Retainers keep teeth exactly where they should be. Help them do it hygienically with medical grade cleaning and care. 

Retainers keep teeth exactly where they should be. Help them do it hygienically with medical grade cleaning and care. 

Q: How do I clean my dental retainer?

Daily cleaning of removable retainers and fixed retainers is essential! Brush your removable retainer gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water – never hot, as it can warp the plastic. Use effervescent cleaning tablets like VITIS Orthodontic Tablets daily in a soaking bath for a deep clean that banishes bacteria and odours. Rinse thoroughly before popping it in during sleep. Keep it hygienic, keep it fresh, keep that straight smile protected!

For a fixed retainer, using an additional VITIS Monotip Brush in your routine to help ensure cleaning is effective since this type of retainer is bonded to teeth and any additional roughness in the cement provides a niche for plaque to attach.

Q: How do I clean my teeth when I have dental retainers?

Post orthodontics, dental retainers come in two forms: removable and fixed. They are both cleaned differently. It’s likely that you will have both types of retainer to care for once your orthodontic treatment is finished. Retainers are now a very long term, if not lifelong, commitment so it’s important to meet their cleaning needs carefully.

Removable retainer cleaning: after overnight wear (or whenever your long sleep is in your day), brush the retainer with a soft brush to remove residual saliva and rinse with cold water. Fill a soaking bath or glass with enough water to cover the retainer, add in a VITIS Effervescent Cleaning Tablet. Leave for at least 15 minutes. When you’re ready to pop your retainer back in for sleeping in, rinse the cleaning solution from the retainer and wear.

Fixed retainer cleaning: This retainer is a permanent fixture in your mouth so it is cleaned as part of your tooth care routine twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. An extra clean with a VITIS Monotip Brush can help remove any plaque that has attached to the rougher areas of cement where your retainer is bonded to your teeth. Clean between teeth with interdental brushes or floss. Swish with mouthwash between brushing for extra freshness.

Q: How often should I clean my dental retainer?

Every single day! Rinse your removable retainer each time you remove it, brush it daily with cool water, and use effervescent cleaning tablets daily for a proper deep clean. Think of it like your teeth – neglect breeds bacteria, plaque, and that funky smell nobody wants. Fixed retainers are brushed as part of your daily oral care routine but you may want to give them an additional brush with a VITIS Monotip Brush as the bonding agent used to fix the retainer in place is rougher than tooth enamel and so plaque attaches to it more easily.