After having orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth, you might wonder what happens next. The process of applying, adjusting and removing fixed braces can be time-consuming and often painful – a process you probably don’t want to do again. 

Over time, your teeth undergo mesial drift, which is the tendency for them to move very slowly out of position, migrating toward the centre and front of your mouth. 

So you may be wondering how to keep your new smile and prevent the need for further orthodontic treatment. One way to do that is to use a dental retainer which doesn’t move your teeth but keeps them firmly in place. 

What are the different types of retainer?

When the braces come off, that is not the end of the story for dental treatment. Retainers are the usual next step. There are three main types:

Hawley retainer

These are recognisable as retainers and are very visible to other people. They involve a hard plastic palate and metal wires are fitted to go around your teeth. 

Due to the bulky nature of the Hawley retainer, speaking can be difficult when you first wear one, and for those worried about looks, it is not a subtle option. 

Fixed retainer

A fixed retainer is glued to your teeth like braces, although usually on the inside so it is less visible. They can cause hygiene issues if not cleaned properly and can be uncomfortable against the tongue. 

Both the fixed retainers and Hawley retainers should be fitted by a dentist. 

Moulded and vacuum-formed retainers

The most comfortable to wear of the three options, these are made using a moulding technique which squeezes the air out, creating a tight fit around your teeth. 

The teeth retainers are easy to remove and put in, and because they sit snug around your teeth, they are more comfortable to wear. Being made of transparent rigid material makes them much less visible than their metal counterparts.

These types of custom-fit dental retainers do not need a dentist to fit them and are available to order online at low prices.  

Without the use of a retainer, your teeth will eventually drift back to their pre-treatment positions, undoing all the hard work.