What are dental retainers?
Dental retainers are devices designed to keep teeth in their new position after completing orthodontic treatment.
Once braces or aligners are removed, teeth naturally tend to move back to their original position. Therefore, retainers are essential to preserve the results obtained.
At ORÉ Dental Clinic, we use high-quality retainers that help stabilize the smile and prevent the effort made during orthodontics from being lost over time.
Once braces or aligners are removed, teeth naturally tend to move back to their original position. Therefore, retainers are essential to preserve the results obtained.
At ORÉ Dental Clinic, we use high-quality retainers that help stabilize the smile and prevent the effort made during orthodontics from being lost over time.
Why is it important to use retainers?
Retainers fulfill an essential function: keeping teeth aligned and ensuring the bite adapts correctly to the new dental arrangement.
Additionally, their use:
• Prevents teeth from returning to their previous position (relapse).
• Maintains treatment results for many years.
• Helps stabilize the bite and tissues surrounding the teeth.
• Reduces the need for future orthodontic treatments.
Without retainers, even after a year of braces, teeth can move again. That's why their use is indispensable.
Additionally, their use:
• Prevents teeth from returning to their previous position (relapse).
• Maintains treatment results for many years.
• Helps stabilize the bite and tissues surrounding the teeth.
• Reduces the need for future orthodontic treatments.
Without retainers, even after a year of braces, teeth can move again. That's why their use is indispensable.
Types of dental retainers
At ORÉ Dental Clinic we work with the most used and safe models:
1. Fixed retainer (cemented)
It's a thin wire attached to the back of front teeth.
✔ Not visible
✔ Not removable
✔ Maintains position continuously
Ideal for patients with teeth that tend to move easily.
2. Removable Essix-type retainer (transparent)
It's a transparent plate similar to an aligner.
✔ Aesthetic
✔ Comfortable
✔ Easy to clean
It's one of the most popular for its discreet design.
3. Hawley retainer (acrylic and wire)
It has an acrylic base with a front wire.
✔ Resistant
✔ Adjustable
✔ Can last many years
Recommended for patients who need firmer support.
1. Fixed retainer (cemented)
It's a thin wire attached to the back of front teeth.
✔ Not visible
✔ Not removable
✔ Maintains position continuously
Ideal for patients with teeth that tend to move easily.
2. Removable Essix-type retainer (transparent)
It's a transparent plate similar to an aligner.
✔ Aesthetic
✔ Comfortable
✔ Easy to clean
It's one of the most popular for its discreet design.
3. Hawley retainer (acrylic and wire)
It has an acrylic base with a front wire.
✔ Resistant
✔ Adjustable
✔ Can last many years
Recommended for patients who need firmer support.
How are dental retainers used and cared for?
Treatment success depends on proper use of retainers. At ORÉ Dental Clinic we recommend:
• Use them according to the orthodontist's indication (generally all day at the beginning).
• Remove removable ones only to eat and brush.
• Wash them daily with cold water and neutral soap.
• Avoid leaving them exposed to heat as they can deform.
• Store them always in their case to avoid loss or breakage.
The fixed retainer also requires care: good hygiene and proper use of dental floss to avoid plaque accumulation.
• Use them according to the orthodontist's indication (generally all day at the beginning).
• Remove removable ones only to eat and brush.
• Wash them daily with cold water and neutral soap.
• Avoid leaving them exposed to heat as they can deform.
• Store them always in their case to avoid loss or breakage.
The fixed retainer also requires care: good hygiene and proper use of dental floss to avoid plaque accumulation.
Who should use retainers after orthodontics?
• Adolescents finishing their treatment with braces
• Adults who used transparent aligners
• Patients with previous severe crowding
• People with bites that required significant correction
Regardless of age, all patients completing orthodontic treatment need retainers to preserve their new smile.
• Adults who used transparent aligners
• Patients with previous severe crowding
• People with bites that required significant correction
Regardless of age, all patients completing orthodontic treatment need retainers to preserve their new smile.
How long should retainers be used?
The time may vary according to each case, but in general:
• First months: almost permanent use
• After: only at night, indefinitely
Teeth always have memory of their original position, so long-term nighttime use is the key to maintaining results.
At each check-up, our specialists review the retainer's condition, verify its fit, and make changes when necessary.
• First months: almost permanent use
• After: only at night, indefinitely
Teeth always have memory of their original position, so long-term nighttime use is the key to maintaining results.
At each check-up, our specialists review the retainer's condition, verify its fit, and make changes when necessary.
Take care of your smile and maintain your orthodontic results
At ORÉ Dental Clinic, we offer quality care accompanied by modern technology, ensuring your retainers fit perfectly and protect your new smile.
Remember: finishing braces is not the end of the process. The retainer is the step that guarantees your smile remains aligned, functional, and aesthetic.
Remember: finishing braces is not the end of the process. The retainer is the step that guarantees your smile remains aligned, functional, and aesthetic.