Do I Wear Retainers for Life?

While this might sound daunting, it is as routine as brushing your teeth and will maintain the results you have worked so hard to achieve.

Here are key facts in our experience at FIRST Ortho about retainers, their types, and why they are essential for success.

Orthodontic treatment repositions your teeth, but the surrounding tissues and ligaments take time to adapt. Without retainers, teeth can gradually shift back to their original positions—a process known as orthodontic relapse.

They can also move due to other ‘natural’ causes. Retainers are your safeguard.

Click here to find out more about why teeth can move over time!

1. Fixed Retainers

What They Are: Thin wires bonded to the back of teeth.

Advantages:

• Permanent fixture, so you don’t need to remember to wear them.
• Ideal for high-risk cases (e.g., irregular, rotated, spaced, or mobile teeth).
• Perfect for patients committed to maintaining their orthodontic investment

Considerations:

• Not suitable for long-term use in patients prone to heavy calculus formation.
• Bite issues, like deep bites, may increase the risk of breakage on upper teeth.
• More expensive upfront, with repairs requiring surgery visits. However, our repair rate is remarkably low.

Longevity: In our experience, fixed retainers can last 5–25 years with proper care and regular check-ups. Initial patient choice is important – they are not suitable for everyone.

Our fixed retainers are unique: The way we design and fit our fixed retainers is not used anywhere else. They are recognised by our referring dentists and hygienists for the quality and skill in fitting them to eight teeth in each arch as opposed to 6.

2. Essix Removable Retainers

What They Are: Clear plastic retainers that fit snugly over your teeth.

Advantages:

• Worn nightly or every other night, providing flexibility.
• Easier for hygienists to clean teeth if calculus buildup occurs.
• Can double as bite guards for bruxism, or as whitening trays.
• Affordable and quick to replace if lost or damaged.
• Useful in emergencies when fixed retainers need repair.

Considerations:

• May wear out or distort over time but are easily replaced.
• Minor tooth movement can potentially be expected as they cannot be work all the time. Changes in the levels of the teeth, severe rotations and gaps in teeth are more challenging to keep straight.

3. Hawley Removable Retainers

What They Are: Acrylic plates with a metal wire running across the front of the teeth.

Advantages:

• Durable and adjustable.
• Suitable for long-term maintenance in certain cases.
• Slightly better for expansion case stability than Essix retainers.

Considerations:

• More noticeable than Essix retainers.

4. Functional Removable Retainers

What They Are: Designed for specific functional cases in orthodontic treatment. They are transient in nature.

Advantages: Used in specialized cases to achieve unique outcomes.

5. Palatal Arch Retainers

What They Are: Designed for mixed dentition expansion cases. These are transient in nature.

Advantages: Young children do not need to remember to put them in. Easy to clean and maintain

For most patients, a combination of fixed retainers and Essix removable retainers offers the best protection. The Essix retainer is worn during nights, with advice on how often to wear it given by your orthodontist at the end of treatment.

These 2 types of retainer complement the other to ensure long-term stability and functionality.

Retainer Maintenance Tips

To get the most out of your retainers:

1. Follow Wear Guidelines: Wear removable retainers as directed. Call us immediately if you are not sure.
2. Hygiene Matters: Clean your retainers regularly to prevent buildup.
3. Attend Check-Ups: Schedule regular visits to ensure your retainers are in good condition.

Patient Support at FIRST Ortho

At FIRST Ortho, we prioritize lifelong retainer use and offer personalized support:

• Customized Retainers: Tailored to your specific treatment and needs.
• Clear Guidance: Detailed instructions on when and how to wear retainers.
• Maintenance Support: Regular check-ups to ensure your retainers are working effectively.

Wearing retainers is a small commitment to preserve the time, effort, and investment you’ve made in your orthodontic treatment. With proper care and support from FIRST Ortho, you can enjoy a lifetime of straight, healthy teeth.

Contact Us or Book a Consultation today to discuss your retainer options and ensure your smile stays perfect!