What are retainers, and why do you need them after aligners?

If you’re undergoing treatment to straighten your teeth, you might already be exploring options for retainers. If you’re unsure what they are and why they’re an important part of your teeth keeping your teeth straight after aligner treatment, keep reading. We’ll answer all of your questions here.

What are dental retention devices for?

Retainers are used after you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment as a fixed or removable device to hold your teeth in place after aligners or braces have shifted them to the optimal position.

Choosing between a fixed or removable retainer is based on your orthodontist's assessment after you’ve completed your course of treatment.

Why do I need a retainer?

There are several reasons why retainers are recommended after your aligner treatment. Let’s take a look at the science first.

Two cells in our bones allow our skeleton to remodel if you break or damage them. Osteoblasts build your bone where it needs to be reinforced and strengthened. Osteoclasts help break down old bone and take it to the bloodstream, a process called resorption.

When you use braces or clear aligners, your body uses both of these processes to move your teeth into their new position. As we get older, our teeth can move or revert to their old position.

We may also experience crowding or tooth loss, which can shift the teeth, too, as they try to fill any gaps. A retainer stops teeth from moving.

Do retainers straighten teeth?

Using your teeth and jaw to chew and bite food continues a cycle of sending signals to help your bones continue to strengthen, and the retainer helps them sustain that new position. Retainers don’t produce the same force to straighten teeth; they simply help keep them where they are once they’re in the right place.

What is a fixed retainer?

A fixed, or bonded retainer us usually stuck onto the teeth, meaning you do not need to remember to put them in. The downside of a fixed retainer, however, is that you need to invest more time in cleaning them thoroughly and buying specific tools to reach all areas of it, as they’re not removable.

Wearing your retainers full-time might not be practical for you for some reason, so you may want to explore a removable option, which usually makes it easier to clean retainers, but long-term, you may forget to wear them consistently or put them back in if removed to brush your teeth.

How to clean dental retainers when you have them

Each type has its own set of instructions, and your orthodontist will give you specific guidance about how best to maintain your dental retainer, but here is some general information to help you keep yours in the best condition.

Removable retainers

Much like the routine you’ve been following daily to ensure that your aligners stay clean, you'll care for removable retainers the same way.

• Brush your retainer daily and clean it in lukewarm water
• Maintain a good oral health routine; brushing and flossing after meals
• Remove your retainer before eating, and rinse it thoroughly with a soft brush
• Discuss any specific guidelines with your retainer provider, such as whether cleaning tablets are advisable

Typically, you can expect to maintain the same cleaning protocol you’ve followed with aligners:

• Removing it to eat
• Avoiding abrasive cleaning materials
• Rinse it in between meals
• Avoiding immersion in ultra-hot water, as it can warp and misshape the plastic

• Leave your retainer to air dry or pat lightly with a paper towel to avoid any fibres becoming stuck to it

Permanent retainers

Permanent retainers require quite a bit of adaptation since you need to clean your teeth, mouth, and the device using specific tools.

• Brush thoroughly with a soft brush and toothpaste 2-3 times a day.
• Invest in a floss threader, interdental brushes or a water flosser to remove food and plaque from under the wire.
• Rinse with water and avoid extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals, or soap if it was not recommended by your dentist.

Retain your smile with Impress

If you want to retain the smile you've worked so hard to achieve, and want to invest in removable retainers for optimal maintenance options, head to our retainer page, speak to our team via WhatsApp, or find your nearest clinic to book a consultation.