10 Best Retainer Cleaners (Dental Hygienist-Reviewed)
In this guide, prepared with Dental Hygienist Jaeyoung Yoo, we’ll go over the factors you should consider when choosing a retainer cleaner that’s right for you, plus a tip for keeping your retainers in tip-top condition. We’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites to help you get started. Read on to find out why!
Quick List - Top Retainer Cleaner
Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.
An Anti-Bacterial Cleaner That Works in 3 Minutes
Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.
Effortless Clean, Fresh Confidence
Jaeyoung is an oral health educator and dental disease preventer passionate about paving the way for patients to embark on their journey to proper oral hygiene. She graduated from UNC School of Dentistry in 2018 and served on the UNC SOD SPURGEON Student Government. She's always trying to keep up with new dental research articles and products to help her patients choose compatible products that work with their lifestyles. She's also a coffee lover and mom to two Bengal cats and multiple plants!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Why Do You Need a Retainer Cleaner?
- 9 Best Retainer Cleaners
- No. 1M3 Naturals | Retainer Cleaner
- No. 2Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. | Efferdent®｜Plus Mint Anti-Bacterial Dental Appliance Cleanser Tablets
- No. 3Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. | Anti-Bacterial Dental Appliance Cleanser Tablets
- No. 4Retainer Brite | Retainer Cleaner Tablets for Invisalign
- No. 5Retainer Brite | Cleaning Tablets
- 5 more products
- How to Properly Clean Your Retainer
- Extra Tips From Dental Hygienist Jaeyoung Yoo
Why Do You Need a Retainer Cleaner?
Dental Hygienist Jaeyoung Yoo evaluates what retainers are for and why you need to be careful when taking care of them.
Retainers Retain Teeth Shape
There are three different types of retainers: Hawley retainers, clear plastic retainers (Essix, Vivera, or others), or fixed or bonded retainers. In this article, we will discuss how to keep plastic retainers clean.
After the long journey of orthodontics treatment, your orthodontist will make you a retainer that is needed to retain the shape and position of all your teeth. Some people also have retainers to wear at night to prevent jaw pain from clenching and grinding.
Clean Them to Maintain Fresh Breath
We all have bacteria in our mouths, but we keep our oral health in good shape by flossing and brushing. The retainers hug your teeth tightly, so your teeth can quickly build up bacteria and tartar. These bacteria, or plaque, will get into the grooves and buildup in the retainers while in usage and can lead to strange odors and gunk buildup.
Retainers can also get stained easily. It's important that patients keep their retainers clean for fresher breath and a healthier mouth. Brushing the retainers alone or soaking them in mouthwash will not get rid of the stains and all of the bacteria.
In fact, soaking retainers in mouthwash that contains alcohol can harm your retainers' plastic structure. To effectively remove bacteria and stains in retainers, a retainer cleaner is needed. Another benefit of using a retainer cleaner would be to kill cocci bacteria.
According to a study on Essix retainers, researchers found that tablets were effective at removing Streptococcus bacteria which causes strep throat. Take a look below for suggestions on what kinds of products you can buy to clean your retainers!
How to Choose a Retainer Cleaner
Points to Consider:
- Make Sure It's Compatible With Your Retainers
- Pick a Type Based on Convenience
- Avoid Persulfates When Possible
Make Sure It's Compatible With Your Retainers
As for differences between retainers, most retainer cleaners work well for both clear plastic tray retainers as well as the ones with the metal bar. As with the denture cleaners though, be sure to read the box to make sure that it’s compatible as some application types are more difficult to use on one type versus another.
Just as there are many different types of toothpastes and toothbrushes, there are many different types of retainer cleaners in the market. It can get overwhelming to try to pick the right one.
Pick a Type Based on Convenience
For Hands Off Soaking, Look for Tablets, Powders, and Concentrates
Concentrated pastes are also available and work in much the same way. However, you do have to be sure to remove them after the specified time, especially if the solution is on the stronger side.
Hands off soaking, specifically the Brite brand, is my personal favorite option. One trick I have with the tablet is you can break the tabs apart and use them that way. For example, I use half of the Brite tab and soak my retainers in for 20 minutes. This saves money and, from my experience, it cleans just as well as using a whole tablet.
For a Faster but More Hands-On Cleaning, Look for Sprays, Pastes, and Wipes
Pastes work much like a less abrasive toothpaste—just add it to your toothbrush and brush down your retainer. For sprays and pastes, how well they travel depends largely on the size.
Wipes probably require the least amount of fuss. Simply use it to wipe down your retainer and rinse. Naturally, they’re very easy to travel with.
A less common method to clean retainers would be sprays and wipes, but they work on the spot as a temporary solution.
Avoid Persulfates When Possible
While this can largely be avoided by rinsing your retainer thoroughly after cleaning it, you might also want to consider just getting a cleaner without persulfates for peace of mind.
Persulfates do not belong in the mouth or in the body, but some retainers cleaners have them listed as their main ingredient.
Gum tenderness and tissue damage could occur if persulfates make contact with the mouth or, even worse, if they are swallowed. If you have an allergy to persulfates I would actively look in the ingredient list and make sure that it is not listed.
9 Best Retainer Cleaners
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Form | Persulfate-Free | Flavor | Number of Items | Cleaning Time | |||||
1 | M3 Naturals Retainer Cleaner | | Kills 99.99% of Odor-Causing Bacteria in Dental Appliances | Tablets | Mint | 120 tablets | 15 minutes | ||
2 | Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. Efferdent®｜Plus Mint Anti-Bacterial Dental Appliance Cleanser Tablets | | An Anti-Bacterial Cleaner That Works in 3 Minutes | Tablets | Mint | 126 tablets | 3 minutes | ||
3 | Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. Anti-Bacterial Dental Appliance Cleanser Tablets | | Effortless Clean, Fresh Confidence | Tablets | None | 126 tablets | 3 minutes | ||
4 | Retainer Brite Retainer Cleaner Tablets for Invisalign | | Brighten Your Smile, Refresh Your Gear | Tablets | None | 120 | 15 minutes | ||
5 | Retainer Brite Cleaning Tablets | | A Fast-Acting Cleaner for Removable Dental Appliances | Tablets | None | 120 tablets | 15 minutes | ||
6 | Bastion Retainer Cleaner & Denture Cleanser | | Restore, Refresh, and Protect Your Smile | Tablets | Mint | 180 tablets | unknown | ||
7 | ZENGATE Retainer Cleaner | | Rapid-Dissolving Tablets For a Thorough Clean | Tablets | unknown | Mint | 120 tablets | 3 minutes | |
8 | Breelex Retainer Cleaner Tablets | | Cleaner Tablets That Extend the Life of Your Dental Appliance | Tablets | Mint | 120 tablets | 15 minutes | ||
9 | YKL Retainer & Denture Cleaner Tablets | | Versatile Tablets for Dental Appliances and Tableware | Tablets | Mint | 120 tablets | 15 minutes | ||
10 | Lifebox Essentials Retainer Cleaner Deep Cleansing Tablets | | Quick, Gentle, and Extra Strong Cleaning for Every Smile | Tablets | Mint | 36 tablets | 3 minutes | ||
M3 NaturalsRetainer Cleaner
| Form | Tablets |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mint |
| Number of Items | 120 tablets |
| Cleaning Time | 15 minutes |
- Persulfate-Free
Kills 99.99% of Odor-Causing Bacteria in Dental Appliances
M3 Naturals Retainer Cleaner tablets offer a comprehensive solution for maintaining hygiene in all types of dental appliances. Scientifically proven to eliminate 99.99% of odor-causing bacteria, these tablets ensure thorough cleansing without harsh chemicals. Each tablet is individually wrapped for convenience, delivering optimal results by removing discoloration, stains, plaque, and stubborn odors from dentures, retainers, aligners, and more.
Simply drop a tablet into warm water with your appliance to restore clarity in just minutes. Daily use is recommended to prevent food particles, cloudy film, and plaque buildup, promoting oral health and appliance longevity. The formula includes ingredients like sodium bicarbonate and peppermint oil for effective cleaning and a refreshing finish. M3 Naturals Retainer Cleaner tablets are ideal for users seeking a hassle-free cleaning routine that prioritizes hygiene and freshness without compromising on ease of use or safety.
Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.Efferdent® ｜ Plus Mint Anti-Bacterial Dental Appliance Cleanser Tablets
| Form | Tablets |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mint |
| Number of Items | 126 tablets |
| Cleaning Time | 3 minutes |
- Persulfate-Free
An Anti-Bacterial Cleaner That Works in 3 Minutes
Efferdent® Plus Mint Anti-Bacterial Dental Appliance Cleanser Tablets are designed for daily use to clean retainers, full-plate dentures, partials, aligners, and other dental appliances. These tablets effectively kill 99.99% of odor-causing bacteria in just three minutes while remaining gentle and non-abrasive.
They provide minty flavor to your dental appliances while using powerful oxi-action to remove stubborn stains in hard-to-reach areas. Efferdent tablets help fight plaque buildup and eliminate odors, leaving your dental appliances fresh and ready to use. Each package contains 126 tablets, ensuring a long-lasting supply for maintaining cleanliness.
Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.Anti-Bacterial Dental Appliance Cleanser Tablets
| Form | Tablets |
|---|---|
| Flavor | None |
| Number of Items | 126 tablets |
| Cleaning Time | 3 minutes |
- Persulfate-Free
Effortless Clean, Fresh Confidence
Efferdent Original Retainer Cleaner Tablets offer a powerful solution for maintaining retainers, dentures, aligners, and other dental appliances. With oxi-action technology, these tablets eliminate stubborn stains and fight plaque build-up, ensuring a thorough clean even in hard-to-reach areas. In just three minutes, they kill 99.99% of odor-causing bacteria, leaving your dental appliances fresh and ready to use.
Designed for daily use, Efferdent tablets are non-abrasive and gentle, preserving the integrity of your devices while delivering a complete clean. Free from persulfates and easy to use, this pack of 126 tablets is perfect for maintaining a bright, odor-free smile with minimal effort.
Retainer BriteRetainer Cleaner Tablets for Invisalign
| Form | Tablets |
|---|---|
| Flavor | None |
| Number of Items | 120 |
| Cleaning Time | 15 minutes |
- Persulfate-Free
Brighten Your Smile, Refresh Your Gear
Retainer Brite Cleaning Tablets are the ultimate care solution for clear retainers, aligners, wire retainers, sports mouthguards, and nightguards. These fast-acting tablets effectively remove stains and odors, ensuring your dental appliances remain clean and fresh with daily use. Specially designed for removable dental appliances, they deliver clarity and confidence without compromising materials.
Convenience meets care with 120 individually wrapped tablets—a 4-month supply for maintaining a crystal-clear finish. Soaking daily keeps your appliances bright and hygienic, so you can enjoy a fresh, clean smile every day.
Retainer BriteCleaning Tablets
| Form | Tablets |
|---|---|
| Flavor | None |
| Number of Items | 120 tablets |
| Cleaning Time | 15 minutes |
- Persulfate-Free
A Fast-Acting Cleaner for Removable Dental Appliances
BastionRetainer Cleaner & Denture Cleanser
| Form | Tablets |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mint |
| Number of Items | 180 tablets |
| Cleaning Time | unknown |
- Persulfate-Free
Restore, Refresh, and Protect Your Smile
Bastion Dental Device Cleaner offers a powerful yet gentle solution to keep your retainers, dentures, aligners, and other oral appliances fresh and clean. Its professional-grade micro-cleansing formula tackles stubborn tartar, stains, and odors, ensuring your devices remain clear and irritation-free. With daily use, Bastion restores clarity and minimizes discoloration, helping you maintain confidence in your smile.
Convenience meets effectiveness with fast-acting effervescent tablets. Simply dissolve, soak, and rinse for a hassle-free clean without abrasives that could harm your devices. Designed for universal compatibility, Bastion is safe for all oral appliances, including baby teethers, and its cruelty-free formula is gentle on both you and your gear.
ZENGATERetainer Cleaner
| Form | Tablets |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mint |
| Number of Items | 120 tablets |
| Cleaning Time | 3 minutes |
- Persulfate-Free
- unknown
Rapid-Dissolving Tablets For a Thorough Clean
ZenGate Retainer Cleaner offers professional-grade cleaning for dentures, retainers, aligners, and mouthguards, eliminating over 99.9% of harmful debris and restoring them to a bright, like-new condition. Its rapid-dissolving formula removes stubborn stains and plaque, ensuring dental devices are clean and odor-free.
Developed with safe, non-abrasive ingredients, the cleaner provides long-lasting protection without causing mouth or gum irritation. Each box contains a four-month supply of tablets, designed for daily use. This FSA/HSA-approved cleaner offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for maintaining dental hygiene.
BreelexRetainer Cleaner Tablets
| Form | Tablets |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mint |
| Number of Items | 120 tablets |
| Cleaning Time | 15 minutes |
- Persulfate-Free
Cleaner Tablets That Extend the Life of Your Dental Appliance
Breelex Retainer Cleaner Tablets are formulated to effectively remove stubborn stains, reduce plaque and tartar, and kill 99.9% of odor-causing microorganisms from all removable dental appliances. Developed in collaboration with American dentists, these tablets use safe and effective ingredients that extend the life of dental devices while avoiding mouth and gum irritation.
Each box contains a four-month supply, with tablets designed for daily use: simply drop one into water, submerge your dental appliance, and wait 3 to 15 minutes depending on the severity of stains. Breelex tablets are FSA/HSA approved, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for maintaining a fresh and clean smile.
YKLRetainer & Denture Cleaner Tablets
| Form | Tablets |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mint |
| Number of Items | 120 tablets |
| Cleaning Time | 15 minutes |
- Persulfate-Free
Versatile Tablets for Dental Appliances and Tableware
YKL Retainer & Denture Cleaner Tablets use Reactive Oxygen Micromolecular Osmosis Technology to provide comprehensive cleaning and deep descaling for retainers, dentures, and other dental appliances without causing harm. Each package contains 120 individually foil-wrapped tablets, offering a four-month supply that is easy to carry and cost-effective.
The tablets have a refreshing mint flavor to keep dental appliances fresh and free from bad odors. The upgraded formula, developed with safe ingredients, ensures high product safety. Suitable for both children and adults, these tablets can also be used to clean cups and tableware, effectively removing stubborn stains.
Lifebox EssentialsRetainer Cleaner Deep Cleansing Tablets
| Form | Tablets |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mint |
| Number of Items | 36 tablets |
| Cleaning Time | 3 minutes |
- Persulfate-Free
Quick, Gentle, and Extra Strong Cleaning for Every Smile
Experience superior hygiene with these extra-strength cleaning tablets, expertly crafted for retainers, dentures, night guards, and aligners. Designed to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria, odors, and stains, the powerful formula effortlessly combats plaque and tartar, leaving your dental appliances fresh and spotless. Its non-abrasive nature ensures your devices remain smooth and undamaged while maintaining optimal cleanliness.
With fast action in just three minutes, these tablets make oral care simple and effective. Drop one into warm water, soak your appliance, and enjoy lasting freshness. Each package provides a month’s supply, offering convenience and confidence in every use. Safe for all ages and appliances, including baby teethers, this bleach-free solution prioritizes both health and comfort.
How to Properly Clean Your Retainer
Clean your retainer as soon as it comes out of your mouth in order to prevent it from drying out and accumulating debris. If your retainer has metal, be sure not to soak it for too long. Doing so may cause the metal to break down.
Try to keep your retainer wet at all times when it’s out of your mouth–allowing it to dry out can compromise the plastic. Finally, don’t forget to clean your case regularly. Even if your retainer is clean, if it’s in a dirty case you’re still exposing it to germs.
Definitely avoid using hot water since it can change the shape and elasticity of the plastic retainer. As for cleaning and gunk out of the retainers right away when it comes out of your mouth, that will help to keep its longevity. Make sure that retainers are not dried out with stains and bacteria on them!
Extra Tips From Dental Hygienist Jaeyoung Yoo
Orthodontists recommend that you clean your retainers every week when it's new. After a couple of weeks, it is recommended that retainers are cleaned using retainer cleaner products every few days.
Always read the instructions on these products. Retainers can be worn down from daily wear, clenching, grinding, and, depending on the amount of pressure and force that is put on it, they may need to be replaced every six months to a few years.
For patients who have just finished their orthodontics treatment, it's recommended that retainers are worn for the whole day for at least three months straight to create a rigid bone structure. Once the bone structure is more rigid, patients can then wear it only nightly.
If not done so, teeth will shift back to their original structure. Having more than one retainer case can help keep them clean. Some people may forget their case and end up wrapping it in napkins or paper towels which will be easier to accidentally throw away than having it in an actual case, so be very careful.
Top 5 Retainer Cleaner
No. 1: M3 Naturals｜Retainer Cleaner
No. 2: Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.｜Efferdent®｜Plus Mint Anti-Bacterial Dental Appliance Cleanser Tablets
No. 3: Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.｜Anti-Bacterial Dental Appliance Cleanser Tablets
No. 4: Retainer Brite｜Retainer Cleaner Tablets for Invisalign
No. 5: Retainer Brite｜Cleaning Tablets
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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