Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining the results of your teeth straightening journey, especially after using clear aligners like Invisalign. But knowing how to clean retainers properly is just as important as wearing them.
At Optimal Dental Health, a holistic dentist near Baker Street, London, we’re committed to helping you care for your dental health with the most biocompatible, safe, and effective methods.
As a biological dentist London patients trust, we take a minimally invasive approach to dentistry and orthodontics. We use BPA-free materials when creating your custom retainers after teeth straightening, reflecting our commitment to your overall health and well-being. Let’s explore the best way to clean retainers and how a holistic approach makes all the difference.
Why Cleaning Your Retainer Matters
Your retainer is in close contact with your teeth and mouth tissues for many hours a day. Over time, bacteria, plaque, and tartar can build up on the surface, causing unpleasant odours, staining, or even gum inflammation. Without proper care, your retainer could even reintroduce harmful bacteria into your mouth after brushing.
Cleaning your retainer is essential not only for oral hygiene but also to preserve the longevity and safety of the appliance. At Optimal Dental Health, we believe this process should support your health, not compromise it with harsh chemicals or toxic materials.
The Best Way to Clean Retainers (Without Compromising Your Health)
As a holistic and biological dental practice in London, we recommend cleaning methods that are effective, natural, and safe. Here’s how to clean retainers the right way:
1. Rinse Immediately After Removal
Always rinse your retainer with cool or lukewarm water as soon as you take it out. This helps prevent plaque and saliva from hardening on the surface. Avoid hot water, which can warp the shape.
2. Brush Gently with a Soft Toothbrush
You can also use a soft toothbrush and a small amount of natural, non-abrasive, fluoride-free toothpaste to clean your retainer. Gently brush all surfaces, including the nooks and grooves where bacteria can accumulate.
Avoid scouring pads or metal brushes for cleaning, as these can scratch the plastic material and cause damage over time. As well as this, avoid cleaning with whitening toothpaste or anything with harsh chemicals that can damage the material.
3. Use a Natural Retainer Soak
For a deeper clean, we recommend soaking your retainer once or twice a week. Here’s a holistic and effective homemade soak:
- Mix: 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts lukewarm water
- Soak: Let your retainer sit for 15–20 minutes
- Rinse and Brush: Afterwards, rinse thoroughly and gently brush off any remaining residue
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Mouthwash
Never soak your retainer in mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide, especially those containing alcohol, fluoride or artificial colours. These substances can degrade the material over time and from a holistic perspective, may introduce unnecessary toxins to your mouth.
Baking Soda: A Natural, Holistic Method
Baking soda is a time-tested, natural cleanser that’s both safe and effective for cleaning retainers. We recommend baking soda as an excellent chemical-free alternative for keeping your retainers fresh and bacteria-free, without relying on synthetic detergents or abrasive agents.
Additional Tips for Retainer Care
- Store properly: Always keep your retainer in a well-ventilated case when not in use. Avoid wrapping it in tissue where it can be easily lost or exposed to bacteria.
- Keep away from pets: Dogs, in particular, love to chew on retainers!
- Clean your case regularly: Wash your retainer case with warm water and soap daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Cleaning Nightguards and Dental Splints the Natural Way
Just like retainers, nightguards, orthodontic appliances and dental splints sit in your mouth for hours at a time, often overnight, making them prone to buildup from saliva, plaque, and bacteria.
While these devices are slightly different in function (nightguards are typically used to prevent teeth grinding, while splints may help with TMJ issues or bite alignment), the approach to caring for them holistically is very similar.
- Daily Rinse + Brush
- After wearing your nightguard or splint, rinse it immediately with lukewarm water.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the same one you use for your teeth) to gently brush away any debris.
- Avoid using toothpaste, which can be too abrasive.
- Weekly Deep Clean Options
Try one of these natural soaks once or twice a week:
- Baking Soda Solution: Dissolve 1 tsp of baking soda in a cup of warm water and soak your appliance for 15–30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly before use.
- Vinegar Rinse (for odor and mineral buildup): Soak in a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water for 15 minutes, then rinse well. You can follow this with a quick baking soda rinse to neutralise the vinegar scent.
- Dry Thoroughly
Let your nightguard or splint air-dry completely in a clean, dry area before storing it in its case. Moisture invites bacteria and mold growth.
Extra Tips
- Never use hot water, as it can warp the shape of your device.
- Avoid storing in sealed cases while damp.
- If your nightguard starts to smell even after cleaning, it may be time to replace it or speak with your dentist in London.
Retainers and Dental Appliances at Optimal Dental Health
We provide custom retainers following teeth straightening in Baker Street using Invisalign or other discreet orthodontic systems. As a leading holistic dentist in London, our retainers are made using BPA-free, biocompatible materials, designed with your health and comfort in mind.
We also understand that every patient is unique. That’s why we offer holistic orthodontics, focusing on the relationship between your bite, airway, posture, and overall health. Our aim is not just straighter teeth, but optimal wellness from the inside out.
Why Choose a Biological Dentist in London?
Traditional dentistry often overlooks how dental materials and treatments affect your whole body. As a biological dental practice in London patients trust, we integrate the latest science with a natural, whole-body philosophy. This includes:
- Avoiding toxic substances like mercury and BPA
- Supporting natural healing and immune function
- Emphasising prevention over intervention
- Promoting materials and techniques that work in harmony with your body
When it comes to retainers, this means safe materials, careful fit, and clear guidance on keeping your device clean without compromising your health.
Book Your Teeth Straightening Consultation Today
Whether you’ve just completed your Invisalign journey or are considering teeth straightening in Baker Street, we’re here to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile naturally.
Visit Optimal Dental Health, your local holistic dentist near Baker Street, London, to learn more about our custom BPA-free retainers and whole-body orthodontic care. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from your first aligner to long-term retainer care.
Ready to protect your smile the natural way?
Contact us today to book your consultation by calling us on 020 3921 1000 or emailing our friendly team at hello@optimaldental.co.uk
