A retainer is an orthodontic device used to help teeth maintain their position following a straightening procedure. After active orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, retainers are essential for maintaining the new position of your teeth. Retainers are custom-made devices that fall into two categories: removable and permanent.
In most cases, retainers are used after braces. However, retainers may also be used to close a minor space between the teeth or to move one tooth.
For best practices regarding retainer use, refer to guidelines from the American Association of Orthodontists.
3 Types of Retainers: Including Fixed Retainers
Hawley Retainer
The Hawley retainer is a type of metal retainer that uses a combination of a durable hard plastic or acrylic plate connected by a thin metal wire. This type of retainer is removable and is known for its long-lasting, durable construction.
Clear Retainer
Just like its name, a clear retainer is a thin, transparent plate made of plastic. Essix retainers are a popular brand of clear, vacuum-formed removable retainers, known for their affordability and ease of use. Similar to the Hawley retainer, clear retainers are easily removable. Clear aligners, unlike clear retainers, are used during active orthodontic treatment to move teeth, while aligners can also serve as retainers in some cases.
Permanent Retainer
A permanent retainer is a single wire made of metal fixed to your teeth using a special bonding agent. This type of retainer is often put into place for months or even years.
Hawley and clear retainers are removable, while permanent retainers are affixed to teeth and typically assigned to patients with complex cases.
To care for a removable retainer, be sure to brush them with lukewarm water and soap after each meal. Note that retainers should be cleaned immediately after removal, as lingering food particles can harden and cause issues like bad breath.
To care for a permanent retainer, it’s important to stay vigilant with your oral hygiene routine, particularly flossing. Consider investing in a floss threader to help you glide between wiring/brackets and access hard-to-reach areas.
Is a Retainer Right for Me?
Every patient will need a retainer after braces. You need to wear your retainer as directed to maintain proper alignment and keep your straight teeth from shifting. Wearing a retainer as instructed is key to maintaining the success of orthodontic treatment.
Whether or not you’ve had braces, your dentist still may recommend a retainer to help correct a misaligned bite or keep your teeth straight. Investing money in a quality retainer is essential for preserving the results of orthodontic treatment. Straightening your teeth and alignment may help correct speech impairments and improve the appearance of your smile.
What Issues Does a Retainer Solve?
Once your braces are removed, the soft tissue and bone around the teeth need time to adapt to the tooth positioning changes that occurred while you had your braces on. Therefore, a retainer is needed to control or limit any potential changes in tooth position. Retainers help keep your teeth in their current position after orthodontic treatment, preventing them from shifting back. Permanent retainers, also known as fixed or bonded retainers, are often attached to the back of the bottom teeth to prevent shifting of the lower dental arch while the surrounding soft tissue and bone adjust to the new positioning.
The first month is critical when it comes to wearing your retainer. This is because your teeth are more prone to move back to their original shape during this time. Teeth grinding can also contribute to shifting teeth, making consistent retainer use even more important to maintain your results.
What are Some Benefits of a Retainer?
As mentioned above, retainer treatment will help keep your teeth aligned and straight after your orthodontic treatment. Retainers offer several other benefits, including:
Stabilizing your bite
Maintaining space for wisdom teeth and new teeth
Prevent treatment reversal
Align your jaw bone with gums
Help your teeth hold their new position
Retainers are designed to fit snugly in your mouth, which is necessary for optimal effectiveness, though some initial discomfort is normal.
If your original retainer is lost or damaged, replacement retainers are available to ensure continued alignment.
Getting a new retainer when needed is important for maintaining your orthodontic results.
What Does the Retainer Fitting Process Entail?
Getting a dental retainer is a simple procedure that generally takes half an hour to complete. For Hawley and clear retainers, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth which will be put into a plaster mold to create an original piece. Some providers also offer an impression kit, allowing you to take dental impressions at home with easy-to-follow instructions, impression materials, and trays included. These retainers are shaped accordingly to fit your mouth comfortably.
For a permanent retainer, your dentist will use a thin piece of twisted, flexible wire that is cut to fit behind your teeth. Once the wire is fit to your teeth and adjustments are made, the wire is attached to your teeth with a dental bonding material and resin.
Your dental provider will ensure the retainer fits properly and can discuss options for replacement retainers if your original is lost or damaged.
Retainer Care
Proper retainer care is essential to ensure your teeth retainers continue to do their job—keeping your smile straight and healthy after orthodontic treatment. Whether you have fixed retainers, removable retainers, or both, following your dental provider’s care instructions will help you maintain the benefits of your treatment and prevent teeth shifting.
For removable retainers, such as Hawley retainers or clear retainers, daily cleaning is a must. Use mild soap or antibacterial soap and lukewarm water to gently brush away bacteria and plaque. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic. Once a week, soak your retainers in a retainer cleaning solution to keep them stain resistant and fresh. Always store your removable retainers in a sturdy retainer case when not in use—never wrap them in napkins or stash them in your pocket or purse, as this can lead to accidental damage or loss.
If you have fixed retainers, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is especially important. Brush and floss your upper and lower teeth thoroughly, paying special attention to the areas around the metal wire. Using a super floss or floss threader can help you clean between your teeth and around the retainer, removing plaque and debris that could otherwise lead to gum issues or cavities.
Regular visits to your orthodontist are key to making sure your retainers fit properly and your teeth are holding their new positions. If you notice your retainers hurt, feel loose, or aren’t fitting snugly, contact your orthodontist immediately for an adjustment or replacement retainer. Prompt attention can prevent shifting teeth and help you keep your perfect smile.
Retainers cost can vary depending on the type and material, but with proper care, both upper and lower retainers can last for years—making them a smart investment in your oral health. Whether you’re caring for a single tooth retainer or both upper and lower retainers, following these care instructions will help you maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment and enjoy a confident, healthy smile for life.