What Are Retainers?
Retainers are orthodontic appliances worn after active treatment to maintain the teeth in their corrected positions. Without retention, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original alignment over time, a process known as relapse. Retainers prevent this by holding the teeth in place while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize in their new configuration. They are an essential final step in every orthodontic treatment plan.
Retainers: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 1 to 2 |
| Time needed | Fitted the day braces come off or soon after |
| Anesthesia | None |
| Wear | Full time at first, then nightly |
| How long it lasts | Clear retainers a few years; Hawley retainers longer |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who Needs a Retainer
Everyone who has had orthodontic treatment needs retention. The fibers around the teeth pull them back toward their old positions for months, and gradual movement continues throughout life.
- You have just finished braces or aligners
- Your old retainer is lost, cracked or no longer fits
- Your teeth have started to shift
- You want a spare set
- You have a bonded retainer and need a removable one as back-up
Retainers at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, removable retainers are prescribed and fitted by Dr. Marina Rubinshtein as part of the post-treatment retention protocol. Retainers are custom fabricated from impressions or digital scans taken at the completion of active treatment, ensuring a precise fit. Depending on the case, Dr. Marina may recommend a clear retainer that fits over the teeth like a thin aligner tray, a traditional Hawley retainer with an acrylic base and metal wire, or a combination of a removable retainer and a bonded retainer for maximum protection.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Scan or impression. A record of your teeth is taken, usually on the day braces come off.
- Fabrication. The retainers are made.
- Fitting. The fit is checked and the wear schedule explained.
- Review. Fit is checked at follow-up visits.
- Replacement. Retainers are remade when worn or loose.
Types of removable retainer
| Type | Material | Appearance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear (Essix) retainer | Thin clear plastic | Nearly invisible | Covers all teeth; replaced every few years |
| Hawley retainer | Acrylic plate with a wire | Wire visible across the front teeth | Durable and adjustable |
Braces move teeth. Retainers are what make the result permanent.
Wearing and Caring for Your Retainer
Daily routine
The first months
- Wear the retainer full time, removing it only to eat and brush
- Speech adapts within a few days
- Keep it in its case whenever it is out of your mouth
Long term
- Move to night-time wear when advised, and continue indefinitely
- Clean with a soft brush and cool water; never use hot water
- Bring retainers to dental visits
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- The retainer feels tight after being left out
- It is cracked, warped or lost
- You notice teeth shifting
Your Wear Schedule
Patients are typically asked to wear their removable retainer full time for the first several months after treatment, then transition to nighttime wear only. The specific schedule depends on the complexity of the case and the patient’s individual risk of relapse. Long-term nighttime retainer wear is strongly encouraged, as teeth can continue to shift subtly throughout life.
Cost and Insurance
Orthodontic fees are usually quoted as one amount for the whole course of treatment, including adjustments and the first set of retainers.
What affects the cost
- The complexity of the tooth movement needed
- The type of appliance chosen
- The expected length of treatment
- Retainers and any replacement aligners
Some dental plans include an orthodontic benefit with a lifetime maximum. Payment is often spread across the months of treatment. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
