Retainers

Protecting the Work of Art: The Importance of Retainers

Active orthodontic treatment is complete, and you see your perfect smile in the mirror. This is the result of our joint effort. Now begins the most important stage—preserving this work of art. Retainers are not an optional extra, but an integral, mandatory part of the treatment that ensures your smile remains perfect for life.

Why can teeth shift back?

Teeth have "memory." The ligaments that hold them in the bone remain elastic for a long time after the braces are removed. Without support, they tend to return to their original, incorrect position. Retainers gently but reliably hold the teeth, allowing the bone tissue and ligaments to finally remodel and stabilize in the new position.

What types of retainers are there?

To reliably fix the result, we most often use a combination of two types of retainers:

1. Fixed Retainer: A thin, discreet wire that is bonded to the inner side of the front teeth (from canine to canine). It is completely invisible, not felt, and works 24/7.

2. Removable Retainer: A clear tray that is custom-made from a precise impression of your teeth. It is worn at night and holds all the teeth, including the back ones, in the correct position.

How long do I have to wear retainers?

The philosophy of modern orthodontics is lifelong retention.

• The fixed retainer stays with you for many years.

• The removable tray should be worn almost constantly for the first few months, and then every night, for life. This is a simple habit that will become the key to the stability of your perfect smile.