Best Water Solution for Ultrasonic Retainer Cleaners

If you own an ultrasonic retainer cleaner, you probably want to see how much deeper a clean can be compared to just rinsing under the tap, and you definitely will once you start using one. However, many users do not consider this part of the equation: it's not only the device you use that matters, it's the liquid you fill the tank with. 

The incorrect solution can make your retainer less effective, less clean or leave you with an ingredient you don't want in your mouth. The right one, however, renders your ultrasonic cleaner a highly effective hygiene tool. What should you put in that tank then?

This article will explain the best water options for ultrasonic retainer cleaners, and what each of them actually does and how you can select the most appropriate one for you and your reason for keeping your retainer in the cleaner.

 Ultrasonic Cleaner Liquid.

The ultrasonic retainer cleaners generate high frequency waves that pass through a liquid medium and form millions of microscopic bubbles which collapse when they come into contact with surfaces, called cavitation. 

These implosions will remove bacteria, plaque, biofilm and debris from even the tiniest crevices of your retainer, where a toothbrush can't reach.

The key is here: cavitation only works as good as the liquid will allow. It is the basic medium, but the surface tension, mineral content and chemical makeup of water can all impact the efficiency of movement of the ultrasonic waves and the overall cleanliness of your retainer. 

The right additive to the water can make the process much better, the wrong additives can interfere with cavitation, cause damage to the materials used in the retainers or leave behind a damaging residue.

This is what makes any cleaning job great or good.

The Safe Starting Point: Plain Water

There's a reason why distilled or deionized water is recommended as the starting liquid for the majority of ultrasonic retainer cleaners. It has no minerals, chlorine or dissolved solids that could build up on the retainer or get in the way of cleaning, as with tap water. Hard tap water will over time scale the inside of the tank and the tank itself, which distilled water will prevent entirely.

Distilled water can be used for regular maintenance cleaning. Does not irritate any type of retainer (clear plastic, Hawley or wire), and has no chemical residue. This is the simplest and safest option if you're looking for the easiest, low-risk option.

Water alone does have its limitations. It does not actively sanitize, it does not physically remove stubborn mineral or protein deposits and it has no antibacterial action other than by physically removing the microorganisms. The correct additive to water makes all the difference for a more comprehensive yield.

Retainer Cleaning Tablets.

A very popular and dentist-recommended combination is distilled water and a retainer or tablet for cleaning dentures. These effervescent tablets are most popular, and when added to water they create a mild alkaline solution (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid), and in some formulations, low concentrations of antimicrobial agents.

The tablet solution, when used in an ultrasonic cleaner, generates a truly effective cleaning. Both chemically break loose plaque and biofilm, and the ultrasonic waves physically dislodge it. The majority of tablets are formulated to be safe with acrylic and wire components and so can be used with most types of retainers.

It is crucial to note that it's about concentration here. Always follow the manufacturer's dilution instructions and never use a tablet formulated for heavy load denture cleaning for delicate clear aligners, some tablets are too harsh for the very thin thermoplastic materials and may lead to cloudiness or micro-abrasions over time.

Mild Dish Soapy Water.

A mild detergent, such as a gentle dish soap added to distilled water is a tried-and-true cleaning solution for use in ultrasonic tanks. The action of soap is to lower the surface tension of water which helps the ultrasonic waves to travel with ease through the liquid and create a more powerful cleaning effect.

Take note of  mild water. Avoid dish soap with strong fragrance, antibacterial properties or dyes. Look for products that are labelled for sensitive use – the best bet is to find clear, unfragranced ones. Just 1 drop per tank will do, excess soap will not provide better results; excess sudsing will actually reduce cavitation.

Clean your ultrasonic retainer cleaner with any soap solution and then thoroughly rinse with cool running water before putting it back in your mouth.

Diluted Mouthwash Solutions

A few users mix a tiny bit of alcohol-free mouthwash into the water in their ultrasonic tank for the added advantage of antimicrobial properties and a pleasant fragrance. This might be a sensible idea, as long as the mouthwash is free of alcohol. Some mouthwashes containing alcohol may be harmful for certain retainers, especially clear plastic aligners.

A ratio of approximately 1:10 of mouthwash to distilled water is usually adequate. In addition to the antibacterial effect, retainers are not only cleaner after cleaning they also smell fresher. It's a feasible choice for consumers who desire something more than just water and don't wish to take the plunge into using tablet-based cleaning each time.

Things NOT to Put in your Ultrasonic Cleaner!

It is as crucial to understand what works as it is to understand what doesn't. Even diluted, bleach can be detrimental to retainer materials and to metal wire parts. 

Acrylics and high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are not always a good combination and are generally not necessary as there are other options available. Although vinegar is a popular home remedy, it will slowly wear away some types of retainers over time and has a lingering smell that is hard to remove from the retainer.

Another interesting thing to note is on hot water, tempting as it sounds for sanitizing purposes, heat may cause thermoplastic retainers to become permanently distorted. Never use hot water in the ultrasonic cleaner tank.