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December 10, 2025Orthodontic treatment using fixed braces or clear aligners aims to reposition the teeth to correct specific problems, ultimately achieving proper alignment and a stable, functional bite.
Once these treatments are complete, retainers are required to ensure the long-term stability of the results achieved. Retainers, whether fixed or removable, maintain the corrected position of the teeth after the orthodontic appliances have been removed.
Types of braces
Fixed dental retainer – benefits and recommendations
The fixed retainer is the most suitable device for maintaining long-term results. It is the most stable retention device, as it does not depend on the patient’s compliance.
Advantages:
- Made in the laboratory from steel wire, these devices fit perfectly on the tooth surfaces thanks to the accuracy of digital impressions
- It is completely invisible and comfortable, as it is bonded using a special composite to the lingual/palatal surface of the front teeth, canines and incisors.
Recommendations:
- The fixed retainer is recommended in cases of dento-maxillary anomalies involving severe crowding and rotation, as the risk of relapse is increased.
- It is recommended for closing post-extraction spaces in orthodontic treatments involving tooth extractions, or even for closing a diastema (gap between teeth)
- Orthodontic treatment cases in patients with periodontal disease and gingival and bone recession
- The fixed retainer can be cleaned using dental floss, small interdental brushes or, ideally, a water flosser. The latter helps remove food debris from between the teeth using a water jet, and the risk of the retainer coming loose is minimal.
Retainer tray (removable retainer)
The retainer is made from biocompatible, transparent materials, making it extremely comfortable and aesthetically pleasing even during the day.
“At DENT ESTET, the retainer is made in the dental laboratory based on a digital impression. Produced using thermoforming, it fits perfectly over the surfaces of all teeth, thus maintaining the results in the lateral areas as well. It can be of varying thicknesses, depending on the duration of the orthodontic treatment or the initial type of dento-maxillary anomaly,” explains Dr. Ana Marinescu, Resident Doctor in Orthodontics and Dento-Facial Orthopaedics.
It is recommended, however, to limit the consumption of food and drink whilst wearing them, especially drinks with a high sugar content or colourings, as these can cause discolouration. Furthermore, consuming hot liquids is not advisable, as the material may change shape or even alter its properties.
Once orthodontic treatment is complete and you are wearing a removable retainer, cleaning is very straightforward. Using a manual toothbrush and antibacterial liquid soap, the retainer should be cleaned under a stream of lukewarm water, both in the morning and in the evening. Effervescent tablets can also be used periodically, as they help maintain better hygiene and remove extrinsic stains.
“I always advise my patients to keep their retainer in their orthodontic case. There is an increased risk of relapse when patients stop wearing their retainers because, through carelessness, they have been lost or thrown away. Retainers should never be stored in tissues or plastic bags, as the risk of loss is high,” explains Dr Ana Marinescu.
Removable retainers
There are several types of removable retainers made from acrylic. Hawley and Wrap-Around retainers may be indicated in cases of skeletal anomalies, where the mandibular position needs to be maintained in the corrected position for a longer period of time, with the aid of auxiliary devices associated with the retainers.
Wrap-around appliances allow for complete occlusion, as they do not cover the tooth surfaces used for chewing, whilst Hawley appliances allow for minor dental adjustments when necessary.
These types of retainers can be very easily modified in the laboratory, according to the orthodontist’s requirements. They are less readily accepted by patients, as they take up more space in the mouth, but they may be the appropriate option at the end of treatment for certain more complex dento-maxillary anomalies.
These retainers are worn at night, so they do not interfere with daily activities. During the day, they are kept in their orthodontic case to prevent them from being lost or broken.
Removable retainers are cleaned, just like mouthguards, using a manual toothbrush and antibacterial liquid soap.
The benefits of wearing a retainer
- It helps to maintain the results achieved following orthodontic treatment;
- With the help of a dental retainer, the risk of relapse decreases in direct proportion to adherence to the wearing times recommended by the orthodontist;
- It provides long-term stability, thus ensuring that aesthetics and functionality are maintained over a long period;
- Keeping the teeth in their corrected position using a retainer allows for good oral hygiene, thereby reducing the risk of developing gum inflammation and tooth decay;
- The balance achieved following orthodontic treatment allows the dento-maxillary system to function optimally.
How long should the retainer be worn?
A fixed retainer remains attached to the inner surfaces of the teeth in the long term, and may even remain in place for life if the orthodontist recommends it.
“Orthodontic retainers are worn at night, initially every night, then as the results stabilise, the number of nights can be reduced to 1–2 nights a week. However, it is recommended that they be worn for the long term and very long term. If the occlusal surfaces of the retainers become worn, it is recommended that they be refitted to prevent unwanted changes,” explains Dr. Ana Marinescu.
If the retainer becomes partially or completely detached, or even breaks, you should make an appointment with your orthodontist immediately to discuss the next steps. The retainer can be repaired in the laboratory, or, if enough time has passed since the completion of orthodontic treatment, it can be removed.
The general consensus is that dental retainers should be worn for life. After a variable period of time, it is recommended that they be worn for at least 1–2 nights a week.
How much does a dental retainer cost?
The price of a fixed retainer or a removable retainer is influenced by the type of appliance recommended—fixed or removable—the materials used, and the manufacturing process.
Factors influencing the cost of dental retainers include the investigations required to produce them: intraoral scanning and digital impressions.
Generally, fixed retainers or retainer trays are made in a dental laboratory, such as the one at DENT ESTET clinics – the ASPEN Advanced Dental Technology Laboratory. The use of modern digital equipment incurs additional costs.
We invite you to consult our orthodontics price list to find out the cost of a retainer at DENT ESTET.
“As far as I am concerned, I recommend fitting a lower fixed retainer at the end of any orthodontic treatment, and fitting an upper fixed retainer when the occlusion allows it. If we cannot fit a fixed upper retainer, I recommend using a thicker, stiffer upper retainer splint. Regular check-ups should take place at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and then annually. “If any changes occur to any type of retainer (detachment, breakage, wear), the patient must inform the orthodontist and book a specialist consultation as soon as possible,” added Dr. Ana Marinescu, Resident Doctor in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics.
Frequently asked questions about retainers
What is a dental retainer and how does it work?
A retainer is a device that keeps the teeth in the position achieved following orthodontic treatment. It works by applying gentle pressure to stabilise the teeth’s new position until the tissues have fully adapted.
What is the difference between a retainer and a retention splint?
The terms ‘retainer’ and ‘retainer tray’ describe the same type of device used to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment. However, a fixed retainer is made of stainless steel wire, whereas a retainer tray is made, like clear aligners, from a biocompatible plastic material.
How long should the retainer be worn after braces?
The duration varies from case to case, but it is generally recommended to wear the appliance continuously for the first few months, followed by overnight wear in the long term, as advised by your orthodontist.
Can a retainer be worn indefinitely?
Yes, provided it is in good condition and fits properly. However, it may need to be replaced from time to time due to wear and tear or natural changes in the teeth.
How much does a dental retainer or a retainer tray cost?
The cost depends on the type of appliance (fixed or removable) and the material used. The exact price is determined following an orthodontic consultation and can be found on the DENT ESTET pricing page.
Is a dental retainer painful to wear?
Usually not. There may be a slight feeling of pressure at first, but this quickly goes away.
Can I use a retainer on my children’s teeth as well?
Yes, if orthodontic treatment has been completed after the teeth have finished developing—that is, once the permanent teeth are in place—the retainer can be used in the same way as for adults. The duration of wear is determined by the orthodontist.
If the first stage of orthodontic treatment is carried out during the mixed dentition phase, the results can be maintained using a custom-made retainer or removable plates. This allows the permanent teeth to erupt into the correct position without the retainer interfering with the natural process of tooth eruption.
How should a retainer be looked after properly?
Clean it daily with cold water and a soft brush, store it in a special case and do not expose it to heat. Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of bacteria and warping of the material.
What are the advantages of a fixed retainer over a removable one?
The main advantage of a fixed retainer is that it does not depend on the patient’s compliance. It remains in the correct position as long as it is not tampered with, and is not dependent on how long it is worn or on the patient’s care. The stability of the results is achieved in the long term, making it the most widely used retention method by orthodontists worldwide.
Does a fixed retainer have any disadvantages compared to a removable one?
The disadvantage of fixed retainers is that they require additional cleaning measures. Tartar often builds up on them, which frequently leads to chronic gingivitis. Using orthodontic dental floss or an oral irrigator reduces this risk.
Another disadvantage is the need for patient compliance and the high risk of the retainer being lost if not stored properly.
Is a dental retainer painful to wear?
No type of retainer should cause pain.
A fixed retainer, bonded to the back of the teeth, does not cause pain or discomfort, but touching it with the tongue may feel a bit strange for the first 2–3 days, until the tongue gets used to the new material. That is why finishing is a very important step during its fitting.
Retainer trays or removable retainers may initially cause a sensation of pressure on the teeth, as they fit perfectly against the tooth surfaces. This sensation may occur during the first few weeks of wear, usually in the evening, after 14–16 hours of not having worn them during the day.
If the sensation of pressure persists excessively, a visit to the orthodontist is recommended to have the mouthguard trimmed or the removable appliances adjusted.
Bibliography
- Evaluation of the efficacy of different types of retainers following orthodontic treatment: An original research study, International Journal of Health Sciences, 2022
- Orthodontic retainers: are they all the same?, PubMed, 2025
- M. Meade, D. Millett – Orthodontic Bonded Retainers: a Narrative Review, 2020
- In vitro Evaluation of Various Retention Protocols in Sustaining Treatment Outcomes Following Orthodontic Therapy, PMC, 2024
- A. Giancotti, P. Mozzicato, G. Mampieri – Thermoformed Retainer: An Effective Option for Long-Term Stability, PMC, 2020