Cleaning Tablets vs. Soaking Alone: What's More Effective for Dental Appliances?

Maintaining oral appliances like retainers, aligners, and dentures requires consistent hygiene. Many people rely solely on soaking in water or mouthwash—but is that enough? In this article, we compare cleaning tablets used in a dental pod against traditional soaking methods to see which offers superior hygiene.

The Limitations of Soaking Alone

Soaking in water or diluted mouthwash can remove surface debris, but it often fails to reach biofilm, bacteria, or odour embedded in the appliance. While it may freshen the surface, deeper sanitation is limited.

• Does not penetrate biofilm effectively
• Often fails to eliminate odour-causing bacteria
• May lead to appliance discoloration over time

What Makes Cleaning Tablets More Effective?

Sterilising tablets dissolve in water and release active ingredients that break down bacteria, plaque, and stains. When used inside a dental pod, the effects are amplified by ultrasonic cavitation, allowing deeper penetration and more effective results.

Benefits of Cleaning Tablets:

• Eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and fungi
• Breaks down biofilm, plaque, and stains
• Neutralises odours and freshens the appliance

The Ultrasonic Advantage

Pairing cleaning tablets with an ultrasonic Neva Pod or Orb Mini delivers results that soaking alone cannot. Ultrasonic vibrations create microscopic bubbles that physically dislodge debris and push the cleaning agents deeper into hard-to-reach areas.

Ideal Cleaning Routine

1. Rinse your appliance under lukewarm water
2. Fill your pod with water and drop in a sterilising tablet
3. Submerge the appliance and run a full cleaning cycle
4. Rinse thoroughly and let air-dry

Conclusion: Tablets + Pod = Maximum Hygiene

If you're still soaking your dental appliances without tablets or ultrasonic support, you're missing out on superior cleanliness. Cleaning tablets used inside a dental pod offer the most effective and hygienic solution available today.

Looking for a full comparison of dental pod technologies? See our main guide: Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning: What to Know Before Buying a Pod-Style Cleaner