Teeth retainers in Dubai, Sharjah & Abu Dhabi and their role after braces, types, care tips, and benefits. Book a consultation with our orthodontic experts today.
What is a Retainer?
"Retainers are special and custom-made dental appliance designed to keep your teeth in the right place after braces or aligners treatments. They work quietly in the background, holding your teeth steady while the surrounding tissues settle into their new positions. It's like giving your smile a little extra support to make sure it stays straight and healthy."
The Science Behind Retention:
After completing orthodontic treatment, whether with braces, clear aligners, or other appliances, the teeth have been carefully moved into their desired positions. However, the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth need time to adapt and stabilize in these new positions. This process, known as "orthodontic retention," is essential to ensure that the results achieved during treatment are maintained over the long term.
Retention is vital because:
1. Stabilizes Tooth Positions:
Without the support of retainers, there is a risk of the teeth shifting back towards their original positions. This is due to various factors, including the natural tendency of teeth to move, as well as the pressure exerted by the lips, tongue, and muscles of the oral cavity.
2. Protects Treatment Investment:
Orthodontic treatment represents a significant investment of time, effort, and financial resources. Retention helps protect this investment by preserving the alignment and aesthetics achieved during treatment.
3. Promotes Tissue Adaptation:
Retention allows the bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth to adapt and stabilize in their new positions. This minimizes the risk of relapse and ensures long-term stability.
4. Optimizes Treatment Outcomes:
By wearing retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist, you can optimize the outcomes of your orthodontic treatment and enjoy the benefits of a straight, healthy smile for years to come.
Types of Teeth Retainers:
Removable Retainers a. Hawley's Retainer b. Astics Translucent Labial Bow c. Wrap Around Retainer d. spring aligner / Clip – on retainer e. Kesling tooth positioner f. Clear retainer g. Vander linden retainer
Fixed Retainer
Removable Retainer:
a. Hawley's Retainer:
Most Common Retainer Ever: This retainer has been used the most.
Simple to Keep Clean: It's easy to clean.
Takes Time to Get Used to: It might feel a bit strange at first, especially when talking, but you'll get used to it soon.
Helps Teeth Settle: It allows your back teeth to settle into place.
Can Close Small Gaps: If there are tiny gaps in your front teeth, this retainer can gradually close them using a metal wire.
Not for Crowded Teeth: If your teeth were crowded before braces, this type of retainer isn't recommended.
Great for Forward Teeth or Gaps: This retainer is best for people with front teeth sticking out or gaps between their front teeth.
b. Astics Translucent Labial Bow / Retainer with Clear Bow:
This retainer is more Aesthetically Pleasing.
Stays Clear, Even with Colored Foods
It's Strong and Durable
It Works as Effective as Traditional Retainers
c. Wrap Around Retainer:
Strengthens Teeth with Gum Problems: It helps to stabilize teeth that are weak due to gum issues.
Useful When Teeth Need to Be Removed: This device is good for situations where the treatment involves removing teeth.
The Long Wire Can Bend Easily: The long wire may bend easily and can be damaged if not handled carefully when putting it on or taking it off.
An Option When Regular Retainers Cause Problems with Biting: This appliance is used when the usual Hawley retainer causes problems with how your teeth come together when you bite.
d. spring aligner / Clip – on retainer
Looks Nice but May Not Feel as Comfortable as Traditional Retainers:
Fixes Twisted Teeth, especially in the Lower Front: It's good for straightening teeth that are twisted, especially in the lower front part of your mouth.
Used for Gaps in the Front and Slight Crowding After Treatment: It's mostly used for gaps in the front teeth, but it can also help fix a bit of crowding in the lower front teeth after treatment.
e. Kesling tooth positioner:
Low Maintenance and Long-lasting: This retainer doesn't need to be adjusted regularly and lasts a long time.
Used for Minor Tooth Problems When Treatment Stops Early: It's sometimes used to fix small issues with the teeth when active treatment has to stop early.
Gentle Tooth Movement Without Hurting Gums: It can gently move teeth without causing problems for the gums.
Not Everyone Likes How It Looks or Feels: Some people find it unattractive, bulky, and uncomfortable to wear.
Can Speed Up Treatment, Fix Small Problems, and Improve Facial Muscles: It might help treatment finish sooner, fix small tooth issues, and make your face muscles work better.
Drawbacks:
Speech May Be Harder, and Jaw Problems Are Possible: This retainer might make it harder to talk, and it could cause problems with your jaw joint.
Not Everyone Likes How It Looks or Feels: Some people find it unattractive, bulky, and uncomfortable to wear.
f. Clear retainer
Looks Nice, Cleans Easily, and Affordable: This retainer is attractive, easy to clean with soap and water, and affordable.
No Need for Adjustments After Fitting: Once it's fitted, there's no need for further adjustments.
Patients Like It Because It Looks Good: People like this retainer because it looks great.
Might Change Shape Over Time: Sometimes, it might not keep its shape perfectly over time.
Prevents Occlusal Settling: This clear Essix retainer inhibits the natural up-and-down movement of the teeth after orthodontic treatment (Occlusal settling), which can hinder the establishment of ideal occlusal contacts necessary for optimal chewing functionality.
g. Vander linden retainer
More Control: The Vander linden retainer offers complete control over the upper front teeth.
No Interference: This retainer does not usually interfere with the biting.
Fixed Retainer:
Advantages of Fixed Retainer:
No need for patient cooperation.
Works when regular removable retainers can't.
Looks better.
Doesn't irritate gums like removable ones.
Doesn't affect the speech.
Disadvantages of Fixed Retainer:
Needs regular check-ups for damage, bending, or plaque buildup.
Costs more than removable retainers.
Requires good oral hygiene habits.
Which retainer suits me the best?
Comparison of various types of popular orthodontic retainers:
Type | Hawley’s Retainer (Removable) | Transparent Retainer (Removable) | Fixed/bonded Retainer |
|---|---|---|---|
|  |  | |
Material | Acrylic with metal wire | Polypropylene or polyethylene polymers | Stainless steel, nickel, or titanium |
Advantages | Easy to maintain oral hygiene. | Esthetic | Esthetic compared to removable retainers. |
Easy to clean and repair if broken. | Minor tooth corrections can be done by altering the cast/mold. | Patient compliance not required. | |
Cost-effective | Flexible, positioner effect, and bite-plane effect | long-term retention in comparison to removable retainers. | |
Acts as mouthguard and nightguard for bruxism. | |||
Disadvantages | Relapse due to the negligence in not wearing the retainers. | Worn out, dis-colored and broken easily, needs replacement as cannot be repaired. | Difficult to clean, tends to accumulate more plaque and calculus. |
Less esthetic | Less settling of occlusion | Technique sensitive to place | |
Initial difficulty in adapting to the appliance. | High risk of breakage, fracture or distortion of wire leading to unwanted tooth movement. | ||
Difficulty in speaking, hypersalivation and taste alteration for a few days. | Risk of tooth movement if the wire is active. | ||
Frequent breakage with the appliance. | |||
Risk of losing the appliance. |
What to Expect initial days retainer usage?
Initial Discomfort: Patients may experience initial discomfort or pressure when wearing retainers, especially during the first few days.
Speech Changes: Some patients may notice changes in their speech initially, such as a lisp, but this usually improves with time as they adjust to wearing the retainers.
Increased Salivation: It's common for patients to experience increased saliva production initially, which typically subsides as they become accustomed to the retainers.
Wearing Schedule: Full-Time vs. Nighttime Wear
Full-Time Wear: Some patients may be instructed to wear their retainers full-time initially, typically for the first few months after orthodontic treatment. This ensures that the teeth remain stable as the surrounding tissues adapt to their new positions.
Nighttime Wear: Once the orthodontist determines that full-time wear is no longer necessary, patients may transition to wearing their retainers only at night while they sleep. This helps maintain the results achieved during treatment without interfering with daily activities.
Adjusting to Life with Retainers
Eating and Drinking: With fixed retainer: Patients will learn how to eat and drink with their retainers in place avoiding hard or sticky foods that could damage the retainers. With removable Retainer: Retainer has to be removed while eating or drinking.
Speaking: Tips may be provided on how to speak comfortably with retainers, such as practicing reading aloud or speaking slowly at first.
Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly to prevent plaque buildup on the retainers and teeth.
Discomfort Management: Orthodontists may provide recommendations for managing any discomfort or irritation that occurs during the adjustment period, such as using over-the-counter pain relievers or applying orthodontic wax to areas of irritation.
Orthodontic retainers cost in Dubai, Sharjah & Abu Dhabi
The cost of the retainers in Dubai rages from 300 to 1000 dirhams, depending on the type of the retainer chosen
Teeth Retainer Care
Tips to maintain continuous use of retainer:
Establishing a Routine: Establish a consistent routine for wearing their retainers, incorporating them into their daily schedule to ensure compliance.
Setting Reminders: Using tools such as alarms or smartphone reminders can help patients remember to wear their retainers as prescribed.
Communicating Concerns: Communicate any concerns or difficulties with their orthodontist, who can provide guidance and support to help ensure successful retainer wear.
Caring for Your Retainers: Maintenance, Cleaning and Storage
Importance of Care: Emphasize to patients the importance of caring for their retainers to maintain their effectiveness and longevity.
Handling Instructions: Provide guidance on how to handle retainers properly to avoid damage or deformation.
Cleaning Instructions: Provide step-by-step instructions for cleaning retainers, including using a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner to remove plaque and bacteria, which can cause odors and oral health issues.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals: Advise against using harsh chemicals or hot water, as these can damage the retainer material.
Rinsing: Advise patients to rinse their retainers thoroughly with water after cleaning to remove any residual cleaning agents.
Storage: Store their retainers in their designated case when not in use to protect them from damage or loss and heat. keep away from pets or small children who may damage them.
Avoiding Moisture: Remind patients not to store retainers in a moist environment, as this can promote bacterial growth and odor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Skipping Cleaning
Using Hot Water
Neglecting Storage leads to loss or damage.
Ignoring Signs of Wear
Troubleshooting: Dealing with Retainer Issues:
Loose Fit: Provide guidance on what to do if the retainer feels loose, such as contacting their orthodontist for adjustments.
Discomfort: Offer suggestions for managing discomfort, such as using orthodontic wax or taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
Damage: Advise patients on how to handle damaged retainers, such as avoiding wearing them until they can be assessed by their orthodontist.
Lost Retainers: Provide instructions for what to do if a retainer is lost or damaged beyond repair, including contacting their orthodontist for replacement options.
FAQs
1. What type of retainer is best for me after braces?
Retainer selection would be decided by many factors.
Condition of teeth prior to the braces
The relation between upper and lower front teeth
Oral Hygiene maintenance
Your commitment, discipline and habits
2. Are retainers always uncomfortable?
Retainers cause discomfort for initial few days only.
3. Is wearing a retainer important after getting braces?
Yes, It's mandatory!
4. Retainers are mandatory, if I get Invisalign treatment?
Yes.
5. How long do I need to wear my retainer after orthodontic treatment?
Generally, it could be 1 year to 5 years. but depends on type of retainer, treatment complexity, type of orthodontic problems, age and growth status.
6. Can I remove my retainer for special occasions or events?
Yes. But retainer has to be maintained at least few hours in a day or night for occasions.
7. How do I clean my retainer?
8. What should I do, if my retainer does not fit properly?
Consult your orthodontist. Do not try to adjust yourself.
9. how often should I visit my orthodontist for retainer check-ups in Dubai?
if you feel any discomfort, you should typically visit your orthodontist for retainer check-ups every 6 to 12 months, depending on your orthodontist's recommendations and the stability of your orthodontic results.
10. Can I eat and drink, while wearing a retainer?
With fixed retainer: Yes
Removable retainer: Retainer has to be removed while drinking and eating.
11. Can retainers fix minor tooth movements or gaps that occur after orthodontic treatment?
Indeed, various types of retainers serve distinct purposes. Your orthodontist will determine the most suitable option to best assist you.
12. How much do orthodontic retainers cost in Dubai, and are they covered by insurance?
Orthodontic retainers in Dubai typically cost between 300 to 1000 dirhams. Whether they are covered by insurance depends on the specific insurance policy and coverage. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider for details on coverage for orthodontic treatment, including retainers.
13. Does the type of braces impact the duration of the retainer period?
The duration of the retainer period remains consistent regardless of the type of braces, including Metal braces, Ceramic braces, Self-ligating braces or Damon braces, Lingual braces, or Invisalign.
Summary:
Orthodontic retainers are essential post-treatment devices designed to maintain the alignment of teeth after braces or other orthodontic treatments. They come in various types, including removable and fixed options, each serving specific functions and offering unique advantages. Proper care and compliance with wearing instructions are crucial for effective retention and long-term success. Retainers help prevent orthodontic relapse and promote stable, healthy smiles. Regular check-ups with best orthodontist are recommended to ensure the retainers fit well and are functioning correctly.
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