You've taken the first step towards a beautiful smile by completing your teeth straightening treatment, whether with traditional braces or Invisalign® clear aligners. Now, it's time to maintain that perfect alignment with a retainer. Whether you're deciding between different types or wondering how they're fitted, we're here to guide you through the process. By understanding your options and the benefits of each, you'll be able to confidently preserve your new smile for years to come, enjoying the confidence that comes with it. Let's explore how you can make your beautiful smile last.
Types of retainers at a glance
Why you need to wear a retainer
Wearing a retainer is an essential step in maintaining your straightened smile after orthodontic treatment. Without it, your teeth may begin shifting back into their original positions – a process called orthodontic relapse.3 This happens because teeth aren’t immediately secure in their new positions after straightening, leaving them susceptible to movement.4 Retainers provide the necessary stability while your gums, bones, and muscles adjust to changes, ensuring your new smile stays in place.3 Everyday activities like chewing, along with natural growth and wear, can also contribute to shifting teeth,1 making retainers a vital part of maintaining your results.
Pros and cons of each retainer type
Each type of retainer has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose one that fits your lifestyle. When deciding, consider factors such as the type of orthodontic treatment you completed, appearance, durability, maintenance, and overall cost. Below is a comparison of the pros and cons of the most common types of retainers: Hawley, Essix, Lingual Wire, and Vivera retainers.
What to expect during the retainer process
For removable retainers like Hawley and Essix, your provider will first take dental impressions using a soft dental putty that resembles play-dough.3 The putty is placed into trays, which are then inserted over your teeth to create an imprint of your unique bite–a process that typically takes around 1–2 minutes.3 Once the impressions are made, they are sent to a dental lab where a plastic or acrylic retainer is customized based on the mold.3 After this step, you’ll usually need to wait a week or more to receive your new retainer.3
In contrast, permanent retainers require a slightly different process. Instead of impressions, your dental provider will use a metal wire to measure and position the retainer along the backs of your teeth.3 Dental glue is then used to secure the wire in place.3 One of the key differences with permanent retainers is that you won’t need to wait for a lab to make the retainer. Instead, the procedure is completed during your dental visit, and you’ll leave with your new retainer already in place.3
If you're considering Vivera retainers, you'll appreciate the streamlined process. Your provider will utilize an iTero™ intraoral scanner to capture a highly accurate digital impression of your teeth. This cutting-edge technology replaces traditional putty impressions, making the experience more comfortable and convenient. The digital impression is then used to design and fabricate your custom Vivera retainer from durable, high-quality material.
Talk to your orthodontist
To find the best retainer for your smile, start by consulting with a dental provider who offers a range of retainer options, including Hawley, Essix, permanent, and Vivera retainers. This consultation will allow you to discuss your specific needs and preferences with a professional who can guide you in making an informed decision. If you don't have an orthodontist yet, you can use the Find a Doctor tool to locate a trusted provider near you who offers multiple retainer types, ensuring access to a comprehensive range of options tailored to your needs and budget.