Cleaning
Cleaning your retainer on a daily basis is essential for reducing the risk of contamination and safeguarding the retainer’s aesthetic features.
Oral appliance cleaners help eliminate calcium build-up, accumulation of bacteria and prevent unwanted odors.
Because retainers made with the ClearBow have soldered joints, it is important to use an oral appliance cleaner that does not deteriorate the retainer’s metal work.
Below you will find a list of oral appliance cleaners that we have tested on retainers made with the ClearBow during a 5 month period between (February 2013 – June 2013). These products did not affect the ClearBow or the solder joints.
Important:
If you use a soaking type oral appliance cleaner like DentaSoak® or Retainer Splash™, be sure to follow steps 4 – 6 below after your orthodontic retainer is cleaned.
If you use a foam type oral appliance cleaner like Polident® Fresh Cleanse, be sure to follow steps 1 – 6 below.
Steps for cleaning your retainer
- Squirt the oral appliance foam cleaner on both sides of your retainer.
- Gently scrub both sides of the acrylic plate using your fingers. If necessary use a very soft bristled toothbrush.
- Use a wet cotton swab to gently clean the metal work and both surfaces of the ClearBow.
- Rinse the retainer.
- Gently pat the retainer dry prior to storing.
- Ensure your retainer case is clean and dry.
Oral appliance cleaners that can be used for retainers made with the ClearBow
DentaSoak®: http://www.dentasoak.com
Retainer Splash™: www.retainersplash.com
Polident® Retainer Cleaner tablets: http://www.expertsmiles.ca/Products.aspx?iso=en#PolidentSection
Polident® Fresh Cleanse: http://www.expertsmiles.ca/Products.aspx?iso=en#PolidentSection
Important
- Do not place your retainer in a microwave, oven or boiling water for cleaning your retainer.
- Do not use a hairdryer on high heat to dry off your retainer after cleaning.
- Do not use toothpaste, baking soda, mouthwashes or denture cleaning tablets for cleaning your retainer.