How To Deep Clean Invisalign Retainer In Vaughan
People often neglect to give their Invisalign retainer the care it needs after treatment, and it’s no real surprise. Most patients are focused on getting straight teeth and doing whatever it takes to make that happen. The cleaning part of the process just kind of falls by the wayside after it’s all over. We get that. But the truth is that’s one part of the process that’s just as important as anything else you did during the active treatment. If you don’t take care of your retainer, it can lead to a whole host of problems down the line. Root Canal treatment removes infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth, relieving pain and preserving the natural tooth while restoring its strength and function.
A deep clean is more than just a quick rinse and brush every morning. It’s a comprehensive process that gets rid of all the stuff that builds up on your retainer over time, such as germs, plaque, and mineral deposits, that a normal rinse and brush just can’t get rid of on their own. Every patient we send on their way after completing Invisalign treatment at Dentistry on the Pines gets a rundown on how to keep their retainer clean. We want the results we worked so hard to achieve to last as long as they possibly can. Teeth Whitening treatments safely and effectively remove stains and discoloration, using professional-grade solutions to brighten your smile and enhance your overall appearance.
One of the best ways to deep clean an Invisalign retainer in the Vaughan area is to soak it in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. We’ve found that mixing equal parts peroxide and lukewarm water, and letting the retainer soak for 20 to 30 minutes, does a great job of breaking down germs and light buildup without damaging the plastic. After soaking, give it a good rinse with some cool water before putting it back in your mouth. We find that doing this about once a week works a treat, especially if you’re also brushing and rinsing it every morning and night.
Lots of our patients swear by Invisalign cleaning pills and crystals for keeping their retainer in tip top shape. These are specifically designed for clear plastic retainers and aligners, so you don’t have to worry about them being too harsh or damaging. It’s as simple as dropping one into a glass of lukewarm water, putting the retainer in, and letting it soak for the recommended time.
One thing we always tell people to avoid is using hot water at any point in the cleaning process. Heat is one of the quickest ways to warp plastic, and if your retainer is warped it won’t fit properly over your teeth. And if it doesn’t fit right, it won’t keep your teeth in the right place either, which can slowly undo all the good work we did during your treatment. Always go for lukewarm or cool water when you’re cleaning or soaking your retainer.
Please don’t use toothpaste when deep cleaning your retainer. We get it, it’s part of your oral care routine, but most toothpastes contain mild abrasives that can scratch the plastic over time. And once that happens, it’s a lot harder to keep it clean. If you do need to give it a good brush, a soft toothbrush and some clear, unscented soap is a much better option.
We’re always happy to go over the details with anyone who wants to learn more about deep cleaning Invisalign retainers in Vaughan. Every patient is different, and sometimes it takes a chat with one of us to figure out the best way to tackle any issues you may be having.
At Dentistry on the Pines, we’re here to look after you long after the treatment is over, not just while you’re in the middle of it. So if you’ve got any questions or concerns about your retainer, give us a call anytime and we’ll do our best to keep you smiling for years to come.