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Orthodontists in Denver CO - Desktop logo
  • Our Practice
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3 Ways To Clean Your Retainer

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  • 3 Ways To Clean Your Retainer

Wearing a dental retainer is something that many people will never have to deal with. The constant tooth alignments and rough edges in the mouth are typically unfamiliar to most people. If you wear a retainer, it is probably because of the recommendations of professional dental protocols. Retainers are the best post-braces and post-orthodontic surgery appliances. Wearing them is essential to having great success with any dental procedure.

There are many ways to clean and restore retainers. Cleaning a dental retainer is a daily job that is personal, and best kept alone. This does not mean that retainer cleaning is off-putting. It just means that cleaning a retainer is something that is best experienced by the person wearing the retainer.

Brushing is a Good Retainer Cleaning Method

After regular tooth cleaning, dental retainers can be scrubbed with ordinary brushes. The polymer bristles on most brushes are strong enough to remove plaque and food particles from the surfaces of retainers. Daily retainer brushing after teeth brushing helps to preserve the surface of all dental appliances.

Overnight Soaking

The same solutions that denture wearers use to clean their partials are effective for thoroughly cleaning retainers. This is true for retainers that have composite and metal components. Soaking retainers overnight in a solution will remove built-up plaque and other materials. The bubbly action of a denture soak is absolutely perfect to clean any type of dental retainer.

Machine Cleansing is Great for Retainer Cleaning

Autoclave devices remove all foreign substances from a retainer. An autoclave cleaner is normally found only in professional dental offices. Autoclaves completely restore the surface of dental appliances and help to remove the most difficult stains, plaque build-ups, and bacterial colonies. If you are having particularly troublesome problems with your retainer, a professional autoclave cleaning might be necessary.

Wearing a retainer after certain dental procedures is normal. Retainers, however, can be sources of dirtiness in the mouth. It is absolutely essential that your retainer remains free of harsh bacterial and plaque substances. Regular home and professional cleaning of retainers keep these appliance free of harmful substances while keeping comfortable surfaces that are necessary for effective oral wearing and function.

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Delina G.
I was nervous about getting braces as an adult, but my experience with Speaks was excellent. The 2 ½ years went by quickly. Dr. Speaks and the staff were clear about the timeline and what I needed to do to ensure a good outcome. I got my braces off last year, a few days before my 30th birthday, and I’m still very happy with the results!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your experience at Speaks Orthodontics was positive and that you’re thrilled with your results. Enjoy your beautiful smile!
Melissa C.
My experience from start to finish with my orthodontic treatment at Speaks Orthodontics has been wonderful. Having to go back into orthodontics in your 30s isn’t ideal, but the team here made it smooth and comfortable. The free consultation was detailed and unhurried. The office is clean and comfortable. Every staff member is kind and helpful. Dr. Speaks’ bedside manner is top-notch, and not only did I get my teeth alignment fixed, he also helped me with evening my gumline out with a laser gingivectomy as part of my treatment. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for orthodontic treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Melissa! We're thrilled to hear that your experience with our team and Dr. Speaks exceeded your expectations. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to seeing you again!
LaPhonso S.
Loved my experience with Dr. Speaks and their team. All the the staff were super friendly and made me feel like they actually cared when I would go in. Had braces and got them off sooner than I expected and very happy with my results!! Highly recommend Speaks Orthodontics!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, LaPhonso! We're delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team and your satisfaction with the results. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
shareen M.
They have been so amazing with their follow up to all my questions. So much patience!!
Thank you
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Shareen! We're glad to hear that our team has been helpful and patient in addressing your questions. Your satisfaction is our priority!
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3141 Irving St. #201
Denver, CO 80211

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    Denver, CO 80211
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