Metal Mouth Message Board

I've noticed plaque build up on a few spots on my removable retainer. After some Googling it seems soaking it in a 1/2 and 1/2 solution of water and vinegar is most common. I was told to NOT use a toothbrush to clean it since it might scratch it and those scratches will gather bacteria which will stink, etc etc. The cleaner that starts with the letter P that has been used in spam posts, so it's censored. was also recommended but I don't see that taking off the hard plaque gunk.

So I'm looking for some suggestions!

I'm going for a dental cleaning in 3 weeks so I think I'll take my retainer in with me and see if the hygienist can either scrape it off for me or suggest something I can do.

In case anyone reads this post, I tried the 1/2 and 1/2 white vinegar and warm water idea and it worked pretty good. It loosened the plaque so I could gentle rub it off with my finger. A few more soaks and it should be quite clean.

My ortho instructed me to soak them in vinegar/water once a week for about an hour.

The vinegar and water won't stop the plaque buildup. For that you need a professional strength retainer cleaning product, such as Retainer Brite, SonicBrite, Cleanse Freshen Go, or DentaSoak. You can find all of them at DentaKit.com.

Do not use denture tablets; they will eventually turn your retainer yellow.

do you know if there are any canadian sites carrying these products? dentakit charges $30 to ship!

Have you tried denture soaks...that's what I use.

I was told: NO denture OR retainer cleaners at ALL. Use a hard bristled toothbrush cold water ONLY, no warm or hot water, and no soaking it in hot water or boiling it.

My ortho recommended Efferdent denture tablets so I went out and bought a 6 month supply. When that runs out, I will give the Retainer brite a go.

I have Essix-type retainers and was told to use a normal toothbrush and no more than warm water. I guess hot water softens the plastic again, and changes the shape! Definitely no abrasive toothpaste either.

I was also told that denture cleaning tablets are fine to use. (Or specific retainer ones - I got a free sample of RetainerBrite or something.)
I only have to wear my retainers at night (I have permanent bonded wires top and bottom too) so it doesn't really matter if they go a bit yellow!

I was told a soft brush and cold water whenever I take it out for food/before bed/to freshen up and then use a denture cleaner regularly, but the one I have been using from boots is 90p for a months supply so I've been using it every day

Roses - totally agree on the Boots denture cleaner. Fairly sure it comes out the same factory as Steradent etc and it's an absolute bargain!
I used it on my night guards for years before I got braces and never had any problems.
(Although being a bit more careful with water temperature and my retainers!)

I was told very soft brush that they use at the ortho's office and antibacterial liquid soap. Seems to work. Been doing that successfully for a year-and-a-half.

DAWN dish soap, put water in a cup enough to cover them add about ten or so drops of soap mix add retainers , just like soaking pots and pans , cheap works great

DAWN, interesting. I used to work with a guy who used DAWN to clean his contact lenses.