What to Use and What to Avoid in Your Ultrasonic Retainer Cleaner Water
The two most talked about problems are length of running and how often to clean but composition of that water is equally important. Ensuring you are simple to do and extends the life of your appliance,as well as, combined with the routine, makes it easier to keep your teeth under control.
Start With the Basics: Cool or Lukewarm Water
The foundation of every session is plain water, and temperature matters. Cool or tepid. The water should be cooled to the right temperature.
If the water is too hot this can cause distortion and change the fit of the appliance. Tap water will suffice for most people but if you have hard water and see deposits of minerals in your basin filtering the water is easy.
The basis of every session is plain water to begin with, and temperature really matters. Make sure that you do not use cold water, you want it to be cool or slightly warm.
Hot water distorts some dental devices and affects the true fit of the appliance. In principle tap water is all right. If you have hard water and you get deposits of minerals in the basin, then filtered water is quite easy to use.
What You Can Add to the Water
1. Cleaning Tablets Designed for Dental Appliances
Cleaning tablets that are used for cleaning dental appliances are the perfect additive to your ultrasonic retainer cleaner water.
These assist in loosening and rinsing off any visually evident deposited food, dirt or film on the surface during the cleaning operation. They should be used according to the manufacturer‘s instructions and be a non-colouring formulae for bleaching and coloring.
2. A Small Amount of Mild Liquid Soap
A small, unscented liquid soap in the water of your ultrasonic retainer cleaner can help peel surface oil and debris for some of your units. Using very sparingly too much foam may interfere with the cleaner. Rinse before putting it away.
What to Avoid Putting in the Water
1. Essential Oils
Essential oils should not be used in cleaning solutions for dental appliances. Because they are oil, they will coat the appliance with a film that cannot be rinsed off.
This oil coating also introduces an unwanted flavor and sensation to the appliance. Some oils can even attack specific plastics after a period of time. Premade cleaning tablets are a much better and fresher-tasting option.
2. Mouthwash
Many contain alcohol or color dyes that are not compatible with appliance material over a period of time and may stain. Do not leave mouthwash in the basin.
3. Bleach or Whitening Products
Be advised you can‘t use bleach or any strong whitening agent as it will significantly damage the appliance materials. Don‘t tumble it into the basin under any circumstances.
4. Hot or Boiling Water
Hot water is the leading cause of many of the most commonly warped appliances. Only use cold or lukewarm water in your ultrasonic retainer cleaner regardless of what else is being used.
5. Vinegar (Use With Caution)
White Vinegar has been suggested as a natural alternative to bleach. As it is much more dilute it will cause less damage. Its strong smell may be difficult to get rid of on the appliances and it's not meant for orthopaedic appliance use. Again consult your orthodontist before using.
The Simplest Rule to Follow
Do not use it without your dentist‘s permission. The most universally effective way to achieve a clean, clean-feeling result is plain, fresh cool water with a suitable cleaning tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
In my ultrasonic retainer cleaner can I use warm water instead of cool?
It is normally fine to use warm or tepid water. Hot water must be avoided as it can distort certain dental appliances. If in any doubt always use cool water.
Why can‘t I put the essential oils in my ultrasonic retainer cleaner water?
The residue is sticky/oily and won‘t rinse off the toothbrush or retainer very well and does affect some plastics. A cleaning tablet would give a more refreshing feel and no residue.
How many times do I need to change the water in my ultrasonic retainer cleaner? Change it after each use. Do not reuse water used previously. It is highly recommended to use fresh water for each use (for best cleaning results) otherwise, contamination from previous use is possible.
Can the ultrasonic retainer cleaner be operated without a tablet?
Yes, plain, cool water will still operate the ultrasonic cleaner and in fact will help to loosen surface deposits. Cleaning tablets are an added advantage for more stubborn deposits or staining.
Conclusion
The amount of water you use in your ultrasonic retainer cleaner will have a huge effect on how clean it gets and how long it lasts. Always use cool or tepid water, only the correct cleaning tablets to clean dental appliances, avoid essential oils, mouth wash, bleach and use cold water. Keeping it simple and consistent and it will shine.
This article is for general appliance-cleaning guidance. Follow all instructions of the dentist / orthodontist / appliance manufacturer /cleaning-tablet label. This product is designed to facilitate cleansing of relevant dental appliances, and not for providing medical / dental prostheses or sterilising/disinfecting.