A retainer is your personal insurance after orthodontic treatment. Even though your teeth are now in a perfect position, it's important to know that teeth can continue to move for a lifetime. The retainer ensures that your teeth remain stable and in their new, beautiful position. With a retainer, you can ensure your brilliant results in the long term.

There are two main types of retainers: the stuck retainer, which is attached invisibly behind your teeth as a thin wire, and the removable retainer, which looks like a very thin, transparent splint. Both variants have their advantages: The fixed retainer works “automatically” around the clock, while you can carry the removable retainer flexibly. During your personal consultation, we will work together to find out which option suits you best. After orthodontic treatment with braces, it is important to wear retainers to stabilize the achieved result and prevent the teeth from moving back.

The stuck retainer usually stays in place permanently — you don't have to worry about a thing! In the beginning, we recommend wearing the removable retainer at night and for a few hours during the day; later, wearing it at night is often sufficient. Basically, the longer and more regularly you wear your retainer as a tooth stabilizer, the safer your teeth remain in the desired position.

A lingual retainer is a fixed retainer that is attached to the inside of the teeth, while a palatal retainer is placed on the palate side of the upper jaw. The lingual retainer is particularly suitable for stabilizing the front teeth, while the palatal retainer is often used for patients with a deep bite. However, the palatal retainer can also be used for patients with a high palate or for whom a lingual retainer is not possible. Both types of retainers effectively stabilize the teeth and help to ensure the results of orthodontic treatment in the long term.

The treatment process of a retainer depends on the type of retainer. A fixed retainer is usually made by an orthodontist and attached to the patient's mouth. The retainer is adapted to the individual tooth shape and glued passively and without tension to the inside of the teeth. A removable retainer is usually manufactured in a laboratory and can be inserted and removed by the patient independently. Both procedures ensure that the teeth are stabilized in their new position after orthodontic treatment.

Maintaining your retainer is easy! You simply clean a stuck retainer while brushing your teeth normally. We recommend special dental floss or interdental brushes for interdental spaces. In the morning, clean a removable retainer under running water with a soft toothbrush. In addition, you can use special cleansing tablets 1-2 times a week. Of course, we will show you the right care techniques in practice.

A retainer should be checked regularly by an orthodontist to ensure that it fits and functions correctly. The review can usually be carried out every 6-12 months. The orthodontist examines the adhesive points of the retainer and the quality of the retainer wire. If necessary, the retainer can also be repaired or replaced. Regular checks are crucial to ensure the long-term stabilization of the teeth and to identify potential problems at an early stage.

Checking your retainer regularly is crucial to ensure that it fits correctly and is doing its job. Ideally, this review should be carried out at least once a year, but preferably every six months. These checks can be carried out as part of your routine dental check-ups, but we at BISS45 are also available at any time for a thorough check.

During the inspection, the retainer is examined for its position, condition and function. It is checked whether the retainer fits correctly and whether there are signs of wear or damage. An improperly fitted or damaged retainer can cause problems with the teeth and should therefore be adjusted or replaced immediately.

Daily cleaning of the retainer is just as important as regular inspection. A clean retainer works better and contributes to oral health. Clean your retainer daily with water and a soft toothbrush to remove plaque and bacteria. This ensures that your retainer can optimally perform its role as a tooth stabilizer.

A retainer is an essential orthodontic device that is used after successful treatment with braces to stabilize the teeth in their new position. Without this stabilization, the teeth are at risk of returning to their original position, a phenomenon known as relapse. The retainer counteracts this by keeping the teeth in their new, correct position.

How a retainer works is simple but effective. A thin wire or plastic strip is attached to the back of the front teeth to fix them in their new position. There are two main types of retainers: fixed and removable. Both variants have their specific advantages and are selected according to the individual needs and preferences of the patient.

The benefits of a retainer are manifold. By stabilizing the teeth, the result of orthodontic treatment is ensured in the long term. This means that the teeth do not get crooked again and the chewing function is improved. A retainer therefore makes a significant contribution to maintaining your radiant smile and allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your orthodontic treatment in the long term.

Don't worry, this is not an emergency, but it should be checked as soon as possible! If your stuck retainer feels loose or has even come to an end, please make an appointment at our practice. Until then, you can protect the area with some wax that you get from us. If a removable retainer is damaged, please also come to us — we can often repair minor damage directly. Continue wearing the retainer as usual until the appointment as long as it does not disturb or cause pain.

The cost of a retainer varies depending on the type and provider. A stuck retainer is usually more expensive than a removable retainer. The costs of a retainer can also be covered by insurance, depending on whether it is private or public health insurance. Before starting treatment, it is advisable to check with the respective insurance company which forms of retention are covered. At BISS45, we offer you a transparent cost overview and are happy to advise you on the various options and their costs.