The Best Retainer Cases for Daily Carry and Travel
Vented, slim and travel cases, sorted by how you carry them.
Which case, below
Category hub
Retainer and aligner cases, travel kits and when to replace a case
Which case suits what you wear, what to pack for a trip, and when to replace one.
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Which retainer case, aligner case or mouth guard case?
Match the case to what you wear.
Clear aligner case
Holds the tray you wear while you eat.
Clear retainer case
Pick a hard case that closes fully. KidsHealth: "The case protects it." KidsHealth
Hawley retainer case
KidsHealth says not to bend the wires: pick one the wire sits in freely. KidsHealth
Mouth guard or night guard case
A deeper case for a thicker guard.
Pack a retainer travel kit
The AAO suggests a travel-size kit with a soft-bristled brush; each item is from its care guide. AAO
- A soft-bristled brushTravel size
- A little dish soapFor the daily brush
- A cleaning tabletFor the weekly soak
- Floss threadersFor a fixed wire
Every cases and travel kits guide
How-to
Gift guideGifts for Someone With a Retainer or Clear Aligners
A small retainer kit, and one bigger gift.
Open the guide
How-toRe-checked this quarterHow to Clean a Retainer Without Damaging It
A daily brush, a weekly soak, and what never to use.
Read the how-to
Retainer and aligner cases, travel kits: the basics
Back in the case, every time
Never in a napkin; away from pets and a hot car KidsHealth
A dirty case undoes the clean
An old or dirty case can harbor bacteria AAO
Replace a tired case
Cracks, wear, or a smell after cleaning AAO
Related categories
Where case habits meet cleaning.
Cases and travel kits questions
How do you clean a retainer case?
The AAO's retainer page gives no steps for the case itself, so follow the case maker's directions. It does say an old or dirty case can harbor bacteria, undoing your cleaning efforts, and to replace a case with visible cracks or wear, or one that smells even after cleaning.
When should you replace a retainer case?
The AAO says it is time to replace your retainer case if you notice visible cracks or wear, or the case smells even after cleaning.
What goes in a retainer travel kit?
The AAO says not to skip cleaning when you travel, and to bring a travel-size cleaning kit that includes a soft-bristled brush. KidsHealth adds that the retainer goes in its case whenever it comes out.
Can I wrap my retainer in a napkin at lunch?
KidsHealth says no: put it in its case whenever it comes out, because a napkin or paper towel could get damaged or thrown out by mistake.