How to Properly Care for Invisalign Retainers

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. 

You should clean your retainer at least once a day, but it’s even better to clean it every time you brush your teeth. Keeping your retainer clean will keep your breath fresh and your teeth and gums healthy. 

Storage

There will be times when you don’t wear your retainer. When the retainer is not in use, make sure to store it in a clean and secure place. Ideally, you will use the containers that came with the retainers. You can also keep them in a glass of water. This will keep your retainer from collecting dust, dirt, bacteria, or other contaminants. 

Eating and Drinking

It’s a good idea to remove your retainer while you eat or drink. This will prevent damage to the retainers from hard or acidic foods. When you remove it to eat or drink, make sure to store it properly to avoid getting dirty. When you are done eating, you should clean your teeth before replacing the retainer. Otherwise, trapped food could cause cavities or other problems.  Some food and drink can stain your retainers, so take care to remove them before enjoying coffee, wine, or staining fruits. In general, you can’t go wrong with removing the Invisalign retainers during meals. 

Contact Whiting Dental Arts

Whether you’re thinking of trying out Invisalign or you’re already using it, Whiting Dental Arts can make sure everything goes right. As the trusted cosmetic dentist for Invisalign and smile makeovers on the north shore of Massachusetts, we’ll help you get the best smile of your life. Give us a call today at (781) 595-0596 to schedule a consultation!