After getting my braces off, they give you those awful plastic retainers that you're suppose to wear to keep your teeth straight. I've been good about wearing them. Years later, I'm still wearing the same ones, which now kind of stink and are discolored a bit (don't really care) and have stuff on them which feels like cement.
I'm wondering what the best way to clean them is? The orthodontist told me before to use just mouthwash, but that doesn't do anything, other than make them smell like mouthwash until you wake up the next morning. I've also heard denture cleaner, the little tablets you throw into water. But, I haven't tried that yet. Does anyone have any good ideas as to what to clean them with? I know I'm not going to get the cement-like substance off of them totally, but just anything to some-what clean them would be helpful. Thanks!
By Ashley C.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
I think you need to be careful of heat, because could warp the retainer. So don't try very hot water. So I would try the denture tablets.
Try 50% vinegar and 50% water, my dentist recommended this for a denture soak, works really well.
Stain Away by Regent labs. 10 times better than any denture tablet. First time i would soak overnight. Usual time is 5 to 10 minutes soak. when done, pour solution into toilet and let soak for a sparkling place to potty.
Try scrubbing them with baking soda, rinse, and soak overnight in peroxide. This is what I use to clean my dentures
You mention you're wearing them 'years later' and I have to ask 'why'? Did your orthodontist tell you that you had to wear them forever? If so, I would get a second opinion because that makes no sense. I had braces for fours years (my teeth were so bucked when I first got braces that I could put my little finger in between the bottom and top teeth when they were closed and my bottom front teeth were almost completely sideways) and I only had to wear the retainers for less than a year after the braces came off; just long enough for the straightened teeth to have 'set'.
Soak the 'appliance' in white vinegar. I routinely soak mine overnight once a week. Do not use any kind of toothpaste, dental cream, etc. as it might ruin them. Elizabeth
Denture cleaning tablets are a very good idea. White vinegar and baking soda is another one. You could also call any orthodontist's office and ask one of the staff.
My daughter soaks hers over night in peroxide. It takes the smell away and makes them cleaner looking as well.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
