For most people, retainers are the final step in their orthodontic journey. Once braces come off, you’ll likely be moved on to a retainer which needs to be worn regularly to maintain the new position of your teeth and ensure all of your (and your orthodontist’s) hard work doesn’t go to waste.

It’s important to know how to clean orthodontic retainers and to do so regularly in order to maintain your oral hygiene and keep your retainer in good condition.

Why cleaning your retainer is important:

Your retainer sits in your mouth for most of the day and night, which means the same food and plaque that builds up on your teeth ends up on your retainer. If you don’t take the time to clean it, then this can become a recipe for harmful bacteria.

Aside from the fact that your retainer costs money, and is an investment in your smile, keeping it clean is a vital part of your overall mouth hygiene.

How to clean dental retainers based on type

Retainers come in different materials so cleaning isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. The best way to clean your retainer, and what cleaning products to use, will depend on what kind you have.

Let’s look at how to clean retainers at home:

Removable plastic retainers

Removable plastic retainers fit snugly over your teeth, helping to keep them in place after orthodontic treatment. These retainers are nearly invisible, making them a great option for people who want to maintain their smile without drawing attention. How to clean removable retainers is simple.

Here’s how to clean plastic retainers:

  1. Rinse with lukewarm water after every use
  2. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste)
  3. Use a retainer cleaner or mild dish soap every few days for a deeper clean
  4. Let your retainers air dry before popping them back in their case

Fixed retainers

As the name suggests, you can’t take fixed retainers out which can make them slightly more challenging to clean.

How to clean a permanent retainer:

  • Floss daily using a floss threader or special interdental brushes
  • Brush carefully around the wire to keep plaque at bay
  • Regular check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist will help spot any issues early

Invisalign retainers

Invisalign retainers are a clear, plastic retainer option that closely resembles the aligners used during your Invisalign treatment. After your teeth have been straightened, these retainers are designed to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

How to clean Invisalign retainers:

  • Rinse with lukewarm water every time you take them out
  • Clean daily with a soft toothbrush and gentle soap or a retainer cleaner
  • Avoid toothpaste—it’s too harsh and can scratch the plastic
  • Store your retainers in their case when not in use to keep them safe

Metal retainers

Most metal retainers have an acrylic base with a thin metal wire across the front. Metal retainers are one of the more durable retainers on the market, but you still want to make sure you don’t drop them or leave them baking on the dashboard, and that you keep them clean.

How to clean metal retainers:

  • Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and a tiny bit of mild soap
  • Rinse well and let it air dry completely before putting it away
  • Soak in a retainer-cleaning solution occasionally for a deeper refresh

How often do you need to clean your retainer:

The short answer to how often to clean retainer is every single day.

Just like brushing your teeth, cleaning your retainer should be part of your daily routine. Even when your retainer looks clean, it can still collect bacteria, plaque, and leftover food. You should be giving it a quick rinse after every wear (especially if you’re regularly taking it out), and a proper clean once a day with a mild soap or retainer cleaner and a soft toothbrush.

For deep cleans, aim for 1-2 times a week. For these more intensive cleans, use a retainer soak that is specifically designed for your retainer type, and make sure you read the instructions carefully.

Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning retainers

Retainers are made of porous materials that will absorb whatever you soak them in. For that reason, the most important thing to remember is that your retainer is going back in your mouth—which means you shouldn’t clean it with anything you wouldn’t be happy to have in your mouth. Mainly this means no bleach, but you should always check your retainer cleaner for ingredients like persulfate, which should also stay out of your mouth.

You should also avoid:

  •       Using hot water: This might seem like the simplest way to sanitise your retainer, but hot water can warp the shape. Stick to cool or lukewarm water instead.
  •       Scrubbing with toothpaste: Toothpaste is great for teeth—not so much for retainers. It’s too abrasive and can scratch the surface, making it easier for bacteria to stick.
  •       Soaking it in mouthwash: The alcohol in many mouthwashes can dry out or damage the plastic. Use a retainer-safe cleaner instead.
  •       Skipping daily cleaning: A quick rinse isn’t enough. Retainers should be cleaned thoroughly every day to avoid a build up of bacteria, plaque, or bad smells.
  •       Leaving it out in the open: Air-drying your retainer is good—but leaving it out on the bathroom sink or nightstand is a recipe for germs. Make sure to keep it in a clean case whenever it’s not in use.
  •       Not cleaning the case: There’s no point cleaning your retainer just to put it back in a dirty case. Wash your case regularly with soap and water.
  •       Using harsh chemicals: Bleach or household cleaners can break down the material and leave behind harmful residues.
  •       Forgetting to brush before wearing it: Putting a retainer in a mouth full of plaque means transferring plaque onto the retainer.

Signs it might be time to replace your retainer

If there are any small cracks in your retainer—even tiny cracks can collect bacteria and eventually cause the retainer to snap.

If your retainer is loose then that means it’s not doing anything for your teeth, and should be replaced.

If your retainer has a persistent bad smell or taste even with regular cleaning.

If your retainer has visible build up or discolouration, and deep cleaning doesn’t remove cloudy spots or build up, then it might be past its prime.

If it doesn’t fit anymore, then your teeth may have shifted—or the retainer has changed shape. Either way, it’s time for a replacement.

If you need more information about how to care for your retainers, or are wondering if it’s time to replace your retainers, call in and visit Fox Orthodontics. Our friendly, experienced team will take the time to understand your needs, and ensure every visit is comfortable and stress-free.

A family-owned practice with over 35 years of experience, Fox Orthodontics is dedicated to creating confident, healthy smiles. We offer personalised care using the latest orthodontic techniques, from braces to clear aligners and whitening.

With a strong focus on quality, trust, and community, we’ve proudly helped generations of families across Norwest, the Hills District, and beyond achieve beautiful results they can truly smile about.