How to Take Care of Retainers, Night Guards & Aligners

Taking care of removable dental appliances is essential to letting them do their job: to bring or maintain your teeth in their new position.

So here are our top tips to help ensure that your retainer, aligner or night guard, as well as your teeth, are properly taken care of.

1. TAKE CARE DURING REMOVAL

Always use two hands whenever you place in or remove your removable dental appliance. Do not twist or pull it to one side or it may get damaged. Your dentist will guide you on looking after the more delicate components of your appliance.

hands rinsing a dental retainer under water

2. REGULAR CLEANING IS KEY

Establish a daily cleaning routine to ensure your retainer, aligner or night guard stays in good condition and keep any potential problems such as bad odours and stains at bay.

A soft bristled toothbrush and a set of dental retainers

3. ALWAYS USE A SOFT BRISTLED BRUSH

Use a daily cleansing tablet like Polident Retainer & Mouthguard cleanser tablets and then gently brush off any remaining food debris from your removable dental appliance using a soft brush (not your normal toothbrush). As well as keeping your dental appliance clean this will also help avoid scratching your appliance.

4. RINSE ON REMOVAL

After using a daily cleanser tablet, rinse your retainer under running water before putting it back in.

A steaming hot glass mug of tea on a table

5. AVOID EXTREME HEAT

Extreme heat will damage your retainer, aligner or night guard causing it to warp so never put it in boiling or very hot water or in a dishwasher.

dental retainer storage case and retainer

6.STORE IN A CASE

Protect your removable dental appliance by putting it in its own case when it is not being worn.

A man having a retainer fitted by a dentist

7. REPLACE WHEN NEEDED

If you find that your retainer, aligner or night guard does not fit as well as before, or you lose it, always ask for advice from your dental health professional to ensure there is no relapse in your treatment.

8. KEEP OUT OF REACH FROM CHILDREN AND PETS

Always keep your removable dental appliance out of reach of pets or children.

9. USE A SPECIALIST CLEANSING SOLUTION

Using a specialist dental appliance care cleansing solution, such as Polident Retainer & Mouthguard Cleanser, once a day can help ensure your retainer, aligner or night guard is kept clean and fresh.