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      Retainers

      Maintain your new smile with retainers.

      Congratulations! You've completed your orthodontic treatment and achieved a stunning, straight smile. Now comes the crucial step of maintaining that smile with retainers.

      Retainers are custom-made appliances that hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions while your bone tissue rebuilds around them. Wearing retainers consistently after orthodontic treatment is vital to prevent your teeth from shifting back towards their original position, a process known as “relapse”. Relapse can occur regardless of the type of orthodontic treatment you received.

      Teeth Retainers

      Types of Orthodontic Retainers

      There are two main types of retainers. Our Specialist Orthodontists at SameDay Dental Clinic will discuss the best type of retainer for you based on your specific needs and treatment history.

      Fixed Retainers

      These are thin wires that are permanently bonded to the back of your teeth, keeping them in position without the need for removal. They are ideal for long-term stability, particularly for patients with significant alignment changes.

      Removable Retainers

      These retainers can be easily taken in and out of your mouth for comfort and cleaning. They come in two main styles: traditional Hawley retainers with a wire and plastic base, and clear Essix retainers made entirely of plastic. Both are custom-fitted to your teeth.

      How often should you wear your retainers?

      Every patient's needs are different. Your orthodontist will provide specific guidance, but as a general rule, you should wear your retainers for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight. Consistent wear is essential to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position. Over time, you may be advised to switch to wearing them only at night, but it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s advice for the best long-term results.

      Our Specialist Orthodontists

      Dr. Abdelhakim A. El-Gheriani

      BDS, DMD, MS, MSD, ABO (USA)
      Consultant Orthodontist
      Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontists
      Invisalign Diamond Provider
      View Profile

      Dr. Ana Beatriz Arrais

      BSc, MDS (Brazil)
      Specialist Orthodontist
      Certified Invisalign Provider
      View Profile

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Retainer wear is typically a lifetime commitment, though the frequency decreases over time. In the period immediately after treatment, your orthodontist will likely advise full-time wear. As your teeth stabilise, this is gradually reduced to nights only. The exact schedule depends on your case and your orthodontist's instructions — following them precisely is what protects the result you worked to achieve.

      A fixed retainer is a slender wire bonded to the inner surface of the teeth — it works continuously without any effort on your part, but requires careful cleaning around the wire. A removable retainer is a custom-fitted clear tray or wire-and-acrylic appliance that you take out for eating and cleaning. Both types are effective; your orthodontist will recommend the right option based on your treatment and the position of your teeth.

      A tight-fitting retainer usually means your teeth have shifted slightly since you last wore it. This is a sign that the retainer is doing exactly what it should — bringing them back into position. If the tightness causes real discomfort or the retainer no longer seats fully, see your orthodontist. Do not try to force it in, and do not leave it out, as further shifting will follow.

      For removable retainers: brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cool water after each use, and soak at least once a week in a retainer-cleaning solution to prevent build-up. Avoid hot water — it warps the plastic. When you are not wearing it, store it in its protective case. For fixed retainers: brush carefully around the wire and use floss threaders or an interdental brush to clean underneath it daily.

      Yes, but this is worth discussing with your orthodontist before continuing with a standard retainer. Many patients who grind at night are better served by a dual-purpose hard-acrylic retainer that maintains tooth position and protects against grinding at the same time. Wearing a thin removable retainer over a grinding habit can cause it to wear through or crack faster than expected. Speak to your orthodontist, who can advise on the right retainer type for your situation.