An ultrasonic cleaner does not scrub. It sends high frequency waves through water, and those waves create millions of microscopic bubbles. The bubbles collapse against every surface of whatever is sitting in the water — including the grooves a toothbrush bristle is far too thick to reach.

Why a toothbrush is the wrong tool

Toothpaste is abrasive. On teeth that is fine. On the soft plastic of an aligner or a retainer it leaves microscopic scratches, and those scratches are where bacteria and stains settle in. It is why a retainer that gets brushed every day still turns cloudy and starts to smell.

The three minute routine

1. Rinse the retainer, aligner or night guard under cold water
2. Place it in the cleaner and fill with water to the line
3. Drop in a cleaning tablet if you want a deeper clean
4. Press the button and leave it for three to five minutes
5. Rinse and wear, or dry it and put it in its case

How often

Once a day is ideal, and most people do it while they shower or make coffee. Once every couple of days still makes a visible difference.

What it works on

Clear aligners, retainers, night guards and mouth guards, dentures and partials. It also cleans rings, watch straps and glasses, which is where the second use in most households comes from.

A word on claims

We do not publish a bacteria removal percentage. Plenty of stores do, most of them invented. When our lab report is in hand, the number goes here and not before.