Orthodontic retainers are crucial components of post-treatment care, maintaining the results achieved through braces or aligners by preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions (relapse). Research has shown that relapse is greatest in the first year after removing braces and aligners. Good retainer wear is important to minimize relapse. Wear your retainers at least nightly for as long as straight teeth matter.
Retainers are broadly classified into Fixed Retainers (non-removable) and Removable Retainers.
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Vivera retainers are a type of clear, removable retainer created by the same company that brought us Invisalign. Vivera retainers are made from medical-grade, high molecular weight, multi-layered, thermoplastic polymers or Polyurethane Polyether Elastomer (EX40).
Exact composition of Vivera Retainers: Polyurethane from methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and 1, 6-hexanediol + Additives.
Vivera retainers are custom-made using advanced 3D imaging technology to ensure a precise fit of the Vivera retainers to the tooth and around gum lines. This allows Vivera retainers to double up effectively as teeth-whitening trays!
Vivera retainers are often considered 30% stronger and twice as durable as other leading aligner brands. This research showed that Vivera® retainers had a greater survival time than Duran® retainers, as ZERO Vivera® failures were observed over the first 6 months of retention. Vivera retainers are known for their durability and are often considered reliable for maintaining orthodontic corrections achieved through Invisalign treatment and for patients who grind their teeth at night (bruxism).
Hawley retainers are one of the most traditional types of retainers. They consist of a plastic or acrylic base that sits against the roof of the mouth or along the tongue’s sides, along with different wire components that wrap around the teeth. Hawley retainers are easily adjustable, allowing orthodontists to fine-tune the fit and move teeth as needed. Hawley retainers are versatile from a design perspective as our Orthodontic Team can customize and add wire components and expansion screws into the design as necessary.
Please note that Hawley retainers DO NOT protect against the grinding forces of bruxism, and their bulky nature makes them unsuitable for patients with sensitive gag reflexes.
Research done to compare the cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction of Hawley versus vacuum-formed retainers found that patients prefer vacuum-formed retainers over Hawley retainers.
Hawley Retainers traditionally have a metal wire that sits in front of the teeth. Patients with lots of ceramic or tooth-coloured fillings will benefit from ClearBowTM Hawley retainers to prevent scratching of tooth-coloured fillings. ClearBowTM orthodontic wires are made of BPA-free medical-grade polymer.
These transparent, plastic retainers are made from medical-grade, thermoplastic copolyester and polyurethane materials. These thin, transparent retainers are customised and vacuum formed around models of your teeth for a snug fit over teeth. They are virtually invisible when worn. Vacuum-formed retainers are popular among individuals who prefer a more aesthetic solution without compromising efficiency.
Popular brands of vacuum-formed retainers are Essix retainers and Zendura Retainers.
Essix retainers are made from thermoplastic copolyester, manufactured by Dentsply Raintree Essix, Bradenton, FL, USA.
Zendura retainers are made from thermoplastic polyurethane, manufactured by Bay Materials LLC, Fremont, CA, USA.
In a study comparing the wear resistance and fatigue resistance among vacuum-from retainers, Zendura showed the most wear-resistant compared to Essix and Taglus retainers (assuming moderate nighttime bruxing for one year). Zendura, Essix, and Taglus showed similar ability to resist fatigue, assuming retainer removal and reinsertion five times per day for one year.
Fixed or bonded retainers are affixed to the lingual or ‘back’ surfaces of the front 6 teeth. Unlike removable retainers, these are not taken out for cleaning or eating. Bonded retainers are favored for their continuous, 24/7 wear, ensuring consistent maintenance of tooth alignment. Bonded behind the front teeth, these bonded retainers are invisible and hidden from view. While highly effective, they require extra attention during oral hygiene practices and modification to your eating habits to prevent breakages, loosening of the bonded retainer wire, and wire deformation.
At MyBracesClinic, we highly recommend patients who want fixed lingual retainers to also get at least 1 set of clear vacuum-formed retainers as ‘insurance.’ This set of removable clear retainers serves to (1) hold the position of the back teeth, (2) protect teeth from the damaging effects of night grinding, and (3) move/ hold front teeth into position in the event of the bonded retainers breaking or coming loose.
Orthodontic retainers are indispensable in maintaining the results of orthodontic treatments and ensuring a stable, well-aligned smile. The choice of retainer depends on factors such as individual preferences, lifestyle, and the orthodontic corrections achieved during treatment. Whether it’s the time-tested Hawley retainers, the aesthetically pleasing Essix retainers, or the continuous wear offered by fixed retainers, each type plays a vital role in the success of orthodontic care. Consulting with the Orthodontic Team at MyBracesClinic is crucial in determining the most suitable kind of retainer for individual needs, ultimately contributing to a lifelong, confident smile.
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