How to Clean a Retainer on the Go

Clear aligners for teeth have become quite popular in the last few years. They are an excellent alternative to traditional braces, as they are nearly invisible and easily removable. However, keeping aligners clean and well-maintained is essential to ensure their effectiveness and avoid any unpleasant odor or discoloration. Here are some tips on how to clean a retainer, even when someone is on the move.

Bring a Cleaning Solution

If a person is going to be away from home for an extended period, it’s vital to bring a cleaning solution with them for their aligners. Retainer cleaning tablets can be purchased from the local pharmacy or dental office and are an excellent option for cleaning retainers when away from home as they are small and compact. All a person would have to do is drop one tablet in a glass of water and place their aligners in for about 20-30 minutes.

Rinse with Water

When someone is not at home and they don’t have their cleaning solution with them, rinsing a retainer with water is always good practice. As soon as the aligner is removed from a person’s mouth, they should give it a quick rinse under running water. This will help to remove any food particles or bacteria that may have accumulated on the retainer.

Bring a Retainer Case

If someone is on the go, they should always bring a retainer case with them. A retainer case can help protect aligners from damage and keep them clean when they are not being worn. For example, it’s essential to keep retainers in a case when a person is eating so that they don’t get lost or thrown away accidentally.

Brush Retainers Clean

If an individual doesn’t have a cleaning solution on hand, brushing aligners like they would their teeth is another good option. Brush retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Be gentle when brushing so no scratches or damage appear on the aligners. This will help to remove any plaque or bacteria that may have built up on the retainer.

Keep a Backup Pair of Aligners

Finally, when traveling away from home for a while, consider bringing a backup pair of aligners. This is particularly important if a person who wears clear aligners needs to be changed out every few weeks. This will help to ensure that a person’s teeth continue to move toward their desired position.

What Happens When Aligners Don’t Get Cleaned?

If someone neglects to clean their aligners, they may be undoing all their progress thus far. Failure to clean their clear teeth aligners can result in the accumulation of harmful bacteria, causing bad breath, tooth decay, and even gum disease over time. Not only can this compromise a person’s oral health, but it can also extend the duration of treatment, leading to unnecessary expenses and delays. Therefore, always make it a point to clean teeth aligners thoroughly.

Cleaning is Crucial

Clear aligners are a fantastic way to straighten teeth. However, only by keeping retainers clean and well-maintained will their effectiveness be ensured. Given a clear aligners price, it’s important they are as effective as possible. When on the go, follow the tips above to keep retainers clean and fresh. With a little effort, a person can keep their clear aligners from Florida or New York effective and keep their smile looking great.