Many people see an orthodontist because they want to improve their appearance and dental health by straightening their crooked teeth, and part of their treatment can involve wearing a retainer. If your orthodontist in Barrington recently provided you with a retainer, then there are several things that you should or shouldn’t do to keep it in great condition. 
Invisalign Aligner Care
To give your Invisalign aligners a thorough cleaning, start by rinsing them under warm, running water. Second, fill your Invisalign Cleaning Tub with warm water. Then, pour one pack of Invisalign cleaning crystals into the water. Now, submerge your aligners in the solution and allow them to soak for about 15 minutes. Next, remove your aligners and give them a rinse before scrubbing their surfaces and then rinsing them once more. When caring for your Invisalign aligners, do not place them in hot water or brush them with an abrasive toothpaste.
Traditional Retainer Care
There are several recommended cleansers available for traditional retainers, and most denture or retainer cleansers should be fine for this purpose. Care for your retainer using a cleanser recommended by your orthodontist, and be sure to use it as directed. If you know that you are allergic to persulfates, then mention this to your orthodontist and learn what non-persulfate cleansers you can use to care for your retainer. When bathing your retainer in a cleansing bath, do not shake the cleansing box with the retainer inside. Also, avoid exposing your retainer to any mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
Mouthguard and Nightguard Care
To provide your mouthguard or nightguard retainer with a good cleaning and to prevent debris or odors from accumulating on its surface, you can soak the retainer in a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water for 5 to 10 minutes. To help your mouthguard or nightguard last, do not expose the retainer to excessive heat or keep it where your pets might get a hold of it.
