How To Clean Toothfairy™ Retainers

With a pair of Toothfairy™ clear aligners, your best smile is on the way. But what’s the best way to keep your retainers clean and fresh? Maintaining your retainer’s cleanliness is key to ensuring your dental health, not to mention the longevity of the retainer itself. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of bacteria and plaque, which can cause odours and degrade your oral health.

Let’s take a closer look at how to clean your Toothfairy™ retainers.

Why should you clean your retainer regularly?

Clean retainers are essential not just for daily hygienic reasons, but also to prevent infections and maintain the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment. Cleaning your retainer on a regular basis can help eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent teeth discoloration and odour.

Best retainer cleaning solutions

When choosing the right cleaning solution, there are a couple of different options to choose from. Most commonly, you’ve can choose between either commercial solutions or home remedies:

Commercial solutions: Products like tablets offer a convenient and effective way to clean retainers, using effervescent tablets that remove bacteria and stains after 15 minutes.

These are a popular choice as they’re easy to use and have minimal to no odour, in contrast to a vinegar solution, for example.

Natural solutions: For a more natural approach, baking soda and cold soapy water are effective in cleaning and deodorising retainers. Cleaning retainers with soapy water, or mouthwash is a safe, easy way to get the job done at home.

The best way to clean retainers: a guide

Cleaning your retainers is both a daily and weekly task – here’s how to tackle it.

Daily cleaning routine

Every day, rinse and brush your Toothfairy™ clear aligners gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap to remove daily plaque and debris. It’s a good idea to have a separate toothbrush specifically for cleaning your retainer.

Deep cleaning your retainers

Once a week, use a specialised cleaning solution, either a commercial or natural one, for a deep clean.

Simply let your retainer soak in either solution you choose for the relevant amount of time, and make sure to rinse it thoroughly afterwards.

Retainer care tips for longevity and hygiene

Aside from regular cleaning, here are some additional tips to follow to keep your retainers as clean and effective as possible:

Store your retainers properly

Always dry and store your retainers in a clean case to prevent bacterial growth and accidental damage.

When you receive your Toothfairy™ clear aligners, you’ll also get a sleek marble carry case to store them in – the perfect companion for your new retainers.

‘Don’ts’ when cleaning your retainers

As we mentioned earlier, avoid using hot water, as it can warp the retainer. Stick to cool or at most lukewarm water for cleaning purposes.

Steer clear of harsh chemicals and abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the retainer. Toothpaste is an example of a product not to use, as it can wear down your retainer’s material.

Achieve your best smile with Toothfairy™ clear aligners

Straightening your teeth has never been easier with Toothfairy™. With our strategic approach planned by registered and skilled dentists, your journey to straighter teeth can be seamless and simple. Book a free consultation today to get started with our Toothfairy™ clear aligners and take one step closer to your straighter smile.

With proper care, your Toothfairy™ clear aligners are the key to achieving your best smile – ensuring they perform effectively and last longer. Follow our retainer care tips and find out the best way to clean your retainers that works for you – your new smile awaits!

FAQs about how to clean retainers

Can I soak my retainer in mouthwash?

You can soak your retainer in mouthwash. But ensure it doesn’t contain alcohol, or chlorhexidine, as it’s not advisable as it may contain ingredients like alcohol that can damage the retainer or chlorhexidine which can stain teeth.

Why are my retainers turning brown?

Retainers may turn brown due to buildup of tartar and biofilm, especially if not cleaned regularly or thoroughly. Beverages like coffee or tea and certain foods can also stain retainers over time. It’s also important to replace retainers every so often to avoid buildup of germs.

Can a dirty retainer cause a sore throat?

Potentially, yes! Retainers that are not cleaned properly can harbour bacteria and fungi, which can contribute to oral and throat infections. Regular and thorough cleaning of the retainer is essential to avoid such health issues​.