Quick answer: To look after Vivera retainers, rinse them every time they come out, brush them gently each day with lukewarm water and a soft brush, soak them briefly in a cleaner that suits clear plastic, and keep them in a case. Avoid hot water, which can warp clear plastic, and avoid toothpaste, which can scratch it.
Blakmint's liquid cleaner is persulfate free and was tested under ASTM E2315: a 99.99% bacterial reduction at a 20-minute soak, for the sample tested. It is recommended by orthodontists we work with.
You've finished aligners. Now you've got a retainer. Surprise.
Congratulations on finishing active treatment. Your teeth are straight, your wallet is lighter, and somebody has just handed you a clear plastic thing and said "wear this forever-ish." [Pause for the groan.] Nobody warns you that this new gadget needs looking after too, and I say that as someone who once stored a retainer in a napkin. We don't talk about the napkin.
Vivera is the name Invisalign gives its own clear retainers, and we mention it here purely to describe what you're wearing. Blakmint isn't connected to Align Technology, and nothing here is their official advice. Your orthodontist or provider has the final say on your specific retainer.
The daily routine, in boring (but correct) order
Here's the short version, and I promise the jokes come back after the list.
- Rinse every time it comes out. Rinsing straight away stops saliva drying onto the plastic, which is much easier than scrubbing it off later.
- Brush gently once a day with a soft brush and lukewarm water. Dental practices commonly advise mild soap rather than toothpaste, because toothpaste can be abrasive on clear plastic.
- Soak briefly in a cleaner made for retainers, then rinse again.
- Case it. Whenever it's out of your mouth, it lives in its case.
Which brings me to the case. Retainers that get wrapped in tissue have a remarkable talent for being thrown away. Mine would have won an award for it. The case is boring, cheap, and the single best retainer-saving habit going.
Why "lukewarm" keeps getting repeated at you
Clear plastic and heat do not get along. Orthodontic practices commonly warn that hot water can warp a clear retainer, and warping is the sort of thing you only discover when the retainer stops fitting. Invisalign's own cleaning-crystal instructions call for warm water, not hot. If the kettle is involved, something has gone wrong, and I'd like to gently remove the kettle from your hands. For more on what damages clear plastic, see How to Clean Invisalign Aligners (And What Actually Damages Them).
Soaking: what's it for, and how long?
Brushing handles the surface. A soak is the part that reaches the nooks and crannies that a brush can't, which is the whole job of a retainer cleaner. Invisalign's cleaning crystals call for a soak of about 15 minutes in warm water, followed by a rinse.
If you'd rather use a liquid, Blakmint's cleaner is mixed at a 10% dilution (10ml cleaner to 90ml lukewarm water) for a soak of 5 to 20 minutes, with one occasional overnight soak at most. A 250ml bottle is £14 and lasts up to 5 months reused across 6-day batches. That works out at as little as £2.80 a month.
One straight and important note: Blakmint hasn't tested its cleaner on any specific retainer brand or material, so if you're unsure whether a cleaner suits your Vivera retainer, ask your orthodontist or provider before you start. Not guessing is cheaper than a replacement set.
How long will a Vivera retainer last?
Invisalign's own retainer guidance says clear plastic retainers such as Vivera may last from 6 to 12 months or longer with proper care, and that individual results vary. Wear pattern and care both matter. You can't control the grinding of time, but you can control the napkin situation, the hot water and the abrasive toothpaste. Think of daily care as a small amount of effort protecting a set you might otherwise be paying to replace. Check with your provider for the replacement terms that apply to your treatment, since those vary.
If it's the wider wearing question that's bugging you, our post on how to clean retainers (wire and clear) covers both types.
Quick comparison: what to do and what to skip
| Habit | Do this | Skip this |
|---|---|---|
| Water temperature | Lukewarm | Hot or boiling |
| Brushing | Soft brush, mild soap | Toothpaste, hard bristles |
| Storage | Case, every time | Tissue or napkin |
| Soaking | Short, as the label says | Regular overnight soaks |
Frequently asked
-
Can I use toothpaste on a Vivera retainer?
Dental practices commonly advise against it, because toothpaste can be abrasive and scratch clear plastic. Mild soap and lukewarm water are the usual recommendation. -
Is hot water safe for clear retainers?
No. Orthodontic practices commonly warn that hot water can warp clear plastic. Use lukewarm water. -
How often should I soak my retainer?
Follow the instructions on your cleaner. For Blakmint, a routine soak is 5 to 20 minutes, and one occasional overnight soak is the maximum. -
Can I use Blakmint on my Vivera retainer?
Blakmint is made for retainers, and it hasn't been tested on any specific retainer brand. If you're unsure, check with your orthodontist or provider first. -
How long does a Vivera retainer last?
Invisalign says clear plastic retainers such as Vivera may last 6 to 12 months or longer with proper care. Results vary from person to person.
The Blakmint Liquid Retainer & Denture Cleaner is £14 for up to 5 months of use, persulfate free and ultrasonic-safe.
Related reading: How to Clean Retainers (Wire and Clear, Properly) and How to Clean Invisalign Aligners.
Sources: Invisalign, retainers after treatment; Invisalign Cleaning System; orthodontic practice retainer instructions.