How to Clean White Scaly Deposits off an Orthodontia Retainer

White, scaly deposits can build up on an orthodontic retainer, even if you rinse it regularly. This is especially true if your tap water is hard -- the buildup is mostly calcium and tartar. Clean your retainer before the buildup gets severe, for best results.

Things You'll Need

• white distilled vinegar
• glass or stainless steel bowl
• tooth pick or dental pick
• denture brush

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Instructions

• 1

  Mix one part vinegar and one part water in a small bowl. Dip a toothbrush in the solution and brush away the white, scaly deposit, avoiding the metal parts as much as possible. Use a dental pick or toothpick to work away more deposited material as needed. if this doesn't do the trick, move on to Step 2.

• 2

  Soak the retainer in the vinegar until the scaly deposits loosen and can be brushed away, if simply brushing doesn't do the trick.

• 3

  Remove the orthodontia retainer from the solution and use the toothbrush and pick to brush and scrape away the now softened calcium deposits. Rinse thoroughly with water.

• 4

  Add 1 teaspoon bleach to 1/2 cup water. Use a toothbrush to brush clean the retainer, avoiding the metal parts. Bleach kills microorganisms. Rinse the brush and the retainer thoroughly to wash away any bleach remaining.