Short answer: A retainer is a retention appliance that helps the teeth stay in their new position after dental treatment is finished. A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the teeth; removable retainers are plates that you put in and take out. Which one is suitable is determined together with the dentist according to the condition of the teeth and the person’s habits.
Why is a retainer needed?
Teeth may tend to return to their old positions until the surrounding gum fibers and bone have reorganized. A retainer helps hold the teeth in place during this period. For general information on retention, you can see our page on retention treatment.
Fixed (wire) retainer
- How it works: A thin wire is usually bonded to the inner surface of the lower, and sometimes the upper, front teeth.
- Pros: It does not need to be put in and taken out, it is not visible from outside and there is no risk of forgetting it.
- Points to consider: Plaque and tartar can build up around the wire; a special needle or an interdental brush is needed to pass floss. If the wire breaks or comes off, the teeth may shift, so regular check-ups are important.
Removable retainer
There are two main types.
- Hawley type (wire and acrylic plate): It is durable and adjustable; however, it is more noticeable and can affect speech in the first days.
- Clear vacuum-formed retainer: It is a thin clear plate that covers the teeth; it looks aesthetic, but it can wear out and may need to be replaced.
Which is better?
All types have strengths and weaknesses; there is no single “most correct” option. For some people a fixed retainer is chosen, for others a removable one, and in some cases a combination of both. When deciding, the following are assessed:
- The condition of the teeth before treatment and their tendency to shift
- Gum health and cleaning habits
- Habits such as grinding or clenching
- The person’s commitment to wearing the retainer regularly
Use and care
- Wear a removable retainer for the periods the dentist specifies; the duration can be reduced over time.
- Take it out while eating and brushing, and keep it in its case.
- Avoid hot water, bleach and hard brushes.
- Do not strain a fixed retainer with very hard or sticky foods.
- If it breaks, gets lost or comes loose, let the clinic know without delay; for our related articles, you can see if a retainer is lost and a broken retainer.
You can also read our article on cleaning and care of orthodontic appliances for cleaning details.
Retainer schedule after treatment
There is no single schedule that suits everyone for retainer use. More frequent wear is generally asked for in the first months, and then the time is gradually reduced. Many dentists recommend long-term use, even at a low frequency, so that the teeth stay in place over the long run. For this reason, you need to consult the dentist before making a plan such as “I’ll stop after a year.”
Common mistakes
- Wrapping the retainer in a napkin and leaving it next to the dinner plate; this is one of the most common reasons for losing it.
- Leaving it in hot water or in a hot car; the plastic can change shape.
- Stopping wearing a removable retainer because “it felt tight this week”; tightness can indicate that the teeth have started to shift.
- Noticing that the wire on a fixed retainer has come off and waiting.
- Leaving it where pets can reach it.
Retainer check-ups
It is important to keep coming to check-ups after the retainer has been fitted. The dentist evaluates how well the fixed wire is bonded, how well the removable retainer fits and the position of the teeth. When a small shift is caught early, it can often be brought under control with simple methods. For information on teeth shifting after treatment, you can read our article on do teeth shift after braces are removed?.
Questions you can ask your dentist when deciding
- Is my tendency for teeth to shift high?
- Will the same type be used for the lower and upper teeth?
- For how long and at what times of day should I wear the retainer?
- What is done if it breaks or gets lost?
- How should I clean it, and how often will my check-ups be?
The answers to these questions vary from person to person. Taking the questions with you in writing helps make sure important points are not forgotten at the examination.
In which cases are both considered together?
People whose teeth were markedly crowded before treatment, whose gaps between teeth were closed or whose teeth were rotated may have a greater tendency to shift. In such cases a fixed retainer may be bonded to the lower front teeth, while a clear or Hawley-type removable retainer may be given for the upper teeth. This combination aims to benefit from the strengths of the different types together. The suitable approach for each person is determined through an examination.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a retainer used?
The duration varies from person to person. In most cases more frequent use is recommended in the first period after treatment and less frequent use afterwards; the exact plan is determined by the dentist.
Is a removable retainer needed as well if there is a fixed retainer?
In some cases using both types together may be preferred; this decision is made according to the condition of the teeth.
Can a retainer shift the teeth?
A retainer that is made properly and used correctly helps hold the teeth in place. If you feel it does not fit, you should let the clinic know instead of stopping its use.
How do you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined through an examination and the dentist’s evaluation. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through your questions together during the first orthodontic examination.
