Why is a retainer important? Because teeth move for a lifetime.
Scientific studies (Little et. al.) prove that teeth move throughout life. If the teeth are not held by retainers after treatment, there is 80% probability that teeth will visibly shift again. For this reason, we recommend wearing retainers to ensure a lasting smile.
Modern retainer systems for long-term stability
1. Application of bonded lingual retainers
These are delicate high-precision wires produced in the laboratory, which are fixed to the inner (lingual) surfaces of the teeth with the help of a biocompatible composite to prevent undesirable tooth movements. The application of the retainers has no effect on speech, nor does it increase the likelihood of caries, given oral hygiene is adequate.
Lingual retainers have been used in dentistry and orthodontics for decades. The retainer connects the teeth in a force-transmitting manner, so that a change in the position of the teeth is impossible. This is necessary because the teeth can move throughout their life, also after orthodontic correction of malpositioned teeth.
2. BISS45 patients receive additional Rescue Retainers (nighttime aligners)
In addition, patients always receive individual removable nighttime aligners made of transparent plastic. We recommend wearing the rescue aligners every night at the end of the orthodontic treatment. After consultation with the orthodontists at BISS45, the wearing time can be minimized.
However, the retainers should be worn at least once a week at night. If it becomes apparent that the Rescue Retainer no longer fits ideally during this time and there is a feeling that it is harder to insert or a feeling of tension in the teeth, we recommend increasing the wearing time to every night and as well as booking a control appointment at our office. This is often a sign that the fixed retainer has detached from the dental surface.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a retainer and why do I need it?
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.
What are the different types of retainers?
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.
How long do I have to wear a retainer?
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, the safer your teeth remain in the desired position.
How do I properly care for my retainer?
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.
What do I do if my retainer feels loose or is damaged?
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.
Am I a candidate for treatment?
With just a few clicks you can use our free BISS45 online check to obtain an initial non-binding assessment of your dental situation and the treatment options available to you, including the approximate treatment duration and costs.
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