Retainers

Retainer wear is the last phase of orthodontic treatment and occurs after the active treatment phase is finished. After braces or aligner attachments have been removed, teeth can still move, meaning that teeth may shift or relapse if retainers are not worn. This is the reason retainers are worn overnight (if not longer) to help maintain the position of teeth.

We get it. It can take a while to embed a new habit, so we recommend a couple of trusty tips to avoid the need for a retainer rescue operation. Find yourself a bigger carrying case for the retainer – and keep it there! It’s much easier to avoid losing your retainer when it’s in an obvious (and perhaps brightly coloured!) case. Think of your retainer like car keys. Place the retainer case in the same spot every time you finish with it and there’s less chance you’ll lose it. Practise these habits and before long, retainer wear and care will be part of your life – and so worth it when you receive all those compliments for your gorgeous, well-maintained smile.

Of course, every patient’s needs are unique, but in the question of retention, there are really two choices: fixed or removable. So how do you know which is right for you?

Fixed retainers are usually made with a thin wire worn across the back of the lower and/or upper front teeth. The wire is bonded in place with an adhesive similar to the one used on the brackets of braces. As this type of wire stretches across several teeth, a floss threader or similar cleaning device must be used to access the spaces between the teeth, just as people with braces do when they floss.

The decision to choose a fixed retainer must be considered carefully because they are prone to breakage if the wearer is not conscientious with care. In the same way as braces, if we bite into hard foods, the wire will break. This type of retainer also takes more work to keep clean, so unless the wearer already has solid oral hygiene habits in place (which may be a challenge with children and teens), it’s likely that a Trutain retainer will be your preferred option.

Retention is crucial in maintaining the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment. Without it, teeth may shift back to their original positions, undoing progress made during active treatment and potentially requiring further orthodontic treatment. Retainers, custom-made for each patient, can be fixed or removable and help stabilise teeth in their new positions. Retention is a long-term process that is essential for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment.

Removable retainers are orthodontic appliances that are custom-made to fit your teeth and are designed to help maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. They are typically worn at night while you sleep.

Failure to wear your retainers as prescribed can lead to unwanted tooth movement. Retainers are recommended to help ensure the long-term success of your orthodontic treatment.

Fixed retainers are thin wires that are cemented to the back of the upper and/or lower front teeth, and require a floss threader or similar cleaning device to access the spaces between the teeth. They are prone to breakage if not cared for properly and take more effort to keep clean. Due to this, the decision to choose a fixed retainer should be carefully considered, and a Trutain retainer may be preferred, especially for children and teens who may not yet have established good oral hygiene habits.

The precision and accuracy of 3D technology enable the creation of highly detailed and accurate models of a patient’s teeth and gums, leading to improved outcomes in orthodontic treatment. Additionally, using 3D scanners and printers can eliminate the need for uncomfortable impressions, which can be particularly advantageous for patients who have a sensitive gag reflex. By fabricating retainers in-house using 3D technology, patients can receive their retainers more quickly, without the need to wait for them to be sent out to an external lab, thereby reducing the amount of time patients spend without their retainers.