I got my braces off a few weeks ago and they provided me with clear plastic retainers but I don't feel like I'm cleaning them properly. (What I've been doing is brushing them with toothpaste and rinsing with water.)
Apparently you're not supposed to use a toothbrush to clean the retainer because it will scratch it and bacteria might form inside the scratches. Also, toothpaste will "dull the brilliance" of the retainer (according to http://funadvice.com/r/15p8c96jf6c. Instead, use a Q-tip, soap and water. Or get some kind of cleanser like "SonicBrite" (http://funadvice.com/r/15p8c96jgqt. All you have to do is drop your retainer in the sonic bath with cleaning formula, turn it on and leave it in for 15 minutes. Before you decide on anything, though, it might be a good idea to contact your orthopedist and ask him/her what they suggest.
I used to soak mine in denture cleaner, my orthodontist told me that was a great way to clean them. You should speak to your ortho though and ask what they reccomend.
Thanks for the help!
