When using clear retainers, avoid using harsh chemicals like persulfates in your cleaning routine. Instead, opt for a purple persulfate-free retainer cleaner. This will help keep your retainer clean without causing irritation or damage.
1. Don’t Eat or Drink with Retainers In
Why It's Important
Eating or drinking (other than water) with your retainer in can cause several issues:
- Food Particles: Food particles can get trapped between the retainer and your teeth, leading to plaque buildup and cavities.
- Staining: Beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can stain your retainer, making it less clear and more noticeable.
- Damage: Chewing can cause the retainer to crack or break.
Best Practice
Always remove your retainer before eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps prevent damage and keeps your retainer clean and clear.
2. Avoid Using Hot Water
Why It's Important
Exposing your clear retainer to hot water can cause it to warp and lose its shape, making it ineffective.
Best Practice
Clean your retainer with lukewarm water. Avoid boiling water or running it through a dishwasher. Lukewarm water is gentle and effective for cleaning without causing damage.
3. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals for Cleaning
Why It's Important
Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or alcohol-based cleaners, can damage the material of your retainer, leading to discoloration and deterioration.
Best Practice
Use mild, non-abrasive cleaners specifically designed for retainers. Alternatively, you can use a gentle liquid soap and a soft toothbrush for daily cleaning. Avoid toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive.
4. Avoid Leaving Retainers in the Open
Why It's Important
Leaving your retainer out in the open can expose it to bacteria, dust, and the risk of getting lost or damaged.
Best Practice
Always store your retainer in its case when not in use. This keeps it clean, protected, and reduces the risk of losing it.
5. Don’t Skip Regular Cleaning
Why It's Important
Skipping regular cleaning can lead to a buildup of plaque, bacteria, and odors on your retainer. This not only affects your oral hygiene but can also cause bad breath and infections.
Best Practice
Clean your retainer daily. Rinse it with lukewarm water after removing it, and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a retainer cleaner.
6. Don’t Bend or Twist the Retainer
Why It's Important
Bending or twisting your clear retainer can cause it to lose its shape, making it less effective at maintaining your teeth alignment.
Best Practice
Handle your retainer with care. When inserting or removing it, use gentle, even pressure. Avoid unnecessary bending or twisting.
7. Avoid Using Toothpaste
Why It's Important
Toothpaste can be abrasive and cause scratches on the surface of your clear retainer. These scratches can harbor bacteria and make the retainer less clear.
Best Practice
Use a non-abrasive cleaner, such as retainer cleaning tablets or mild liquid soap. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush.
8. Don’t Expose Retainers to Direct Sunlight
Why It's Important
Direct sunlight or heat can cause your clear retainer to warp, just like hot water.
Best Practice
Keep your retainer away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Store it in a cool, dry place.
9. Don’t Forget to Remove Retainers for Physical Activities
Why It's Important
Engaging in physical activities, especially contact sports, with your retainer in can pose a risk of damaging the retainer or injuring your mouth.
Best Practice
Remove your retainer during physical activities and store it safely. Use a mouthguard if necessary.
10. Avoid Long Periods of Dryness
Why It's Important
Letting your retainer dry out for extended periods can make it more prone to damage and increase bacterial buildup.
Best Practice
If you need to store your retainer for a while, make sure it is dry before placing it in its case. However, for long-term storage, consider soaking it in a retainer solution periodically to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
Proper care and handling of your clear retainer are essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. By knowing what not to do with your retainer, you can avoid common mistakes that lead to damage, discoloration, and decreased effectiveness. Always remove your retainer before eating or drinking, avoid harsh chemicals and hot water, and clean it regularly with appropriate methods. Store it properly and handle it with care to maintain its shape and function. Following these guidelines will help keep your retainer in top condition, ensuring that your smile stays perfectly aligned.
Are you currently using or thinking about using retainer cleaning tablets? It's important to be aware that certain cleaner brands have the potential to cause toxic reactions.
It's crucial to be aware of harmful ingredients hiding in common cleaner brands. One such persulfate, which can pose SERIOUS health risks and is found in almost all leading retainer cleaners brands. Moreover, persulfate's health risks potentially impact respiratory health and skin sensitivities in your family, especially in teens and sensitive individuals. Learn more about the risk of persulfate HERE.
Disclaimer:
The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. The author and publisher do not take responsibility for any consequences resulting from the information provided in this article.