Care Guide

Keep It Fresh.
Make It Last.

Retainers require love, too.
Proper care prevents smells, cloudiness, and breakage. Here is everything you need to know to protect your investment.

Need a Replacement?

The 3 Golden Rules

If you remember nothing else, remember this.

1. Never Use Hot Water

Clear retainers are thermoplastic. Hot water, dishwashers, and hot car dashboards will warp them instantly. Only use cool or lukewarm water.

2. No Toothpaste

Toothpaste contains abrasives (grit) meant for enamel. It scratches plastic, creating a cloudy look and tiny grooves where bacteria can hide. Use soap instead.

3. "In The Case"

"If it's not in your face, it's in the case!" Never wrap a retainer in a napkin at a restaurant. That is exactly how they get thrown in the trash.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Do this every single morning.

  • Rinse Immediately: As soon as you take them out, rinse with water. Saliva hardens into tartar if it dries on the plastic.
  • Soft Brush & Soap: Use a separate soft toothbrush and a drop of clear liquid hand soap or dish soap.
  • Scrub Gently: Brush the inside (where teeth sit) and outside gently. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Deep Cleaning / Tartar

Do you see white spots or buildup? That is calcium/tartar. Regular brushing won't remove it.

The "White Vinegar Soak"

Cheap, effective, and safe.

  1. Mix 50% Water + 50% White Vinegar.
  2. Soak retainers for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Brush gently with toothbrush.
  4. Rinse well. The acid dissolves the buildup!

*You can also use Retainer Brite® tablets if you prefer store-bought cleaners.

Retainer "Enemies"

Dogs

This is not a joke. Dogs are attracted to the smell of saliva and materials in the plastic. They will chew your retainer in seconds. Keep the case closed and high up!

Napkins

Wrapping your retainer in a napkin during lunch is the #1 way they get thrown away accidentally by waitstaff or parents. Always use your case.

Boiling Water

Trying to "sanitize" retainers in boiling water will melt them into a plastic ball. If you are sick and want to sanitize, use a vinegar soak or retainer cleaner tablets.

Pro Tip: Keep a spare case in your backpack, purse, or car. You can buy extra cases on Amazon or pick one up at our office!

Retainer Care FAQs

Why does my retainer smell?
Smells are caused by bacteria and plaque buildup. This means you aren't brushing it thoroughly enough. Try the vinegar soak method mentioned above to kill the bacteria, and ensure you are brushing it with soap every morning.
Can I use mouthwash to soak it?
Avoid colored mouthwash (like blue or green Listerine) as it can stain the plastic over time. Also, mouthwash often contains alcohol which can dry out acrylic retainers (Hawley) and make them brittle.
It turned cloudy. Why?
Cloudiness is usually caused by micro-scratches from using toothpaste, or calcium buildup. If it's calcium, a vinegar soak will clear it up. If it's scratched, it will stay cloudy but still works perfectly fine.
How long do retainers last?
Clear (Essix) retainers typically last 6 months to 2 years, depending on if you grind your teeth. Hawley (Wire) retainers can last 5-10 years. If yours is cracked or has holes, it's time to replace it.
Can I drink with retainers in?
You can drink cool water. Remove them for coffee (heat warps/stains), soda (sugar gets trapped and causes cavities), or wine (stains).
How do I know if it needs replacing?
If the plastic is cracked, has holes worn through the biting surface, or feels loose (falling out when you speak), it is no longer holding your teeth effectively.
Time for a Refresh?

Is Your Retainer Gross or Broken?

Don't let your teeth shift because of a bad retainer. We can 3D print a fresh new one for you quickly.