Retainers play a vital role in keeping your teeth in alignment after orthodontic treatment. If you’ve recently completed your braces or aligner treatment or are simply curious about dental care, understanding retainers is essential.

This blog breaks down what retainers are, their purpose, the various types available, and how to care for them effectively. Armed with the information below, chat to your family dentist about retainers for you or a family member if you are concerned about misaligned teeth.

What Is a Retainer?

A retainer is a dental appliance designed to maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. While braces or aligners help to move your teeth into the correct position, retainers ensure that these changes remain permanent. The ligaments and bones surrounding your teeth can take time to stabilise after treatment, making retainers a crucial step in orthodontic maintenance.

Simply put, retainers safeguard your investment in dental work by stopping your teeth from shifting back to their original positions (a process known as “relapse”).

Types of Retainers

Retainers come in a variety of designs, and your orthodontist will recommend the best option based on your specific needs. Here are the most common types of retainers:

1. Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer, often known as a permanent retainer, consists of a thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth, typically across the lower front teeth.

Advantages:

Always in place, ensuring teeth stay in alignment.

No risk of losing it or forgetting to wear it.

Less visible since it’s applied to the back of the teeth.

Disadvantages:

Can be harder to clean, requiring extra care with brushing and flossing.

Repairs may be required if the bond comes loose.

2. Removable Retainers

Removable retainers come in various forms, including traditional wire retainers (Hawley retainers) and plastic designs.

Hawley Retainers feature a wire structure and acrylic plate moulded to the shape of your mouth.

Essix Retainers are clear, plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth, much like aligners.

Advantages:

Easy to clean and maintain.

Option to remove during meals and brushing.

Can be replaced if lost or broken.

Disadvantages:

Must remember to wear them consistently (typically overnight).

Easier to misplace or damage.

3. Clear Aligners as Retainers

Sometimes, patients transition from clear aligners (like Invisalign) directly into using similar-looking retainers. These are often referred to as Vivera retainers.

Advantages:

Virtually invisible.

Customised for a perfect fit.

Disadvantages:

Usually more expensive than other options.

Can crack or warp if not cared for properly.

Why Are Retainers Important?

Retainers are essential for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment. After braces or aligners are removed, your teeth naturally begin to shift back to their previous positions due to the elasticity of the surrounding tissues. Retainers hold your teeth in place while your gums, ligaments, and bones stabilise.

Without consistent retainer wear, you risk undoing months or even years of orthodontic work. Retainers also have other benefits, including correcting minor shifting that might occur over time and maintaining your bite and jaw alignment.

How to Care for Your Retainer

Proper care for your retainer ensures it lasts for as long as possible and remains hygienic. Here’s a step-by-step guide for cleaning and maintaining your retainer:

Cleaning

Fixed Retainers: Brush gently around the wire daily and use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean in between teeth.

Removable Retainers:

Rinse your retainer with lukewarm water after removing it.

Clean it daily using a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser (do not use toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface).

Deep-clean weekly with retainer cleaning tablets (e.g. Retainer Brite) or a mixture of water and mild dish soap.

Storing

Always store removable retainers in their protective case when not in use to prevent damage or loss.

Never expose your retainer to high heat (e.g. hot water, sunlight, or dishwashers) as this can cause warping.

Routine Maintenance

Inspect your retainer regularly for any cracks, bends, or build-up of residue.

If you notice issues or experience discomfort, schedule a check-up with your orthodontist.

The Retainer Journey

Transitioning to wearing a retainer might feel a little strange at first, but here are some tips to help you adapt smoothly:

Consistency is Key 

Wear your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist. Initially, you may need to wear it for most of the day and transition to night-time wear later.

Speak and Eat with Confidence 

If your retainer affects your speech initially, practice talking out loud to adjust. Avoid chewing gum or consuming sticky, hard foods while wearing removable retainers.

Set Reminders 

It’s easy to forget to put your retainer back on. Use reminders or note it as part of your bedtime routine.

Stay Positive 

Wearing a retainer is a small price to pay for a lifetime of beautifully aligned teeth. With time, wearing it will become second nature.

Maintaining Your Smile for Life

Retainers are the unsung heroes of the orthodontic world, playing a critical role in maintaining your smile post-treatment. It also underlines the importance of regular dental checkups where your dentist or orthodontist will check the alignment of your teeth, identifying early issues and tackling them before they get worse. By understanding their purpose, exploring your options, and following proper care techniques, you can ensure the long-term health and stability of your teeth.

Don’t forget, maintaining open communication with your orthodontist is essential for personalised guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to wear a retainer?

The duration varies from person to person. Initially, most orthodontists recommend wearing your retainer full-time for at least 3 to 6 months before transitioning to night-time wear. For long-term results, it’s advised to wear your retainer indefinitely at night.

What’s the difference between fixed and removable retainers?

The key difference is that fixed retainers are bonded to your teeth and stay in place permanently, while removable retainers can be taken out for eating and cleaning. Fixed retainers require less effort but more diligence in cleaning, whereas removable retainers offer flexibility but require discipline to wear consistently.

Can I eat with my retainer on?

For removable retainers, always take them off before eating to prevent damage and staining. Fixed retainers remain in place, so you must brush carefully after meals to maintain oral hygiene.