Retainer Smell Issues??? PLEASE HELP!!!!

[BracedSurgeryStudent]

Hey, so I got my retainers same day my braces came off, May 16th, and now my retainers have started to smell my orthodontist told me to brush them with cold water, that didn't help, so I used peroxide and rubbing alcohol now it's worse, does anyone know anything I can do that won't warp them or take away the colour to them that will get this NASTY smell off them? My orthodontist is not helping she's like your spit probably dried on them too late sucks for you. haha. I need some help from people's experiences. Thanks

[bbsadmin]

It always amazes me when dentists and orthodontists don't tell their patients how to properly clean your retainers.

First of all, I need to know what sort of retainer you have. Is it clear plastic like Invisalign (Essix retainer), or is it acrylic and wire (Hawley?) If it is a Hawley retainer, does it contain globs of metal solder?

Answer these questions and I will help you figure out the correct way to clean it.

[BracedSurgeryStudent]

It's a Hawley Retainer, red, both top and bottom and min has the metal solder globs yep.

[bbsadmin]

Sorry that it took me so long to reply!

If it has metal solder, you should NOT soak it in Retainer Brite or any of the other soaking-type cleaners. Those will make the solder crumble after a few weeks. Find out whether the soldered pieces are absolutely essential. If not, then have your orthodontist remove them so that you can do deep cleanings on your retainer.

With metal solder, your only alternative is Cleanse Freshen Go spray, which you use with a toothbrush.

Without solder, you can use just about any retainer cleaning product (Retainer Brite, SonicBrite, or DentaSoak) and soak it to kill the bacteria that is causing the smell.

[richardsiggers]

what about buying some denture cleaner from the chemist? This should get rid of all smells offered an appliance.

[bbsadmin]

As I said, SOAKING a retainer that has solder will make the solder crumble and fall off. You cannot SOAK a Hawley retainer that has solder.

[BracedSurgeryStudent]

Thanks, the solder is only for the clips to keep the retainers in.