How do I clean my retainer?!?!?

Message

#1 Post by **Sue21** » Thu May 24, 2007 9:09 am

I've been wearing an Essix-type hard plastic retainer for about 2 months.

From the beginning, I brush it with a toothbrush/paste and soak it in Efferdent Plus each morning.

Yet I have this white build-up that I can't get off! It won't scape, brush, or soak off and it's nasty looking!!

How can I get this build-up off?

Also, are Hawley retainers easier to maintain clean? Do they get less of this nasty build-up?

Thanks in advance!

Sue

#2 Post by **DaisyMay66** » Thu May 24, 2007 10:25 am

My routine is similar to yours: toothbrush, toothpaste and a generic retainer brite solution and still get buildup. I now use my water pick to blast out the gunk from my retainers and it does a good job to keep my retainers cleaner.

#3 Post by **Sue21** » Thu May 24, 2007 7:18 pm

I did a really thorough brush on my retainer today and it worked great.

Thank you for the suggestions, all!

Sue

#4 Post by **DiaEmerald** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 3:52 pm

I was advised to clean it with a soft toothbrush and SOAP (not toothpaste). Apparently the toothpaste can leave residue behind...

Of course, you'll want to use a separate toothbrush than the one you use to clean your teeth. She also recommended, if it tastes nasty after the soap to rinse it in mouthwash.