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Care guide

Nightguard & retainer care

3 min read

Clear appliances you wear for hours every night need a slightly different routine than a sports guard. Here is how to keep them clear, fresh and fitting.

EveryMorning OnceA week AlwaysIn the case

Why it matters

Fresh, clear and fitting

You wear a nightguard or retainer for hours at a time, so bacteria and plaque build up fast. A two-minute morning routine keeps it clear and odor-free, and helps it last.

The short version

Do

Rinse it every morning
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush
Soak it once a week
Keep it in its case

Don’t

No hot water or dishwasher
No toothpaste or bleach
Never wrap it in a napkin

Every morning

Morning routine

2 minutes

Right after you take it out.

Tip

Brush and floss your own teeth before putting it in at night, so food is not trapped against your teeth for hours.

Step 1

Rinse

Rinse it under cool water to wash off saliva before it dries.
2

Step 2

Brush gently

Use a soft toothbrush with cool water and a drop of mild soap. Skip toothpaste, it scratches and clouds clear material.
Step 3

Rinse again

Rinse off all the soap with cool water.
Step 4

Air dry, then case

Let it dry fully, then store it in its vented case.

Tip

Brush and floss your own teeth before putting it in at night, so food is not trapped against your teeth for hours.

Once a week

Weekly deep clean

10 minutes

Keeps clear appliances clear.

Clean the case too

Wash the case with mild soap and lukewarm water and let it air dry. Replace it if it cracks or still smells after cleaning.

Step 1

Drop a tablet

Drop a cleaning tablet in a cup of cool water.
Cleaning Tablets (120ct)Coming soon Notify me
Step 2

Soak

Let it soak for 10 to 20 minutes, not overnight.
Step 3

Rinse

Rinse it well with cool water.
Step 4

Dry

Shake off the water and let it air dry.

Clean the case too

Wash the case with mild soap and lukewarm water and let it air dry. Replace it if it cracks or still smells after cleaning.

Good habits

Nightguard vs retainer

Same cleaning routine, a few different habits.

Nightguard

Brush and floss before you put it in.
Check for thin spots or holes every few weeks: grinding wears it down.
Bring it to your dental checkups so your dentist can check the fit.
Travel with the case, a soft brush and mild soap.

Retainer

Take it out to eat or drink anything but water, and no gum while wearing it.
Wear it as often as your orthodontist told you.
Never carry it loose in a pocket: keep the case with you.
Keep it and its case away from pets.

Avoid

Never use

Heat and harsh cleaners warp and cloud clear appliances.

Heat

Hot water, a hot car or a sunny windowsill warps the fit.

Dishwasher

High heat deforms it.

Toothpaste

Scratches and clouds clear material.

Bleach or alcohol

Weakens and discolors it.

A napkin

The fastest way to throw it away.

Warning signs

Time for a new one if…

1

It feels loose

A nightguard or retainer should snap in snugly. Loose means the fit has changed.

2

It has cracks or holes

Stop wearing it: sharp edges can irritate your gums. Grinding can wear right through a nightguard over time.

3

It is cloudy or yellow

Discoloration that a soak will not remove means the material is breaking down.

4

It smells after cleaning

Odor that will not wash out means bacteria are trapped in it.

5

It feels tight or sore

If your teeth have shifted, the fit may no longer be right.

6

It is worn thin

Thin spots on a nightguard mean less protection while you grind.

Custom-fit nightguard

Protect your teeth while you sleep

From $178

Returning customers $107 with a scan on file

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I clean my retainer with toothpaste?

No. Toothpaste is abrasive and leaves tiny scratches that cloud clear material and hold bacteria. Use a soft brush, cool water and mild soap.

Why is my retainer cloudy?

Usually mineral buildup from saliva. A weekly cleaning tablet soak keeps it clear.

Can I soak it in mouthwash?

Skip alcohol-based mouthwash. Alcohol can weaken and discolor the material.

How long does a nightguard last?

It depends on how hard you grind. With good care it can last a year or more; heavy grinders may wear through one sooner.

My retainer is yellow. How do I fix it?

Gently scrub it with a paste of baking soda and water on a soft brush, then rinse well. A weekly soak helps keep it from coming back.

My retainer feels tight after a night without it. Is that normal?

If it still goes on and does not hurt, keep wearing it as usual. If it is not comfortable again within a day or two, or it hurts, do not force it: contact us.

I still have jaw pain or headaches. What should I do?

See your dentist. A nightguard protects your teeth from grinding, but it does not stop the grinding itself.

Can I reorder without a new impression?

Yes. Your scan stays on file, so you can reorder a nightguard or retainer anytime.

Still have a question? Visit the Help Center

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