Are Clear Retainers Really The Best Type Of Retainers in 2024?

So you’ve just got off your braces and now have a brand new set of beautiful teeth. But to keep your teeth straight for as long as possible and even in the years to come, the next step is to get a pair of dental retainers.

There are three main types of retainers: Hawley retainers, clear retainers and permanent retainers. In this article, we will focus on clear retainers. Please click here to read about the other types.

How Are The Other Type Of Retainers Different From Clear Retainers?

Dental retainers are custom made devices designed to hold your teeth in place¹ after you start wearing braces to ensure the teeth stay in position. Most dentists require patients to wear retainers for about 8-12 hours a day, or during sleep.

While there are a few different types of retainers out there including permanent and Hawley retainers, many patients prefer to use clear retainers. Clear retainers have gained popularity in recent years due to their discreet appearance and comfortable fit. These retainers are made from a thin, plastic material that fit over the teeth, offering a virtually invisible solution for maintaining the desired positions.

Aesthetic reasons aside, clear removable retainers are a lot more comfortable compared to the other retainers. Clear retainers may appear thin but they are extremely strong. They also provide an added advantage that they give slight protection over clenching or grinding.

What are clear retainers made of?

Clear retainers are made of high-quality polypropylene or polyurethane material. They’re usually about 0.76mm in thickness and are designed to withstand any crack or stress resistance. To create a clear retainer, a mould of your teeth is created. A very thin plastic made from the materials mentioned above is then heated and sucked down the mould, creating a clear plastic dental retainer that’s uniquely yours.

Modern technology allows for greater accuracy now; intraoral scanners can virtually take a record of teeth shape and position and 3D printers can create dental models with 25-micron accuracy.

Advantages:

• Virtually invisible, so you’re more likely to wear it, which means a lesser chance of relapse
• Less bulky and more comfortable than some retainers like Hawley retainers
• Easy to take in and out
• Less likely to affect speech than Hawley retainers
• Inexpensive
• Provides better oral hygiene² than fixed retainers
• Acts as a night guard for bruxism
  
  

Disadvantages:

• Should your teeth relapse, you will need to get a new set of retainers as clear retainers are not adjustable
• They cannot be repaired if cracked or broken
• May become distorted if exposed to high temperatures
• Can become discoloured if you smoke or drink coffee
• Easily misplaced due to transparency 
  
  

Can I eat with retainers on?

You should always remove your retainer when eating or even drinking beverages that tend to leave stains, such as coffee. Eating with a retainer on may cause the retainer to break and food can get stuck between the retainer and your teeth, potentially leading to decay, bad breath and a stains. Therefore, to avoid the appearance of noticeably yellow teeth, it is essential for most patients to clean clear retainers frequently.

How do I clean my clear retainer?

Here are a few tips I share with my patients on cleaning their clear retainers:

• Brush or rinse the retainers with warm water daily
• Use a very smooth toothbrush so as not to scratch the clear plastic retainer
• Avoid using toothpaste as this may too abrasive
• Use a cotton swab or Q-tip to clean the corners and edges
• Soak the clear retainers in a denture cleanser
• Avoid soaking your clear retainer in hot water as this may warp the plastic material
  

Clear retainer for lost teeth

Patients with missing teeth can also benefit from clear retainers. In fact, one useful application of clear retainers is that a tooth coloured material can be placed into a retainer and used to replace missing teeth. It can be challenging for orthodontists to provide both function and aesthetics for a patient who’s waiting for final tooth restoration and a clear type of retainer can help act as a temporary prosthesis in a cost effective way. However, do note that the retainers will have to be removed when eating and as such the missing tooth space will be visible.

Who are clear retainers suitable for?

Clear retainers are suitable for anyone looking to wear them to maintain their straight teeth after braces. The invisibility of clear retainers is definitely a plus point, especially for younger patients who are conscious about their appearances. As mentioned, clear retainers may also be customised as a temporary solution to replace a missing tooth.

However, it's essential to note that while clear retainers may be the preferred choice for many patients, they may not be suitable for everyone or every case. In some cases, particularly teeth that required more significant orthodontic corrections like severe rotations, or in young child patients where the jaw may be still developing, other types of retainers such as wire Hawley retainers or fixed wire retainers may be more appropriate. Each type of retainer has its advantages and considerations and patients need to consult with their dentist or orthodontist to determine the best option for their individual needs.

For patients who have severe grinding or clenching habits, a clear retainer may not be sufficient and may break prematurely. In such cases, your dentist might suggest that you get a mouth guard instead of a retainer for the upper or lower teeth, which can withstand the strong pressures for a longer time.

While all types of retainers are generally very effective when used properly, if appearance and comfort are your top priorities, then clear retainers might be your best bet.  

Conclusion

In addition to their discreet appearance, clear retainers offer practical benefits as well. They are removable, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance of oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene is crucial for preventing plaque buildup and potential issues such as teeth grinding, which can affect the longevity of orthodontic treatment outcomes. Clear retainers can be cleaned properly by following instructions carefully, ensuring that they remain clear and free from irritation to the lips or gums. Read more on clear retainer.

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References

1. Sauget, E., Covell, D.A., Covell, D.A., Boero, R., & Lieber, W.S. (2010). Comparison of occlusal contacts with use of Hawley and clear overlay retainers. The Angle orthodontist, 67 3, 223-30 .
2. Chaimongkol P, Suntornlohanakul S. Clear retainer. APOS Trends Orthod 2017;7:54-60.