Skip to main content

Retainer Care Tips and Advice

Taking care of your removable dental appliance is important. So here are our Top 10 Tips that can help ensure your retainer, aligner or mouth guard, as well as your teeth, are properly taken care of. Always follow the directions given by your dental professionals.

1. REGULAR CLEANING IS KEY

Establish a daily cleaning routine, to ensure your retainer, aligner or mouth guard stays in a good condition and help keep any potential oral hygiene problems such as bad odors at bay.

2. ALWAYS USE A SOFT BRISTLED BRUSH

It's important to gently brush off plaque and food debris from your removable dental appliance every day and keep your teeth clean. We advise using separate toothbrushes to clean your teeth and your appliance.

A women removing her retainer

3. TAKE CARE DURING REMOVAL

Always use two hands whenever you put on or take off your removable dental appliance. Do not twist it or pull it to one side or it may get damaged.

4. RINSE ON REMOVAL

Rinse your retainer, aligner or mouth guard with lukewarm water after removal and before putting it back in.

5. AVOID HEAT

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

6. STORE IN A CASE

Care for your removable dental appliance by protecting it in its own case when it is not in use.

7. REPLACE WHEN NEEDED

If you find that your retainer, aligner or mouth guard does not fit as well as before, or you lose it, always contact your dental professional as quickly as possible.

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 CLEANING SOLUTION

Using a specialist retainer care cleaning solution once a day can help ensure your retainer, aligner or mouth guard is always clean.

Taking care of your removable dental appliance will not only help to make your teeth look good but also ensure that you make the most of your investment.