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!

Retainer / Aligner Cleaning Wipes and Spray will make your life easier!

You don't always have time to soak your retainer. And you don't always have time to rinse your aligner. And sometimes -- ick -- you drop your retainer on the floor and need to clean it right away! Wouldn't it be nice if there was a product that cleaned your retainer or aligner really quickly, like a wipe or a spray?
Well, dream no more. Finally these products have been invented, and we have them! Introducing: Cleanse. Freshen. Go. Retainer Wipes and Retainer Cleaning Spray. These products are great for Invisalign aligners, all types of retainers, sports mouthguards, nightguards, and even bridgework and dentures -- any type of removable dental appliance. And, it does not contain Persulfate!

Cleanse. Freshen. Go. Cleansing Wipes: The pre-moistened wipes (also known as "towelettes") are individually foil wrapped. To use them, take your dental appliance out of your mouth and wipe it with the towelette. That's it -- no rinsing needed! Cleanse. Freshen. Go. Cleansing Towelettes are infused with a fresh mint flavor and scent. They kill the germs on your retainer and leave it smelling and tasting minty fresh. I have to say, I wish a product like this existed when I wore my retainers 24/7 a few years ago. Personally I hated putting a "dirty" retainer back into my mouth. These wipes will come in handy in all sorts of situations when you are out-and-about. Throw a few into your purse, backpack, pocket, or briefcase. It's a great product for kids in retainers or sports mouth guards who are too lazy or forgetful to keep their retainers clean. And of course, they are great for clear aligners! Try them, we're sure you'll like them. And if you like them a lot, you can save some money by buying A Bulk Bag of 100 Cleanse. Freshen. Go. Wipes.

Cleanse. Freshen. Go. Retainer Cleaning Spray is a liquid that you spray on your retainer to kill germs and remove plaque. To use the spray, remove your dental appliance from your mouth, spray it thoroughly with the solution, then brush your retainer or aligner. If you don't have a brush, you can massage the product in with clean fingertips, or a tissue or cottonball. Then, simply rinse your dental appliance with clean running water. This product is a great alternative to soaking,and can be used as an "in between" cleaner for those situations when you don't have time to soak.

The Cleanse. Freshen. Go. Retainer Cleaning Wipes are available in either a box of 20 or a money-saving bulk bag of 100 individually wrapped wipes. The Spray is available in a 2-ounce bottle, which provides about 50 to 60 cleanings.

We think that you'll love these products as much as we do. If you know someone with Invisalign, or who is wearing retainers, or who uses a mouthguard, spread the word! Viva la convenience!