How do you clean Essix retainers?

[k-boogie]

I got my braces off today! :party: I have a permanent retainer (only had braces on top teeth) and I also have an Essix retainer to wear at night.

The ortho assist said to just brush with clear water and not to soak them but I'm thinking how will just brushing with a toothbrush and water get rid of the bacteria that may accumulate?

[coconut]

I brush mine with a toothbrush/water. Once a week I soak them in the stuff you soak dentures in. I asked my ortho about this and he said it was OK to do it.

[livelavalive]

Toothbrush/water/soap.

The thing still looks greasy and I suspect that those things gave me the only three cavities I've had in my entire life.
Piece of garbage is what it is.

[Sunny]

A toothbrush and water is usually all that's needed. You should never eat or drink anything other than water when you have it in, so there's no risk of an essix retainer causing cavities.

Livelavalive ... if you have cavities, it's due to something you've done, not the retainer ... unless you didn't do things properly, like not eating or drinking (other than water) when you were wearing it.

[Bunny]

My ortho and my usual dentist has told me not to use toothpaste when brushing or cleaning the retainer as some toothpastes can be quite abrasive and may wear away the minute impressions. I use "retainer brite" and the cleaning tablets, it comes out sparkling!