What are dental retainers?
Dental retainers are custom-made orthodontic devices that hold teeth in position after they have been aligned with braces or aligners.
Teeth have a natural tendency to move, especially after orthodontic treatment, so retainers are necessary to ensure your teeth do not ‘relapse’ back to their original position. Many people will notice that their teeth will move even if they haven’t had any braces or aligners in the past.
Even if you’ve had your treatment done by an orthodontist, any practicing dentist can make and fit a new retainer for you.
When are retainers needed?
Once the active phase of orthodontic treatment is complete, it's a common misconception to think the teeth will stay in their new position indefinitely. However, after braces or aligners are removed, teeth tend to shift due to various reasons, including gum or bone adjustments, ageing, and natural growth.
This is where retainers come in.
Retainers are required to maintain the new alignment and prevent teeth from returning to their original position, a phenomenon known as relapse.
When braces or aligners are removed, the periodontal ligaments that hold the teeth in their sockets are still flexible and can be influenced by memory tendencies, pushing the teeth back to their original positions. Without a retainer, these forces can lead to unwanted movement of the teeth, undoing months or even years of orthodontic work.
Types of Retainers
Hawley Retainers
These are the traditional wire retainers, consisting of a metal wire surrounding the teeth and anchored in an acrylic arch. They are durable and can be adjusted, but they are more visible than some of the newer types of retainers and not as comfortable to wear
Essix Retainers (clear plastic retainers)
The most common type of retainer you will receive
Made from transparent plastic material, these retainers resemble clear dental aligners like Invisalign. They cover the entire arch of the teeth but are less durable than Hawley retainers. The advantage is that they are less noticeable and more comfortable to wear. Essix retainers (if designed with the intention in mind) can also be used for teeth whitening.
Vivera Retainers by Invisalign
Explicitly designed by the makers of Invisalign, these retainers are similar to Essix retainers but are made from a proprietary material that claims to be twice as durable. There are also many other brands that make highly durable retainers.
Fixed Retainers / Bonded Retainers
These are permanent retainers bonded directly to the backside of the front teeth, making them invisible when smiling. They are ideal for those who may not want to bother with removable retainers. Fixed retainers will keep your front teeth stable even when you forget to wear your removable ones.
The main drawback of fixed retainers is that they require intense cleaning, stop you from flossing in between your teeth and can increase plaque and calculus build up.
Still got questions?
Retainers play an indispensable role in preserving the beautiful results achieved by orthodontic treatments. Each type has its own pros and cons, so a discussion with a dentist is essential to determine the best fit for an individual's lifestyle and dental needs. Regular wear, as prescribed, will ensure that the smile remains in its ideal position for years to come.
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