How do I clean my plastic retainer for my teeth?

[SmoothAvocado]

I have a plastic retainer to wear on my teeth at night. I wash it out in water and once in a while, using retainer brite but it's getting increasingly smelly and the white/yellow dirt on it won't brush off and there's little black spots on it too.

It's pricey and custom made so can't just get a new one. Any tried and tested ideas on how to get it as clean as possible? Thanks

My dd was told to wash hers using hand wash or washing up liquid every day and then every few weeks use retainer brite. She uses a cotton bud to get into nooks and crannies

I am pretty sure I used to wash the one I had as a teen every morning with toothpaste and a brush.

I am in no way knowledgeable about this area but I would hazard a guess that Miltons that cleans and sterilises baby’s bottles and teats would do a similar job on retainers. Just rinse it very well afterwards so it doesn’t aggravate sensitive gums.

You should brush it with toothpaste the same way you do your teeth - every day twice a day. It's been on your teeth all day, why would you not treat them the same as your teeth?

Hold it flat in your palm when you brush it so it doesn't flex.

If it's getting mouldy (which it sounds like it might be from the black spots) it might be too far gone and you'll need to get another one from your orthodontist.

Surely they covered basic care of your retainer when they gave it to you?

^ I was about to say dilute Miltons and very very well rinsed and air dried.

Honestly OP if its smelly and mildewy please don't put that back in your mouth tonight. Call your orthodontist and ask for advice. It sounds like you haven't cleaned it properly ever and I think it might need replacing.

I got DD a small brush to clean hers with and they advised sterident. Both her and DS have retainers to use it night one for grinding and the other to keep her teeth in place after her brace but they both say they smell.

We were told not to use toothpaste as it's too abrasive. We were told to use hand wash/washing up liquid

I have one too and it has gone yellow :(

My dentist said to just wash with water every morning, but that doesn't get rid of the smell or the discolouration. I use a toothbrush and toothpaste most mornings now, stops the smell but it has gone yellow unfortunately.

Well my orthodontist told me to brush my plastic retainers with toothpaste twice a day. Mine are going on 5 years old now and aren't yellow or abraded, so I'd say it worked for mine.

I use a denture brush and washing up liquid. I also use retainer brite occasionally after scrubbing it.

Thanks for the replies. Mine are around 5 years old too. I was told not too use toothpaste on it as it’s abrasive like a previous poster said. Is it too late to rescue it do you think?

Gross pics attached (apologies) hard to tell if the black spots are mould but I guess there’s no other plausible explanation for what it could be

I use steradent tablets, the ones you buy for dentures. That's what my dentist suggested. Use cold water and only for 20 minutes or so, not overnight.

Another vote for toothbrush and toothpaste. I have nightmares about having mine in and trying to kiss someone every now and again strange!

I would get a soft brush and try washing up liquid on them. They look a bit grim though. Maybe try the milton a pp suggested too

You should really call your orthodontist and ask. They might be able to clean them or you might need replacements.

Should've said I only use steradent once or twice a week.

Don’t use toothpaste on it it will stop it being clear. I soak mine in a strerident tablet every morning (the blue ones are best). You can buy retainerbrite from amazon that is specifically for retainers but it’s just the same.

Just seen the picture- do not put that anywhere near your mouth. Use a toothbrush to clean it with cold water then soak in sterident. I would also bin the toothbrush afterwards.

Alternatively buy a new retainer from your dentist?

Definitely steradent tablet, mine went a yellowish colour and I used to brush with toothpaste every night

Just buy say Sainsburys own brand denture tablets 90p or Boots. Tesco any own brand
Pop in tumbler with water put guard in 20 mins or longer up to you. Back to clear again

That’s all it takes

Retainer Brite

I think you can get it in places like Boots, but I always use Amazon. I use a tablet about once a week. Many years down the line there are a few chalky deposits in the nooks and crannies of the retainer, but the Retainer Brite gives it a good clean from time to time. Between times I just brush it under the tap.

I use the tablets you use for dentures on mine but you're supposed to get the actual retainer replaced approximately every 2 years. Shouldn't be a huge expense as they have all your moulds already.

Yep tooth paste and brusgh I recall. (I have had 2 in the past.)

I was also told no toothpaste as it'll make it feel rough on the outside.

I usually clean min with water and my tooth brush each morning when I take it out and store it upside down so it dries. Wash once a week with some washing up liquid and a toothbrush. Mine's 5 years old and looks completely clear still.

My OH has one and steeps it with a denture cleaning tablet every so often- seems to work well for him. Hope it works for you