After months (or years) of orthodontic treatment, there’s no better feeling than seeing your newly aligned smile. Once the braces or clear aligners come off,  your retainers step in to do some quiet, but important, work.

Retainers help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position and maintains all the progress you’ve made. Whether you’ve had traditional braces, clear aligners, or just a few small adjustments, your retainer is the key to maintaining those results for the long run.

Types of retainers

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Each type has its own purpose and care routine:

• Hawley retainers (removable) : sit comfortably on the roof of your mouth and are made of acrylic and metal. They’re durable and can be adjusted by your dentist if needed.
• Clear Essix retainers (removable) : are thin, transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth—similar to Invisalign aligners. They’re discreet but can be more prone to scratches if not handled with care.
• Nightguard (removable) : A thicker plastic retainer that is for people who clench and grind their teeth at night. In some cases, these appliances may also act as a retainer ‍
• Bonded wire retainers (fixed) : are small wires bonded to the back of your teeth. Because they stay in place, they’re especially helpful for patients whose teeth are more likely to shift back over time.

Why cleaning matters

You’ve probably heard a few myths about retainer care. Some people think brushing your teeth is enough to keep your retainer clean, while others skip brushing it entirely because they’re worried about scratches. The truth? Retainers need their own cleaning routine to protect your oral health and help them last longer.

Here’s what we at The Assembly recommend to our patients for keeping your retainer in great shape:

Daily Cleaning

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (separate from your regular brush) with lukewarm water and a small amount of dish soap. Some toothpastes are too abrasive and can scratch plastic retainers, so it’s best to skip them. For clear retainers, use a cotton swab to reach the smaller grooves and edges. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Allow your retainer to air dry when not in use.

Weekly deep clean

Baking soda works as a gentle disinfectant and can help brighten yellowed retainers. Mix equal parts baking soda and water into a paste thick enough to coat the surface. Brush lightly and rinse well. If you have a Hawley retainer, avoid soaking it too often—over time, moisture can corrode the metal parts.

Retainer cleaners

If you prefer using a cleaning tablet, choose one that’s dentist-recommended and designed for retainers. Follow the product instructions carefully, soaking the retainer in lukewarm water (never hot) for the suggested time. Avoid soaking it for long periods of time as some retainer materials are porous and will not preserve well in moisture. Also, avoid any alcohol-based solutions as they can discolor and weaken the retainers (such as alcohol-based mouthwashes). 

Fixed Retainers

Fixed retainers are bonded in place, so you’ll clean them the same way you clean your teeth. Flossing is essential—either with regular floss and a threader or a water flosser for easier access. Just like your teeth, these retainers benefit from regular checkups and professional cleanings.

Everyday habits to protect your retainer

• Always use a case. If it’s not in your mouth, it should be in its case—never in a pocket or wrapped in a napkin. Those are the quickest ways for it to get lost or damaged.
• Clean the case, too. Wash it daily with warm, soapy water and let it dry before storing your retainer.
• Avoid heat. Hot drinks, car dashboards, or dishwashers can warp plastic retainers—once that happens, they won’t fit properly again.

Replace when needed. Essix retainers typically last 6 months to 2 years; Hawley retainers can last up to a decade with proper care. If yours feels loose or doesn’t fit well, contact us.

Signs your retainer needs attention

Here are a few things to keep an eye on when it comes to your retainer:

• Your retainer is damaged, lost, or no longer fits comfortably: Teeth can begin to shift back more quickly than you might expect.
• Buildup that doesn’t come off with gentle cleaning: Whether it’s tartar, mineral deposits, or cloudy residue, it can be safely removed with professional tools and solutions.

If any of this sounds familiar, it's worth getting checked out. Retainers can shift over time, and small issues are easier to address early. Bring it in and let us take a look. We'll check the fit, and make sure everything's holding up the way it should.