Instructions for Use and Important Care Information

Product

Blakmint Liquid Retainer Cleaner

Intended purpose

Blakmint Liquid Retainer Cleaner is intended for cleaning compatible removable oral appliances, including:

• retainers;

• clear aligners;

• whitening trays;

• night guards;

• sports mouthguards;

• clip-in veneers;

• suitable removable dentures; and

• other compatible removable oral appliances.

Use only as directed.

This product is for cleaning removable oral appliances outside the mouth.

It is not a mouthwash. Do not swallow.

Before use — inspect your oral appliance

Inspect your appliance carefully before every cleaning cycle.

Do not use this product on an appliance showing signs of structural damage or significant deterioration, including:

• cracks, splits or holes;

• warping or distortion;

• brittle, crumbling or unusually soft material;

• thinning or weakened areas;

• rough, broken or sharp edges; or

• visible material breakdown.

Cloudiness, staining, whitening or discolouration alone may not mean that an appliance is structurally damaged. However, if these changes appear together with cracking, brittleness, thinning, distortion, softening or another material change, stop use and consult your dentist, orthodontist or appliance provider.

Do not use the cleaner on an appliance that your dental professional has advised should be repaired or replaced.

Appliance age and wear

Removable oral appliances naturally wear and deteriorate over time.

Their condition and useful life vary according to:

• material;

• construction;

• age;

• frequency of use;

• teeth grinding or clenching;

• cleaning routine;

• storage;

• exposure to heat; and

• the appliance manufacturer’s care instructions.

Older, heavily worn or previously damaged appliances may be more vulnerable to cracking, warping, scratching or other deterioration during normal handling and cleaning.

If you are uncertain whether your appliance is suitable for this product, consult your dentist, orthodontist or appliance manufacturer before use.

Preparing the cleaning solution

Always prepare a 10% Blakmint cleaning solution with 90% lukewarm water.

Standard container

Mix:

• 10 ml Blakmint cleaner

• 90 ml lukewarm water

Blakmint cleaning case

Mix:

• 4 ml Blakmint cleaner

• 36 ml lukewarm water

Measure the cleaner and water accurately.

Ensure that the appliance is fully submerged.

Do not:

• use the cleaner undiluted;

• exceed the recommended 10% concentration;

• guess or estimate the amount without measuring;

• use hot, boiling or very warm water;

• heat the prepared solution;

• microwave the cleaner or prepared solution;

• combine Blakmint with cleaning tablets;

• combine it with bleach, mouthwash, household cleaners or another chemical product; or

• transfer the concentrate into an unlabelled container.

Use lukewarm water only.

Routine cleaning

For routine cleaning:

1. Inspect the appliance.

2. Prepare the correct 10% solution.

3. Fully submerge the appliance.

4. Soak for 5–20 minutes.

5. Remove the appliance carefully.

6. Brush gently where required.

7. Rinse the appliance thoroughly with clean water.

8. Inspect it again before placing it back in the mouth.

A 5–20 minute soak is the recommended method for regular cleaning.

Brushing instructions

Use only a suitable soft cleaning brush and apply light pressure.

Support the appliance carefully while brushing.

Do not:

• scrub forcefully;

• use rapid or repeated heavy scrubbing;

• scrape repeatedly over one area;

• bend, stretch or twist the appliance;

• use a hard-bristled toothbrush;

• use abrasive toothpaste;

• use abrasive powder;

• use a scourer, sharp object or metal implement; or

• continue brushing if the appliance starts to flex, scratch, split or change shape.

Excessive pressure or abrasive brushing may scratch, weaken or damage a removable oral appliance.

Damage caused by over-scrubbing, abrasive materials, excessive force or handling contrary to these instructions may not indicate a fault with the cleaner or brush.

This does not affect your legal rights where a Blakmint product was defective, unsafe or not as described.

Extended or overnight soaking

Overnight soaking may be used occasionally where additional cleaning is required, provided that:

• the appliance is compatible with overnight soaking;

• the appliance manufacturer or dental professional has not advised against it;

• the appliance has been inspected and is not damaged or excessively worn;

• the correct 10% dilution is used;

• lukewarm water is used;

• the appliance is placed in a suitable securely closed container;

• the container is stored safely and away from children; and

• the appliance is thoroughly rinsed afterwards.

Do not soak for longer than one overnight period.

Do not use overnight soaking as the regular daily method where a 5–20 minute soak is sufficient.

Stop extended soaking if you notice:

• softening;

• warping;

• increased brittleness;

• cracking;

• surface deterioration;

• unusual dulling;

• unexpected colour change; or

• another material change.

Consult your dentist, orthodontist or appliance provider before further use.

Reusing the prepared solution

For best hygiene, replace the prepared solution every 2–3 days.

When stored in a clean, suitable container with a securely closed lid, the prepared solution may be reused for up to 6 days, provided it is stored and maintained as directed.

Replace the solution immediately if it:

• becomes visibly dirty;

• contains food, plaque or debris;

• has been left uncovered;

• has been spilled or contaminated;

• develops an unexpected appearance or odour; or

• has been used with an appliance that was visibly contaminated.

Do not reuse the prepared solution beyond Day 6.

Cleaning the reusable container

When reusing the solution:

1. Periodically empty the container.

2. Wash the container and removable seal with warm soapy water.

3. Rinse all components thoroughly.

4. Allow every component to dry completely.

5. Prepare a fresh solution before further use.

Do not continually top up an old solution with additional cleaner or water.

Follow any separate instructions supplied with the Blakmint cleaning case.

Use with ultrasonic cleaning devices

Blakmint Liquid Retainer Cleaner may be used only in a compatible ultrasonic cleaner operating on a non-heated cleaning cycle.

Permitted use

Only use an ultrasonic cleaner that:

• is lawfully placed on the UK market;

• is intended or confirmed by its manufacturer as suitable for removable oral appliances;

• is in safe working condition;

• is used in accordance with its manufacturer’s instructions;

• operates without heating the cleaning liquid; and

• allows the use of a diluted liquid cleaning solution.

Use the prepared Blakmint solution only at the correct 10% dilution.

Do not use heat

Do not use Blakmint with an ultrasonic cleaner that heats the water or cleaning solution.

Do not:

• activate a heating function;

• use a heated cleaning cycle;

• preheat the tank;

• add hot water;

• use water that becomes hot during operation;

• continue using the machine if the solution noticeably increases in temperature; or

• use a device where the heating function cannot be switched off.

Heat may deform, soften or otherwise damage retainers, aligners and other thermoplastic oral appliances.

Blakmint has not been approved for use with a heated ultrasonic cleaning cycle.

Before using an ultrasonic cleaner

Check:

• that the appliance manufacturer permits ultrasonic cleaning;

• that the machine is suitable for the type of oral appliance;

• that heating is switched off;

• that the machine is not damaged;

• that the correct dilution has been prepared; and

• that the oral appliance has been inspected for damage.

Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner on an appliance that is cracked, warped, brittle, excessively worn or otherwise structurally damaged.

During the ultrasonic cycle

• Use only a short, normal cleaning cycle permitted by the ultrasonic-machine manufacturer.

• Do not exceed the machine manufacturer’s recommended cycle duration.

• Do not run repeated cycles unless the appliance and machine manufacturers permit this.

• Do not leave the machine operating unattended.

• Stop the cycle if the liquid becomes hot or the appliance shows any change.

• Do not use a heating, sanitising or high-temperature mode.

After the ultrasonic cycle

After each cycle:

1. Remove the appliance promptly.

2. Rinse the appliance thoroughly with clean water.

3. Inspect the appliance before placing it back in the mouth.

4. Empty the ultrasonic tank.

5. Rinse and dry the tank in accordance with the machine manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not store reusable Blakmint solution inside the ultrasonic tank between uses.

If you intend to reuse the prepared solution, transfer it after the cycle to a clean, suitable container with a securely closed lid.

Unapproved or incompatible ultrasonic devices

Use of Blakmint in any of the following ways is outside these Instructions for Use:

• in a heated ultrasonic cleaner;

• with the heating function activated;

• with hot or boiling water;

• in a device not intended for removable oral appliances;

• in a damaged, modified, counterfeit or unlawfully supplied device;

• contrary to the ultrasonic manufacturer’s instructions;

• for excessive or repeated cleaning cycles;

• where the device causes the solution to become hot; or

• where the appliance manufacturer advises against ultrasonic cleaning.

Blakmint cannot assess, approve or control every third-party ultrasonic cleaner available online.

Damage caused solely by heat, an incompatible ultrasonic device, an unauthorised device modification or use contrary to either manufacturer’s instructions does not establish that Blakmint Liquid Retainer Cleaner was defective.

This does not exclude or restrict liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, including where the Blakmint product itself was defective or unsafe. Under UK consumer law, liability for defective goods cannot simply be removed through an instruction or contract term.

After cleaning

Rinse the appliance thoroughly with clean water before placing it back in the mouth.

Inspect it again after cleaning.

Stop use immediately if you notice:

• cracking;

• splitting;

• holes;

• warping;

• softening;

• brittleness;

• thinning;

• sharp or rough edges;

• unexpected surface changes; or

• another sign of material damage.

Do not place a visibly damaged appliance back into the mouth.

Consult your dentist, orthodontist or appliance provider.

Product storage

• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

• Store between 5°C and 30°C.

• Protect from direct sunlight.

• Store in a cool, dry location.

• Keep out of the reach of children.

• Do not store beside a heat source.

• Do not transfer the product into an unlabelled bottle.

• Do not use beyond the stated shelf life or expiry period.

Important safety information

• For cleaning removable oral appliances only.

• For external use only.

• Not a mouthwash.

• Do not swallow.

• Avoid contact with the eyes.

• Follow all label warnings.

• Rinse the appliance thoroughly before placing it in the mouth.

• Stop use if irritation or an unexpected reaction occurs.

• Seek appropriate medical advice following accidental ingestion, significant eye exposure or another adverse event.

Customer responsibilities

The user is responsible for:

• inspecting the appliance before and after cleaning;

• confirming material and device compatibility;

• measuring the correct dilution;

• using lukewarm rather than hot water;

• observing the recommended soaking time;

• using gentle brushing pressure;

• avoiding abrasive products;

• switching off all ultrasonic heating functions;

• not using a heated or incompatible ultrasonic device;

• following the ultrasonic cleaner manufacturer’s instructions;

• rinsing the appliance thoroughly; and

• seeking professional advice where the appliance is worn, damaged or of uncertain compatibility.

Damage resulting solely from failure to follow these instructions, excessive scrubbing, heat, incorrect dilution, an unsuitable ultrasonic cleaner, accidental damage or pre-existing appliance deterioration may not indicate a defect in a Blakmint product.

Nothing in these instructions affects your statutory rights where a product is faulty, defective, unsafe or not as described.