cleaning retainers

If you have finished with your orthodontic treatment and are wearing retainers (or will be soon), this is a special place to connect with others in your (enviable) situation. Ask a question or make a comment about life post-braces.

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cindygale
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2005 10:11 am

cleaning retainers

#1 Post by cindygale »

What is the best way to keep your retainers clean? Mine are getting a little gross, esp in the morning. Does anyone else feel that morning breath is worse then normal when you wake up with retainers in

overseasmel
Posts: 250
Joined: Wed Nov 08, 2006 10:01 pm
Location: Australia

#2 Post by overseasmel »

I just got my retainers a week ago and yes, I do find that I suddenly now have less than pleasant morning breath!

Do you have Essix (clear) or Hawley (wire) retainers?
Image

Braced 20 Nov 06. Sentenced to 18-30 months. Released 23 Feb 09 (27 months and 3 days).
Uppers: 3M Clarity Ceramic. Lowers: Damon 3MX.
SARPE 21 April 06 and 7.5 months in expander (on for 2 weeks before surgery), turning to a width of 14.5mm.

cindygale
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2005 10:11 am

#3 Post by cindygale »

hawleys

bbsadmin
Posts: 3469
Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2004 7:03 pm
Location: Northern California
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#4 Post by bbsadmin »

There are a variety of retainer cleaning products on the market that you can use. Or, since you have Hawley retainers, you could brush them with a toothbrush and toothpaste daily.

At www.DentaKit.com, you can find Retainer Brite, SonicBrite, and DentaSoak, which are the three leading brands.
I'm the owner/admin of this site. Had ceramic uppers, metal lowers ~3 years in my early 40's. Now in Hawley retainers at night!

kirjax
Posts: 478
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 8:57 am
Location: Philadelphia

#5 Post by kirjax »

I was told there was no real specific way to clean them. She said I can brush them lighty, leave them for a SHORT time in listerine or scope (but if too long it could discolor the retainer) and she said not to rinse it with hot water but luke warm is okay.

So far I wake up and take them out and stick them right in listerine. I go eat breakfast then come and brush and rinse my teeth and my retainers and place them back in. My retainers stay in until lunch and I repeat the same routine but instead o rinsing in listerine I just brush them.

But I agree it's gross in the morning!

Image


Sentenced: 20-24 months
Braced May 11, 2007
Debraced Feb. 23, 2009
21 months in braces, 17 months in elastic, NO regrets!! Now in Hawley retainers!!

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