Clear Retainer

Retainers are custom-made, removable appliances that fit over your teeth and help hold them in place after your braces have been taken off.

Retainers are based on the final step of treatment and are intended for the purpose of retention. Aligners are designed specifically to accomplish movement. The treating physician should determine when the retention phase begins and what type of retainer/retention protocol is best for the patient.

When is the best time to request retainers?

The best time to order retainers is as soon as the doctor’s objectives and patient’s preferences are resolved to the satisfaction of both.

Why do I need to wear retainers?

Like any part of the human body, the ageing process is inevitable. This will have an impact on the teeth. Retainers need to be worn in order to minimise these changes as much as possible. Retainers also help to stabilise your teeth in their new position and it is important to follow these instructions carefully.

Your retainers will look, taste and feel brand new. Your speech may also be affected. This usually lasts for a couple of days until you wear them in and they become comfortable. Talk, sing, smile as much as possible. If you are having difficulty, discuss this with your orthodontist at your first check appointment.

Do not put the retainers in your pocket, do not put them in your bag, and definitely do not wrap them in tissues or serviettes as they will be thrown out! There is a cost to replace lost or damaged retainers so please look after them.

You can brush your retainer with a toothbrush and toothpaste when you brush your teeth. You can also soak them in any cleaning solution from the pharmacy for 10-15 minutes.

There are several common types of retainers.

• Traditional removable retainers (Hawley retainers): This type of retainer is made out of coloured acrylic and wire. There are dozens of styles and colours to choose from.
• Clear Retainers: This retainer is made from clear plastic and fits over your teeth. In addition to keeping your teeth in place, it can help protect the surfaces of your teeth if you have the habit of clenching or grinding them while you sleep.
• Bonded retainers: Bonded retainers are usually placed behind the lower teeth after removal of braces. It’s bonded to the teeth with composite material and such is considered “permanent” because it can’t be removed by the patient. We typically don’t use this type of retainer with the upper teeth because it would interfere with your bite. A bonded retainer can remain in place for several years.

The purpose of your retainers is to maintain the position of your teeth. Many of the factors causing crowding persist throughout life. As part of the aging process, the teeth tend to shift. Therefore, it is very important to maintain retainer wear for as long as you want to maintain straight teeth. We recommend you wear your retainers every night.

It depends on the type of retainer you have. In general, retainers are far less noticeable than braces, so the appearance of your smile will not be affected by them. It may take you a couple days to get used to the feel of wearing one, but after that you should barely notice them. If you have a bonded retainer, you will need to brush the surrounding area thoroughly and learn to floss around the retainer. Floss threaders can be especially helpful for this.

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889540610005391

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889540619306262

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S088954061831117X

6) Clear retainer

Chaimongkol et al.

Clear retainer

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https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40510-016-0137-x

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