The First 6 Months
Since the gum and bone tissue are still fresh, protection is kept at its highest level.
TRWhatsAppTREATMENTS
Retention Treatment
(Retainer)
Preserve the perfect smile you achieved at the end of your orthodontic treatment for life. The retention phase is the most critical stage that allows teeth to adapt to their new positions and locks in the success of your treatment.
WHAT IS IT?
What is Retention Treatment (Retainer)?
When clear aligner or wire treatment ends, it takes time for the bone and gum fibers surrounding the teeth to fully adapt to the new position. During this adaptation period, teeth tend to drift back toward their old, crowded state (relapse). Retention treatment is the passive protection process applied to prevent teeth from shifting.
LINGUAL RETAINER · INNER WIRE
Fixed protection
invisible from the outside.
The thin retainer wire is bonded to the tongue-side surfaces of the front teeth with small composite bonds. The type of retainer used and the follow-up schedule are determined by personal clinical assessment.
TYPES OF RETAINERS
Which types are used?
- Fixed Lingual Retainer: An extremely thin and comfortable wire bonded to the inner (tongue-side) surface of the front 6 teeth, completely invisible from the outside.
- Clear Retainer (Essix Retainer): Custom-made clear, protective aligners that cover the whole dental arch, worn overnight during sleep.
SITUATIONS IT MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR
In which situations is it considered?
- For all patients who have completed clear aligner or wire treatment
- For patients following a jaw (orthognathic) surgery operation
- For individuals who want to reduce the risk of teeth shifting back to their old form to zero
PROCESS
How does the assessment proceed?
Long-Term Protection
It is recommended that the lingual retainer wire remain in the mouth unless your dentist advises otherwise.
Regular Check-ups
The condition of retainers is assessed at routine orthodontic check-ups, which should be done once a year.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No, since it sits on the inner surface of the teeth it is not visible from the outside. Because it has a very thin structure, the tongue fully adapts to its presence within the first few days.
For the first months after treatment ends, wear the times set by your dentist; later on, wearing them only at night while sleeping is enough.
Since teeth can shift position very quickly, you should contact our clinic without losing any time so the wire can be repaired or a new retainer can be made.
The right approach for you
is determined after an exam.
This content is for general informational purposes; it does not replace a personal diagnosis or treatment recommendation.