What can I use to clean my retainer?
Instead, simply soak your retainer in distilled water (with baking soda and/or castile soap) to keep it fresh. Soaking your retainer in white vinegar once a week, or taking it to the dentist to be cleaned can also help.
What is a Theroux retainer?
The Theroux retainer was originally designed by Dr. Kevin L. Theroux DDS, MS. The purpose of this appliance to maintain arch width and tooth position after Phase I treatment while providing sufficient space for erupting adult teeth and exfoliation of the deciduous teeth.
How long do essix retainers last?
about 3 years
Essix retainers (removable clear retainers, similar to Invisalign®) typically last about 3 years before they need to be replaced.
How long should you wear retainers?
Right after you get your braces off, you will have to wear your retainer around the clock. Once you’ve been wearing your retainer full-time for at least three months, you may be able to transition to wearing it only at night.
How do you clean essix retainers?
How should I clean and care for my essix retainer?
- Brush and floss your teeth before insertion every day.
- Upon removal, the retainer may be cleaned with COLD water only (to prevent the plastic from warping) and liquid soap or toothpaste.
- With your soft toothbrush clean the inside of your retainer.
Is it okay if I only wear my retainer at night?
Most orthodontists advise their patients to wear their retainers for the rest of their lives. However, the retainers only need to be worn at night and skipping a night here and there is no big deal.
Why does my retainer smell even after cleaning?
Your retainer will keep collecting bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your mouth while you wear it. Over time, it may even start to smell or taste funny if you don’t clean it often enough. More importantly, retainers can harbor dangerous bacteria like Streptococcus, including S. sanguinis, S.
What is the difference between retainer cleaner and denture cleaner?
Retainer Brite — Retainer Brite can be used in the same way as denture cleaners, but differ in that it’s formulated with the proper PH that won’t harshly affect plastic.
Is it OK to soak retainers in vinegar?
White vinegar is a gentle disinfectant that can remove odors and residues. To clean a retainer with vinegar, people should create a mixture in a small dish that is half white vinegar and half warm water. The retainer should then be soaked in the mixture for 20 minutes.
How do you clean clear plastic retainers?
Use a soft toothbrush or denture brush to gently scrub away plaque and other debris. If necessary, use a cotton swab to get into the deepest grooves and ridges on clear plastic retainers. Ask your dentist about soaking your retainer in a denture or retainer cleaner, like Efferdent or Polident.
How can I make my retainer clear again?
How often should you replace retainers?
After six months is a good rule of thumb to follow, but it could also be sooner, depending on how well you take care of them. What’s important is to get them replaced as soon as they get damaged or when they no longer fit properly.
Why do my retainers smell like poop?
Even if you don’t notice calcium deposits on your retainer, you may notice that it has taken on an odor over time. People often ask orthodontists why their retainer smells like poop, or chlorine, or even sperm. The cause of the bad odor is the accumulation of plaque over time.
What happens if you leave retainers in cleaner too long?
The problem with using a cleaner, or any type of chemical when cleaning your retainer is that your retainer ends up soaking up and holding onto those chemicals, and when those chemicals sit on your teeth for hours on end, it can do a lot of damage to your teeth.