How much do invisible aligners cost?

NewSmile aligners start at $1,799, with 0% interest monthly plans available. All aligners are Licensed by Health Canada, ensuring top safety and quality standards.

How long does treatment take?

Most smiles are complete in 4–6 months, depending on your case. Each aligner set is worn for about two weeks before switching to the next one.

Are NewSmile aligners safe?

Yes — our aligners are BPA-free, phthalate-free, and latex-free, and Licensed by Health Canada for your peace of mind.

How do I wear and care for my aligners?

Wear aligners for 22 hours per day for daytime aligners, or 10 continuous hours for nighttime aligners. Remove only to eat, drink (except water), or brush your teeth. Clean daily with mild soap and a soft brush — never hot water.

Yes! Most dental plans that include orthodontic coverage will reimburse part of your aligner cost. We’ll provide everything you need to submit your claim.

Do you offer whitening?

Yes — our peroxide-free whitening foam brightens your smile gently without causing sensitivity, and it’s safe to use during or after treatment.

How much are replacement retainers?

Replacement retainers cost $199 per set (upper and lower), or you can save with a subscription plan. We recommend replacing every 6 months to prevent orthodontic relapse.

Quick Answer: 🧼 A DIY retainer cleaner can be made using safe household ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, or gentle dish soap. For a deeper clean, ultrasonic cleaners paired with retainer cleaning pods offer professional-level freshness.

“I never realized how easy it was to make my own retainer cleaner — and how much fresher my aligners feel now! ”

🧼 DIY Retainer Cleaner: Full Guide to Safe & Effective Cleaning

Keeping your retainer clean is essential for both oral hygiene and comfort. 🦷 Over time, bacteria, plaque, and odor-causing buildup can collect on your retainer — even if you rinse it daily. That’s where DIY retainer cleaners come in. With simple household items and a few pro-level upgrades, you can keep your retainer clean, clear, and smelling fresh. 🌿

✨ Why Cleaning Your Retainer Matters

Your retainer stays in your mouth for hours at a time, making it a magnet for plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Proper cleaning helps prevent:

✔ Bad breath
✔ Cloudiness or discoloration
✔ Bacterial buildup
✔ Damage to the retainer material
✔ Gum inflammation or irritation

🧪 Natural DIY Retainer Cleaner Recipes

These gentle, easy-to-make solutions are safe for most retainers, including Hawley, Essix, and clear retainers.

1. 🥄 Baking Soda & Water Solution

This is one of the safest and most effective natural cleaners.

✔ Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of warm water.
✔ Soak retainer for 15–20 minutes.
✔ Rinse thoroughly and brush with soft toothbrush.

Why it works: Baking soda neutralizes odors and breaks down plaque.

2. 🍋 Vinegar & Water Soak (White Vinegar)

Great for dissolving mineral deposits and tartar-like buildup.

✔ Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
✔ Soak for 15–30 minutes.
✔ Brush gently and rinse thoroughly.

Tip: Do not use vinegar daily — once or twice weekly is enough.

3. 🧴 Gentle Dish Soap & Warm Water

Safe for everyday cleaning as long as the soap is mild and non-abrasive.

✔ Add 1–2 drops of clear dish soap to warm water.
✔ Brush retainer using soft toothbrush.
✔ Rinse well to avoid soap residue.

4. 🌿 Lemon Water Freshening Rinse

A natural deodorizer for retainers that smell less-than-fresh.

✔ Mix juice of half a lemon in 1 cup water.
✔ Soak for 10–15 minutes.
✔ Rinse thoroughly.

⚠️ DIY Cleaning Methods to Avoid

Not everything natural is safe! Avoid the following as they can cause permanent damage:

❌ Hot water — can warp retainers
❌ Toothpaste — too abrasive
❌ Mouthwash with alcohol — dries and cracks plastic
❌ Hydrogen peroxide daily — overuse weakens material
❌ Bleach — extremely unsafe and harmful

🔧 Advanced Method: Ultrasonic Cleaners & Cleaning Pods

For a deeper clean beyond what DIY solutions can provide, ultrasonic cleaners are a powerful upgrade. These devices use high-frequency vibrations to remove microscopic debris from every curve of your retainer.

💧 How Ultrasonic Cleaning Works

Ultrasonic machines create tiny vibration bubbles that scrub the surface of your retainer — even in areas that brushing can’t reach.

🟣 Retainer Cleaning Pods

Pods dissolve in water and release active cleaning agents that:

✔ Remove stains
✔ Kill odor-causing bacteria
✔ Restore clarity to clear retainers

⭐ Best Results

Combine ultrasonic cleaning + pods for the freshest, deepest clean — ideal for anyone with heavy buildup or daily retainer use.

🧼 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning Schedule

To maintain a crystal-clear, odor-free retainer, follow this routine:

📅 Daily

✔ Rinse with lukewarm water.
✔ Brush gently with soft-bristled toothbrush.
✔ Use mild dish soap if oily or smelly.

🗓 Weekly

✔ Baking soda soak
✔ Vinegar soak (optional)
✔ Ultrasonic cleaning if available

📆 Monthly

✔ Pod-based deep clean
✔ Inspect for cracks or cloudiness

❓ FAQs — DIY Retainer Cleaner

❓ Q1: Can I clean retainers with toothpaste?
No — toothpaste is abrasive and scratches plastic.
❓ Q2: How often should I deep-clean my retainer?
At least once a week. More if you wear it full-time.
❓ Q3: Is baking soda safe for retainers?
Yes — it's one of the safest natural cleaners.
❓ Q4: Can I soak retainers overnight?
Only in mild cleaners like baking soda and water — avoid long vinegar soaks.
❓ Q5: Do ultrasonic cleaners really work?
Yes! They remove buildup you can’t reach manually.

💭 Final Thoughts

Creating a DIY retainer cleaner is simple, affordable, and effective. But for the deepest, most hygienic clean, combining ultrasonic technology with cleaning pods gives you a professional-level result right at home. Keep your retainer fresh, clear, and odor-free — and enjoy a healthier smile every day.