How to deep clean retainer? We all know the importance of taking care of our teeth, but many people don’t realize how important braces and retainers are to protecting and maintaining healthy teeth after orthodontic treatment. Braces and retainers are used to stabilize and hold teeth in place while they adjust to their new positions after tooth movement has occurred. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s orthodontic treatment or if you need to purchase orthodontic supplies, visit your local orthodontist’s office today!
Use A Denture Brush
While your child’s dentist can provide specific instructions on how to properly clean pink braces colors of your child’s retainer, a good rule of thumb is that you should use a brush designed for dentures. These brushes come in many colors and will be firm enough to remove bacteria but soft enough not to damage your child’s retainer. Be sure that you only use water and a cleaning solution made specifically for plastic (not metal) retainers, as anything abrasive can scratch them. The proper way to clean retainers is by placing them in hot water for about ten minutes after brushing them with mild soap; then allow them to air dry away from direct sunlight.
Clean Both Sides Of The Retainer
When you boil your child’s retainer, be sure to place it in a small pot and fill with water. Make sure that you don’t put too much pressure on one side of it while it’s submerged or else you could damage it. Instead, make sure that you submerge both sides of your child’s retainer at once so that all areas are properly cleaned. A good rule of thumb is to only submerge each side for 10 minutes and then check if more time is needed. If your child has different colored retainers, check to see which one needs more time in hot water before rinsing both and placing them in cold water; remember never to place cold items into hot water as they can become warped.
Add Vinegar To The Solution
Add vinegar and baking soda to a warm solution of water. (Hot water melts retainers.) Soak your retainer for 15 minutes, then scrub it with a soft toothbrush and rinse it thoroughly. If there are stubborn stains, soak your retainer in hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Scrubbing your retainer regularly can help prevent food particles from building up. If you have any questions or concerns about cleaning your child’s retainer, speak with her orthodontist.
Store In Freshly Boiled Water
First, boil some water on your stovetop (just for a few minutes). Then, remove it from heat and allow it to cool down for about five minutes. Afterwards, place your retainer in a glass bowl or container and pour that cooled-down water over it. Allow your retainer to soak for up to 30 minutes. After 30 minutes have passed, remove your retainer from its water bath and put it in fresh boiled water so that all of its bacteria will be eradicated (repeat step 1).
Change The Solution Every Day For A Week
If you use a solution with bleach, change it every day for a week and then dump it out. If you use an over-the-counter product, change it every few days. This will ensure your retainer is clean on the inside as well as on its surface.
Polish With Brushing Powder
Brushing powder is a safe, over-the-counter way to clean your child’s retainer and keep it sparkling. Just mix one teaspoon of toothpaste with three teaspoons of baking soda, sprinkle a small amount into your palm and rub onto retainer. Rinse and dry. That’s it! You can use any kind of toothpaste that you have at home, even minty varieties that contain whitening agents or flavors like cinnamon or wintergreen. Be careful not to put too much powder on; too much can damage your retainer. At least once a week should be plenty of cleaning time for most kids’ retainers.
Use Baking Soda For Tartar Buildup
When you don’t take care of your braces and mouth as much as you should, tartar buildup will occur. If your child’s retainer is experiencing tartar buildup, a baking soda deep clean is a natural way to fight it off. Baking soda naturally softens plaque and tartar build-up. The following are step-by-step instructions on how to properly remove tartar from your child’s retainers using baking soda.
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