tips for the best way to deep clean Invisalign® retainers: 

Soaking in Professional Cleaning Solutions

One of the best ways to keep your Invisalign® retainer looking like new is to soak it in a cleaning solution at least once a week. This solution can include:

 

Oftentimes, these cleaning solutions are used with ultrasonic or UV cleaning cases, but they do not have to be. It is also important to note that weekly deep cleaning, while important, does not replace daily brushing and rinsing. 

Removing Stubborn Stains and Odors

Have you got a stained or stinky Invisalign® retainer? Here are a few things you can try to get your retainer clean and odorless again:

  • Baking soda paste: Make a paste solution of baking soda and water. Use this paste to scrub away stains, then rinse thoroughly. 
  • Hydrogen peroxide: For deep stains, consider soaking your Invisalign® retainer in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution. Make sure the solution is no more than one part hydrogen peroxide to one part water, as undiluted hydrogen peroxide can damage Invisalign® retainers. 
  • White vinegar: White vinegar is a gentle natural cleaner and deodorizer. Simply make a diluted solution of vinegar and water and soak your retainer for 15-30 minutes. 

Be sure to thoroughly scrub and rinse your Invisalign® retainer after soaking in any solution. 

Common Cleaning Mistakes To Avoid

Invisalign® retainers are delicate orthodontic tools, and incorrect cleaning can shorten their usefulness. Here are some common cleaning methods that can damage your Invisalign® retainer and should be avoided:

  • Abrasive toothpaste: When doing your daily brushing and cleaning of your retainer, be sure to use a mild, non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid whitening toothpastes, as these tend to have abrasive crystals. Instead, opt for a soft toothbrush and fluoride-based toothpaste or mild soap. 
  • Dishwasher: Do not use your dishwasher to clean your Invisalign® retainers. Retainers are much more delicate than Tupperware and plates. The average dishwasher heats water to 140 Degrees F, too hot for the plastic used to make Invisalign® retainers. Hot water can warp and even melt retainers. 
  • Boiling water: Similar to dishwashers, boiling water can warp your Invisalign® retainer, causing cracks, melting, and other damage. 
  • Alcohol (including alcohol-based mouthwash): Alcohol-based cleaning solutions leave retainers cloudy and stained. 

What To Do If You Forget To Clean Your Retainers

Did you forget to clean your Invisalign® retainer? Here are some tips to get your retainer clean again:

  1. Wash your retainer with a soft toothbrush, mild unscented soap, and warm (not hot) water. 
  2. Give your retainer a soak in one of the cleaning solutions mentioned in this article. Soak for at least 30 minutes to kill odor-causing bacteria. 
  3. Thoroughly rinse the retainer and repeat step one, if necessary. 
  4. Check your retainer for any signs of damage and store in a clean place. 

When To Replace Your Retainers

Worried it might be time to replace your retainer? Here are some signs that your retainer is beyond cleaning:

  • Cracks
  • Warping
  • Stains or cloudiness not removed by cleaning

For the best Invisalign® in Beaverton, OR, reach out to Biermann Orthodontics. We are happy to help you replace your Invisalign® retainers when lost or damaged. 

Keep Your Invisalign® Retainer Fresh With Help From Biermann Orthodontics

Are you ready for a perfect smile without hassle? Biermann Orthodontics is Beaverton’s premier Invisalign® orthodontist that is also an Invisalign® Platinum Provider. 

Our practice works with you to make the process of straightening your teeth with Invisalign® as painless and easy as possible. We have helped thousands of people get the smile of their dreams, including:

  • Adults who have never had orthodontic work before
  • Adults who previously had braces 
  • Teens and pre-teens 

No matter what your dental situation, Dr. Biermann has the skills and knowledge to help you get the smile you want. Give us a call or check out our website to learn more about Invisalign® retainers in Beaverton, OR. 

 

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.