Retainers After Braces

As the correction of misaligned teeth slowly nears its end, the term “retainer braces” is often mentioned. However, this does not refer to an extension of the orthodontic treatment.

A retainer is a small, barely noticeable device used to stabilize the teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting out of alignment again. Retainers are worn for several years after braces are removed, usually three to five years. There are two types of retainers: removable and fixed.

What happens before you start wearing a retainer?

Before retainer treatment begins, the actual orthodontic treatment must, of course, be completed first. There are a wide variety of options available, ranging from fixed braces to the nearly invisible Invisalign method using clear aligners. We recommend consulting with Prof. Jonke and our team for advice!

What types of retainers are there?

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are either aligners—barely visible trays that fit over the teeth—or standard removable braces. Removable retainers are usually worn while sleeping and serve to hold the teeth in their new, straight positions. After all, steady pressure has been applied to the individual teeth over the past few years, and that pressure is no longer present—which could lead to new misalignments. However, wearing the retainer helps maintain the new tooth positions for years and decades to come. Your oral care routine—whether you use just a toothbrush or also floss—remains unchanged, since the retainer is inserted only after your evening oral care routine and removed again before brushing your teeth in the morning. The same rules that apply to standard, removable braces or aligners also apply to retainers: They must be cleaned at least once a day with liquid soap and a toothbrush; for aligner trays, the use of cleaning crystals is also recommended.

Fixed Retainers

Even with retainers, it may be necessary to attach a fixed device to prevent the teeth from shifting back into their original misalignments. Fixed retainers usually consist of a special wire that is stretched across the inner surfaces of the teeth between the two canines, thereby keeping them in their current, new positions. Since it is fixed in place, the retainer cannot be removed for oral hygiene—however, it is far less bothersome than fixed braces, as it consists solely of a wire on the inner side of the front teeth. It’s a good idea to use an interdental brush here as well to clean the areas between the teeth and the wire.