A smile that lasts – the retention period

The active phase of your orthodontic treatment is complete – congratulations on reaching this milestone! Now comes the most important phase for keeping your beautiful, healthy smile for a long time. That is why we continue to give your teeth special attention.

Why is retention important?

During orthodontic treatment, the teeth are loosened in a controlled way so that they can be moved into their optimal position. Afterwards, however, the bone is soft and there is a risk that your teeth will move back to their original position. And that can happen very, very quickly!

For this reason, from now on we need to keep supporting your teeth with a suitable retention appliance! In this way, we “remind” your teeth of their correct position until they are firmly anchored in the jaw again by newly formed bone.

Which retention appliance will I get?

A retention appliance that suits you is, of course, included in your treatment costs. In most cases, this is a wire retainer or an Essix retainer.

How often do I have to wear the retainer?

The first year after treatment is particularly important for a lasting result. However, to ensure a beautiful, healthy smile in the long term, we (and all other reputable orthodontists) recommend lifelong retention.

Types of retainers

Five main types of retention appliances are used:

• Vivera retainers
• Hawley retainers
• Clear vacuum-formed retainers – Essix retainers
• Fixed retainers
• Tooth positioners

Vivera® retainers

Vivera retainers are made using some of the most advanced technologies on the market, including 3D imaging, clear thermoplastic material and high-quality manufacturing technology. This gives you comfort, a precise fit and perfection while your teeth are held in position.

Laboratory tests comparing the Vivera material with other clear retainer materials showed that the Vivera material is more than 30% more stable. This is crucial for keeping your teeth in the desired position.

Hawley retainers

Hawley retainers can be used to secure the teeth in the upper and lower jaw. They consist of two components:

• Wires that run around the outside of the teeth
• Acrylic (plastic) that covers the palate or the inside of the lower teeth

Hawley retainers can be used to hold the teeth in place or even to move them slightly.

Clear vacuum-formed retainers

We use this type of retainer when no further tooth movement is needed. They are very light, slightly flexible and comfortable. The retainers are thin and transparent, which makes them very inconspicuous.

Clear retainers are normally worn for ten to twelve hours a day. You can also plan the times you wear these retainers around your school or working day. Many of our patients wear them in the evening and at night and take them out the next morning. A schedule like this allows "freedom" during school or working hours and lets you do sport without restriction. It also reduces the risk of the retainer being damaged or lost.

Fixed retainer

In some patients, it turns out after the braces have been removed that they still have certain unstable teeth (usually lower or upper front teeth) that are at risk of continuing to move. In such cases, a fixed retainer is bonded to the inside of the front teeth.

Tooth positioner

A positioner is another version of a finishing or retention appliance. Although it looks very plain and simple and resembles a mouthguard for athletes, it is a highly sophisticated appliance. When worn correctly, it can achieve wonderful results. Positioners can be made of various materials, such as rubber, silicone or thermoplastic material that is hard and transparent at room temperature. They are also available in a range of colours (except for the thermoplastic version, which is always transparent).