Saturday, August 31, 2013

How to Clean Retainers and Invisalign Aligners: A Video Tutorial

We've been busy making more videos, and this is the latest. It explains in detail how to clean different types of orthodontic retainers and Invisalign aligners. The video is 5 minutes long, but well worth the time to watch. http://youtu.be/flQkX5uM1l0

In a nutshell, the video explains that:

  • You should never brush an Invisalign aligner or clear Essix retainer, and do not use toothpaste on them.

  • You should not continually soak a Hawley retainer that contains metal solder, because the solder will eventually crumble and fall off.

  • You should clean your retainer every single day in a product that kills germs and prevents white plaque buildup.




Friday, July 26, 2013

We Have A New Look - - And Lots of New Features!




We recently redesigned our website, with new features and simpler navigation. Now it's easier than ever to find what you need at DentaKit.com. Here are some of the new features you'll find:

Retainer Cleaner Finder Tool. Answer just a few simple questions and find the correct retainer cleaner for you. 

Videos page. All of our videos in one place on our website. More videos are always being added, so check back to that page often!

Simpler Menu Structure. Our products are now organized in a more simple manner, making it faster and easier for you to find what you need.

More Product Suggestions. We're showing you more products which are similar to the ones you are searching for, to help you expand your shopping options.

More Product Photos and Videos. Better photos and more videos help you to understand the products and make the right choices.

Faster Checkout Process. Checkout has been simplified to help you get on with your day.

We hope you like the changes we made. If you have any suggestions about how we could further improve your shopping experience on our website, feel free to contact us!


Sunday, June 16, 2013

How To Choose The Right Retainer Cleaner

"What should I use to clean my retainer?" It's probably the most common question we get at DentaKit.com. We carry five different retainer cleaners. Choosing the best one for you depends on several factors:
  • What type of retainer do you have -- Essix/Invisalign (clear plastic) or Hawley (metal wire and acrylic) ?
  • How often do you wear your retainer?
  • Does your retainer already have a lot of white plaque buildup? 

Clear Plastic Retainers and Invisalign Aligners

If you wear a clear plastic retainer (which is called an Essix retainer), or if you wear Invisalign or clear aligners, then you can clean your retainer with any of the products we carry. If your retainer already has a lot of white plaque buildup, we suggest cleaning it with DentaSoak or SonicBrite. Both of those products are very strong and will usually remove the white buildup after 3 or 4 consecutive cleanings. OAP Foam is also a great product to use for clear plastic aligners or retainers.

You should not brush a clear plastic retainer or aligner, and never use toothpaste on it. Brushing puts microscopic scratches in the plastic, and toothpaste tends to leave a gunky film on the inside of the retainer or aligner.


Hawley Retainers (Metal Wire and Acrylic)

If you wear a Hawley retainer, you need to know whether it contains metal solder before you can know the proper way to clean it. Hawley retainers that contain metal solder should not be soaked on a daily basis. Most retainer cleaners that require soaking will eventually eat away at the solder, causing it to turn black and crumble off. Sometimes the piece that is soldered on is an "afterthought" that is not really important. If you aren't sure whether your Hawley retainer contains metal solder, or whether the soldered piece is important, ask your dentist or orthodontist.

If your Hawley retainer contains metal solder, the best way to clean it is with a toothbrush and Cleanse Freshen Go Spray or OAP Cleaner.  If your Hawley retainer does not contain metal solder, you can use any of the retainer cleaning products that we carry.


Wear Your Retainer 24/7?

 If you wear your retainer 24/7, check out Cleanse Freshen Go retainer cleaning wipes. They are great for situations when you need to freshen your retainer but don't have access to clean running water.


Is Your Retainer Shiny and New? Keep It That Way!!

If your retainer is brand new, with little or no white plaque buildup, Retainer Brite does a great job of keeping it clean. Be sure to use it every single day, and you will keep odors and plaque under control. The worst mistake that most people make with a new retainer is not cleaning it often enough with a product that kills odor-causing bacteria.


If you're still confused, check out our Retainer Cleaner Comparison Chart. And soon, we will have a video, and an automated "wizard" tool on our website which will help you decide, too!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

No More Lost Retainers with New Retain-It!


You paid thousands of dollars for your kid's braces, and now they are finally off and your kid is in retainers. The problem: kids lose retainers! They wrap them in napkins and throw them out. They simply lose track of them. And before you know it, you're paying $250 for a brand new set of retainers.

You can avoid this expensive scenario with a new product called Retain-It. Retain-It is more than just a retainer case -- it is a retainer case keeper! This neoprene shell surrounds the retainer case and secures it with a zipper. As if that's not enough, Retain-It includes a loop with a sturdy metal carabiner clip, for attaching your retainer case to a belt loop or a bag. That retainer isn't going anywhere when it's secured in a Retain-It case!

Each Retain-It includes a standard size clear hard plastic retainer case, and a zippered neoprene shell with a metal carabiner clip.

We're really excited about this new product and we hope that you will love it as much as we do. You can find Retain-It and other retainer cases on our website. It comes in a variety of colors.