If you have Essix retainers, congratulations! You’re on your way to having straight teeth. But now that you have them, it’s important to learn how to take care of them so they last.
Here are some tips on how to clean Essix retainers at home:
The first step is to gather your supplies. You will need: a toothbrush, toothpaste, water, and dish soap.
Then, you will want to remove your retainer from your mouth and rinse it off with water. Next, you will brush your retainer with toothpaste and a toothbrush. Be sure to brush all of the surfaces of the retainer, front and back.
Finally, rinse off the retainer with water and dish soap. This will help remove any remaining bacteria or plaque from the surface of the retainer.
Once you have cleaned your retainer, be sure to put it back in its case so it doesn’t get lost or damaged.
And that’s it!
How to Clean Retainers (Hawley, Essix, Clear, etc)
- Rinse your Essix retainer with lukewarm water
- Do not use hot water as this can cause the retainer to warp
- Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a cup of lukewarm water to create a cleaning solution
- soak your Essix retainer in the solution for about 30 minutes
- brush your retainer with a toothbrush dipped in the solution, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies
- rinse your retainer thoroughly with lukewarm water and allow it to air dry before putting it back in your mouth
How to Clean Clear Retainers
If you wear clear retainers, congratulations! You’re on your way to having straight teeth. But as with anything else in life, taking care of your retainers is important if you want them to last.
Here are some tips on how to clean clear retainers:
1. Rinse your retainers with water after each meal or snack. This will help remove any food particles that may be stuck to them.
2. Brush your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste at least once a day. Be sure to brush all surfaces of the retainer, including the wires and plastic areas.
3. Soak your retainer in a denture cleaner or mild bleach solution for at least 10 minutes once a week.
This will help kill any bacteria that may be lurking on your appliance.

Credit: askthedentist.com
How Can I Clean My Plastic Retainer at Home?
It’s important to clean your plastic retainer regularly to prevent plaque buildup and bad breath. Here are some tips on how to clean your retainer at home:
1. Rinse your retainer with warm water after eating or drinking.
This will help remove any food particles or bacteria that may be clinging to the appliance.
2. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush your retainer just as you would your teeth. Be sure to get all the nooks and crannies!
You can also use denture cleaner tablets if you’d like, but regular toothpaste is fine too.
Just be sure to rinse it well afterwards so it doesn’t taste funky when you put it back in!
Can I Brush My Essix Retainer?
Yes, you can brush your essix retainer with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You should brush your retainer every time you brush your teeth to keep it clean.
What Can I Soak My Plastic Retainer in to Clean It?
If you have a plastic retainer, you can soak it in a denture cleaner to clean it. You can also use vinegar or baking soda to make a cleaning solution. Soak your retainer in the solution for 30 minutes, then brush it with a toothbrush.
Rinse well and dry before putting it back in your mouth.
How Can I Make Clear Retainers Clear Again?
If your clear retainer has become discolored or stained, there are a few things you can do to clean it. First, soak the retainer in warm water with a denture cleaning tablet for about 30 minutes. You can also brush the retainer with toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
If these methods don’t work, you can try soaking the retainer in white vinegar for a few hours. Be sure to rinse the retainer thoroughly before putting it back in your mouth.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to clean your Essix retainers at home, there are a few things you can do. First, you can soak them in a denture cleaner or vinegar solution. You can also brush them with toothpaste and water.
If you have stubborn stains, you can try using hydrogen peroxide.