How do I clean my retainers/

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#1 Post by **AtomicSkier** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:15 pm

On my Lower Hawley retainers, the wire is soldered in the molar area, and I have read that cleaning them with denture cleaning tablets is not good, so I am not using them.

Is it alright to soak them in Scope or Listerine while I brush my teeth?

If its Listerine, should I dilute it with water to make the alcohol not as strong?

I've also read about using vinegar...is that safe for the retainers?

#2 Post by **Dark_angel** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:32 am

With hawleys id just clean them with some toothpaste/brush when you normall clean your teeth.

Im not too sure about using anything else though, the listerine should be fine and so should the vinegar although i think your supposed to use white vinegar.

#3 Post by **AtomicSkier** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 6:54 am

I'm using either Scope or maybe Crest pro clean mouth wash without Alcohol. So I think that is pretty safe.

#4 Post by **Anticipator** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 7:31 am

I've been using retainer brite with solder points after my ortho gave permission. I'm still wary of it, because of Lynn's advice, and am looking for signs of breakage.

I still have some white spots on mine and I'm not sure whether it's calcus buildup or if it's discoloration.

I'm afraid to scar my retainers up by trying to remove it.