Skip to content
Koch Orthodontics Logo
Koth Orthodontics Logo
  • (770) 962-9560
  • Patient Forms
  • Refer a Patient
  • Our Practice
    • About us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Meet Our Team
    • Community Involvement
    • Sponsorships
    • Career Opportunities
    • Patient Reviews
  • Braces
    • Types Of Braces
    • Braces For Kids
    • Braces For Teens
    • Braces For Adults
    • Braces FAQ
  • Invisalign
    • What Is Invisalign?
    • Invisalign For Kids
    • Invisalign For Teens
    • Invisalign For Adults
    • Invisalign FAQ
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • About Our Treatment
    • Orthodontic FAQ
    • Common Orthodontic Issues
    • Patient Care Instructions
    • Koch’s Kids Club
    • Patient Portal
    • Refer a Patient
    • Financial Information
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Free Consult
Free Consult
Koch Orthodontics Logo
  • Our Practice
    • About us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Meet Our Team
    • Community Involvement
    • Sponsorships
    • Career Opportunities
    • Patient Reviews
  • Braces
    • Types Of Braces
    • Braces For Kids
    • Braces For Teens
    • Braces For Adults
    • Braces FAQ
  • Invisalign
    • What Is Invisalign?
    • Invisalign For Kids
    • Invisalign For Teens
    • Invisalign For Adults
    • Invisalign FAQ
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • About Our Treatment
    • Orthodontic FAQ
    • Common Orthodontic Issues
    • Patient Care Instructions
    • Koch’s Kids Club
    • Patient Portal
    • Refer a Patient
    • Financial Information
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • (770) 962-9560
  • Patient Portal
  • Refer a Patient
  • Español
Free Consult
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

How to Clean Retainers – Tips from Orthodontist in Lawrenceville

A Smile Can Change Everything

Clean Retainers
  • Koch Orthodontics
  • | May 13, 2020
You are probably celebrating your new smile after completing your initial orthodontic treatment. Now that your braces are off, your orthodontist will get customized retainers designed for you, which you will have to wear for a year or so to ensure that your teeth do not shift back to their previous positions. Although you are allowed to remove your retainer when drinking, eating, or attending a social event, it needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.

How to Clean Your Retainers

There are various types of cleaning products available for cleaning retainers. Let’s discuss some of the best options here:

Using water to clean your retainers is one of the best cleaning solutions. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant, and it is an effective substance for cleaning retainers. Soaking your trays in a baking soda and water solution whitens the retainers that may have turned yellowish, gets rid of bacteria, and maintains the pH balance in your mouth.

White vinegar is also a natural disinfectant. Soaking your retainers in vinegar and water solution removes calcium and mineral deposits on the retainers and also eliminates odors and bacteria.

Castile soap is a safe and effective way to clean retainers. It is easy to make your own castile soap solution. You just have to mix coconut oil with olive oil. You can also buy castile soap from the store near you.

Water

  • Washing your retainers while brushing your teeth discourages the growth of bacteria. You can also swish some water in your mouth a few times if your retainer feels dirty.
  • Do not allow retainers to dry out as they become more prone to damage. Soak them in distilled water every time you take them out. If you do not have a container to soak them in, or if the retainer is dirty and you cannot clean it right away, you can soak it in a damp paper towel.
  • Your retainer case needs to be cleaned regularly too. Clean it once a day before you put the retainer away. Use warm soapy water to gently scrub the surfaces, rinse it off and pat to dry.

Baking Soda

  • Make a paste by mixing equal amounts of baking soda and water. The paste should be thick enough to stick to your retainer.
  • Apply the paste onto the retainer with the help of a soft toothbrush. Brush gently and rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any residue.

Vinegar

  • Combine equal parts of water and vinegar in a bowl or dish.
  • Soak your retainer for at least 20 minutes in the solution.

Castile Soap

  • Mix a small amount of castile soap with warm water.
  • Soak the retainer into the mixture.
  • Use a soft toothbrush to scrub it.
  • Ensure that you rinse your retainer with water before putting it back in your mouth.
  • Repeat the process as often as necessary.

Retainer Cleaner

If you do not have the time or desire to make your own retainer cleaning solution, you can buy retainer cleaners from the store. Follow the instructions given on the packaging. Your orthodontist will be able to recommend a retainer cleaner that is best for you.

How NOT to Clean Your Retainer

Many people do not practice the correct methods for cleaning their retainers. This can be a costly mistake because it can cause damage to your retainers. Do not make the following cleaning mistakes:

Can you clean a retainer with mouthwash?

One common myth is that you can clean your retainer with mouthwash. Anything that contains alcohol is not good for your retainers. And mouthwash has alcohol. It is less effective in cleaning the retainers, and it also dries out your retainers, making them more prone to damage.

Can you clean a retainer with toothpaste?

Do not attempt to clean your retainer with toothpaste. It’s great for cleaning your teeth, but not your retainers. Toothpaste contains abrasive compounds that are good for scrubbing your enamel clean. Your enamel is tough and can handle it. But if you use toothpaste to clean your retainers, it will damage the delicate materials of your retainer.

Household cleaning agents, such as bleach, are too harsh on something that would go back into your mouth. The harsh chemicals in cleaning agents get absorbed by the retainer and dry it out.

Denture cleaners are sometimes used as retainer cleaners, but they are not the same. Many of dental cleaners contain persulfate, a chemical labeled as an allergen by the FDA. Dental cleaners can remove the buildup, but they can also cause damage to your retainer. If you continue using denture cleaners as retainer cleaners, they can change the color of your retainer. Use only as an emergency solution.

Carbonated drinks like cola are effective cleaners on different materials but definitely not on retainers. Using these drinks to clean retainers is a great way to create a breeding ground for bacteria in your mouth.

Boiling the retainer in water will distort the shape of your retainer. In fact, the water doesn’t even need to be boiling to change the shape of the soft materials used in your retainer. The distorted shape of the retainer affects the way it interacts and guides your teeth.

Final Thoughts

Your retainer goes into your mouth and is in direct contact with your teeth. If it is not cleaned, it can cause bacterial growth, plaque, and tartar buildup in your teeth. Therefore, it is important to keep your retainer clean and odor-free, and it is equally important to know how to properly clean your retainer.

If you need more information on how to clean your retainers or if you are thinking about orthodontic treatment, contact Koch Orthodontics, your orthodontist in Lawrenceville.

Favicon

request an appointment

Get Started Today

Today is a great day to get started with orthodontic treatment. Simply request a free consultation below to take your next step!

Request Free Consult
PATIENT REVIEWS

Our 5-Star Experience

Check out what our patients are saying about their experience with our amazing doctors and team!

read More
Sarah L.
Koch orthodontics Lawrenceville ga has been our go to orthodontist for more than 8 years. From my Invisalign as an adult to three sets of my children’s braces. The office is clean and well organized. Koch orthodontics is known for their experience. And beat happy culture where all the team members are helpful and always working to provide the best experience to all their patients. I have a child who is high anxiety and they are able to calm him and work with him. The front desk is great at taking care of you from your first visit through your last. If you are looking for an orthodontist that office that has the experience and the history of consistent results making an appointment is in your best interest. Even if you think you found someone make sure you get a second opinion here you will see the difference. #kochorthodonticslawrenceville #kochorthodonticsgwinnett #orthodontistgwinnett #bracesgwinnett #braceslilburn #bracesnellville #invisaligngwinnett #invisalignlawrenceville #invisalignlilburn #invisalignsnellville
Daniela M.
Wao!!! Incredible, everyone is very friendly and it's a very comfortable place. You don't really realize you have to leave, you feel at home. They are very good at what they do and in patient care, everyone is excellent. Thank you very much for your service.
Rene V.
Amazing experience as ALWAYS! Very clean & the staff is sweet. Will be coming back with my son for his braces.
Response from the owner:Hi Rene! We can't wait to make your sons smile shine! Thank you so much for the kind review!
Dianne V.
Absolutely love this orthodontist!! No words they always go above and beyond! If I could I would give them more then 5 stars. The office is super clean and nurses are very caring and kind.
Response from the owner:Hi Dianne! One of our core values is going above and beyond the expected. We are so glad that you have had a great experience in our office!
Telkins
Really good customer service shout Tiffany and davante they get me right every time
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the shoutout! We’re thrilled to hear that you were so happy with Tiffany and Davante. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to seeing you at your next visit! 😊
Colby B.
Best service ever!! Always so welcoming and friendly. My teeth look amazing!!!
Adrienne D.
Love this place very clean and friendly! Davante makes my day every visit ! He is very kind and knowledgeable . Shout out to him! Thank you team!
Response from the owner:Adrienne Dorman – 🌟 Thank you, Adrienne! We’re so happy you enjoy your visits, and we’ll be sure to pass the shout-out to Davante! See you next time! 😊
Chris D.
We love Koch orthodontics. The whole staff is amazing and my daughter is so happy with her results from her braces. I highly recommend them for anybody for any orthodontic needs.
Taylor R.
They did amazing on my teeth. Everyone was nice in the office. Definitely recommend!
Response from the owner:Hi Taylor! Thanks so much for the kind review! We are so happy that you love your smile!!
Dasanie O.
Everyone is so welcoming and I love the people who have helped me today. Very sweet and kind and very welcoming.
Response from the owner:Hi Dasanie! We always strive to make sure our patients have the best experience possible! Thank you for the kind review!
Financial Wealth F.
Devonte was amazing at Koch Orthopedics he is amazing and we love this office. Everyone is so nice and kind.
Response from the owner:Hello! We agree that Devonte is a gem! Thank you for the kind review!
TWI 7.
The customer service was amazing. I'm so excited for my daughter's journey
Response from the owner:Thank you, Tawana! 🌟 We're thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team, and we're equally excited to be part of your daughter's orthodontic journey. Welcome to the Koch Orthodontics family!
Sherri D.
Davante is back at it again!!! He’s always amazing! My daughter loves to come see him. He's kind and gentle while we irking on my daughter’s braces. She’s always happy to see him!
Response from the owner:Hi Sherri! 😊 Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted that your daughter looks adorable in her new braces—helping families like yours is what makes our work so rewarding! 🥰 We’re glad you had a great experience with our staff and appreciated the fast service. We look forward to continuing to care for your family’s smiles! 😁
AngelaTasia H.
We always have the best experience here! 🥰
Response from the owner:Hi Angela Tasia! We are so glad that you have had a great experience in our office! We always strive to provide the best care to all of our patients.
Elise
10/10 – Highly Recommend!
All the staff are super friendly and welcoming. They really take the time to work with you, and the payment plans are very manageable. I appreciate how flexible and understanding they are. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for great service and support
Response from the owner:Hi Elise! You just made our day! Our team loves making every smile as stress free as possible. We're so glad you felt welcomed and supported! Can't wait to see you at your next visit!
Our locations

Come visit us

We have convenient locations in Lawrenceville and Loganville, and we serve everyone in the surrounding areas! Come visit us at one of our locations or contact us using the info below. We can’t wait to meet you and your family soon!

Loganville
Lawrenceville
Addresses
Lawrenceville
  • 55 Towler Rd.
    Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Loganville
  • 4763 Atlanta Hwy, Ste 380
    Loganville, GA 30052
Phone
  • (770) 962-9560
Koth Orthodontics Logo
Request Free Consult
Quick Links
  • Our Practice
  • Braces
  • Invisalign
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact Us
  • Our Practice
  • Braces
  • Invisalign
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact Us
Contact Info
  • Lawrenceville
  • Loganville
  • (770) 962-9560
Follow Us
© Copyright 2025 Koch Orthodontics | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Accessibility
Marketing & Web Design by HIP Creative