If you didn’t have braces as a child (or didn’t wear your retainer), you might be wondering how to get straight teeth as an adult. While traditional braces are certainly an option, many people are opting for Invisalign. Invisible retainers straighten the teeth without the hassle of wires and brackets. However, just as with normal braces, it’s important to take good care of the Invisalign product. Here’s how to properly care for Invisalign retainers.
Cleaning
An Invisalign retainer is a great tool for straightening teeth, and just like any orthodontic-wear, it needs to be cleaned regularly. The mouth hosts a ton of bacteria; keeping the retainer clean will prevent bad breath and gingivitis. Here’s how to keep your Invisalign retainer clean.- Remove and rinse the retainer with lukewarm water. Water that is too hot could warm the material of the retainer.
- Use a soft toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste to brush your retainer. Brush in small circles, the same as you should with your teeth. Make sure to brush all sides.
- Once you’ve finished brushing, rinse again with water and inspect it for any remaining debris. If there is a buildup of tartar or calcium, the retainer will look white and cloudy. In this case, you should soak the retainer in a special cleaning solution.