These are my instructions to my patients when I fit their clear retainers for them:
- Rinse them with cold water every time you take them out of the mouth, if you wear them during the day time, you have to clean them after every meal too
- Use a medium toothbrush to physically scrub the retainers (both inside and out)
- Do not use toothpaste as it may scratch the surface
- You may buy specialised retainer cleaner e.g. Retainer Brite
Bearing this in mind, the clear retainers can be made using different types of materials and it is best to ask your own orthodontist what his/her regime is. When my patients come in to see me for a retainer check, I also do instruct for the retainers to be cleaned in the surgery if need be.
Clear retainers unfortunately do not last as long as the metal retainers, and hence if it is starting to show signs of wear, it may be time to have them replaced.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
