We talked to dentists and orthodontists about the best products for cleaning your retainer and aligner, including cleaning soaks, gels, foams, dissolving tablets, Invisalign Crystals ...

Retainer use can lead to the buildup of plaque and bacteria over time. However, when taken care of long-term, you can get the most out of your orthodontic work and prevent the teeth from shifting.

Your retainer accumulates bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Here’s how to clean each type of retainer, why it matters, and what happens if you don’t clean it.

Retainer-cleaning crystals ($21) or tablets (products labeled as “denture-cleaning tablets” ($5) also work), are another way both experts say you can give your device a deeper clean.

Despite diligent brushing every morning and weekly soaks in Retainer Brite Cleaning Tablets, they inevitably start to look a bit grimy after a while.

‘I was sceptical but this retainer cleaner worked miracles and saved me £400 on ... Even with the most diligent brushing every morning and soaking in Retainer Brite Cleaning Tablets each week, ...