Reviewed by Dr. Neelab Anwar, board-certified orthodontist at Happier Smiles Orthodontics in Escondido, CA.
Direct Answer
To clean a retainer or clear aligner, brush it daily with a soft toothbrush and cool water plus a little dish soap, never toothpaste, and deep clean every week or two by soaking in a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water for 5 to 10 minutes. Always rinse before wearing, store it in a case, and never use hot water, which warps it.
One of the most common questions we get is how to properly clean and care for retainers and clear aligners. It matters, because a retainer that is not cared for can turn cloudy, smelly, or brittle and need replacing, and you wear a retainer for life. Here is the simple routine we give our Escondido patients.
How to Clean Your Retainer
- Clean daily, no toothpaste. Brush your retainer every day with a soft toothbrush. Skip toothpaste, which is abrasive and roughens and discolors the surface. Cool water with a little dish soap works great.
- Deep clean every week or two. Soak in a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water for 5 to 10 minutes, gently scrub with a toothbrush, and rinse well before wearing.
- Try retainer tablets. Products like Retainer Brite (available online) work well for a deeper clean. Scrub gently and rinse afterward.
- Use your case, and clean it too. So many retainers get sat on, stepped on, or tossed in the trash. Keep yours in its case, and wash the case daily with cool soapy water.
How to Clean Your Clear Aligners
Because you change clear aligners often, they do not build up as much as a retainer, and Spark® aligners are especially stain-resistant. Still, keep them clean:
- Take them out to eat or drink. Only water goes in your mouth while aligners are in.
- Brush gently, no toothpaste. Use a plain toothbrush, or a little gentle liquid soap and water.
- Brush your teeth before reinserting. After eating, brush before putting the tray back in to avoid cavities and cloudy aligners, and floss every night.
- Rinse in cool water each time you take them out. Keeping them moist helps keep them clean.
What to Avoid
- Do not use hot or boiling water; it melts and warps retainers and aligners.
- Do not use mouthwash or toothpaste; these stain and scratch them.
- Do not wrap them in a napkin; they get thrown away by accident.
- Keep them away from pets; dogs love to chew them.
- Do not put them in the dishwasher; the heat destroys them.
- Do not use cleaning wipes; those chemicals are not safe for your mouth.
- Most importantly, do not forget to wear your retainer every night. That is the only way to keep your teeth straight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dawn or other dish soap safe for cleaning retainers? A: Yes. A small amount of mild dish soap with cool water is one of the safest, most effective ways to clean a retainer or aligner daily. Just rinse well before you put it back in.
Q: Why does my retainer look cloudy or smell? A: Cloudiness and odor come from plaque and bacteria buildup, usually from skipping the deep clean or using toothpaste. A vinegar soak or retainer tablet, plus daily brushing, clears most of it.
Q: Can I boil my retainer to disinfect it? A: No. Boiling water and any hot water will warp the plastic and ruin the fit. Use cool water and a vinegar soak or retainer tablets instead.
Q: How do I keep clear aligners from turning yellow? A: Always rinse and brush them when you take them out, brush your teeth before reinserting, and never drink colored beverages with them in. A weekly soak keeps them clear.
Questions About Your Retainer? Visit Us in Escondido
If your retainer is worn down or you have questions about care, we are happy to help, and replacements are surprisingly affordable. Call (760) 743-2295 or request an appointment online. Happier Smiles Orthodontics is located at 203 E 3rd Ave in downtown Escondido, serving Escondido, San Marcos, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center.