ORTHODONTICS
Orthodontic Retainers Canning Vale
After orthodontic treatment, retainers are an essential part of maintaining your results. At Dentists @ Canning Vale, Dr Desmond Ng and our team guide you through the retention phase to help protect your smile long-term.
Completing orthodontic treatment, whether with traditional braces or Angel Align clear aligners, is a significant achievement. However, the retention phase that follows is just as important as the active treatment itself. Without retainers, teeth have a natural tendency to gradually drift back towards their original positions over time, a process known as orthodontic relapse.
At Dentists @ Canning Vale, our team will advise you on appropriate retainer options and provide clear care instructions as part of your overall orthodontic treatment plan.
Why Are Retainers Important?
Teeth are not permanently anchored in the jawbone. They are held in position by the surrounding gum tissue and supporting bone, which continue to remodel following orthodontic treatment. Without retainers, this natural tendency for movement can cause teeth to shift gradually over time.
Retainers are recommended to help:
- Maintain the tooth positions achieved during orthodontic treatment
- Allow the surrounding bone and gum tissue to stabilise around the new positions
- Reduce the risk of orthodontic relapse
- Protect the investment made in your orthodontic care
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
There are two main types of retainers. Your dentist will discuss which option, or combination of options, may be most appropriate for your situation at the completion of orthodontic treatment.
Removable Retainers
Custom-made clear or acrylic trays worn over the teeth. Removed for eating, drinking and oral hygiene. Typically worn full-time initially, then gradually transitioned to night-time wear as directed by your dentist. Easy to inspect and clean.
Easy to clean · Requires consistent daily wearFixed (Bonded) Retainers
A thin wire bonded to the inner surface of the teeth, typically the lower front teeth, that remains permanently in place. Provides continuous retention without relying on patient wear compliance. Requires daily cleaning with floss threaders or interdental brushes.
Continuous retention · Requires specific cleaning techniqueIn some cases, both fixed and removable retainers may be recommended together to provide comprehensive retention. Your dentist will explain the most appropriate approach for your individual circumstances.
How Long Do I Need to Wear Retainers?
Retention requirements vary between patients. In most cases, some form of ongoing retention is recommended for the long term, as teeth can continue to shift gradually throughout life, even years after completing orthodontic treatment.
Your dentist will provide specific guidance, which may include:
- Full-time retainer wear initially (except during eating and oral hygiene)
- A gradual transition to night-time wear as tooth positions stabilise
- Ongoing night-time wear as part of long-term orthodontic maintenance
- Regular check-up appointments to monitor retainer condition and tooth position
Caring for Your Retainers
Removable retainers
- Rinse your retainer with clean water each time you remove it
- Clean your retainer regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoid toothpaste, which can scratch and cloud the surface
- Store your retainer in its protective case when not being worn
- Keep retainers away from heat sources, which can distort their shape
- Never wrap a retainer in a napkin or tissue, this is a common cause of accidental loss
- Contact the clinic if your retainer feels unusually tight, uncomfortable or becomes damaged
Fixed (bonded) retainers
- Clean around and beneath the bonded wire daily using floss threaders or interdental brushes
- Take care when biting into hard, crunchy or sticky foods that may dislodge the wire
- Contact the clinic promptly if the wire feels loose or has separated from any teeth
- Attend regular professional dental check-ups and cleans as recommended
What Happens if I Stop Wearing My Retainer?
Without consistent retainer wear, there is a risk that teeth may gradually move back towards their original positions. The rate and extent of any relapse varies between individuals, depending on factors such as age, original tooth position and the stability of the treatment result.
If you notice that your retainer feels unusually tight after a period of not wearing it, contact Dentists @ Canning Vale rather than attempting to force it back in. Your dentist can assess whether any tooth movement has occurred and advise on the appropriate next steps.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Retainer
Replacement retainers can generally be made if yours is lost or damaged. It is important to contact the clinic as soon as possible in this situation, as teeth can begin to shift relatively quickly without retention in place.
Regular retainer reviews allow your dentist to check that the retainer is still fitting correctly and that tooth positions are being maintained. Worn or ill-fitting retainers should be replaced promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Retainers
When do I receive my retainer?
Retainers are typically provided at the completion of active orthodontic treatment, at the appointment when braces are removed, or at the final aligner appointment. Your dentist will arrange retainers as part of your overall treatment planning process.
My retainer feels tight, is that normal?
A retainer that feels unusually tight may indicate that teeth have moved since it was last worn. Contact the clinic for advice rather than forcing the retainer in, as this may cause discomfort, damage the retainer or put undue pressure on the teeth.
Can I get a replacement retainer if mine is lost or broken?
Yes, replacement retainers can be made. Contact Dentists @ Canning Vale as soon as possible if your retainer is lost or damaged, as teeth can begin to shift relatively quickly without retention in place. A new retainer may require a scan or impression of your current tooth positions.
Do retainers affect eating and drinking?
Removable retainers should be taken out before eating and drinking (other than plain water). Fixed retainers remain in place at all times and require careful daily cleaning technique to maintain the health of the teeth and gums around the wire.
My teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment. What are my options?
If your teeth have shifted following previous orthodontic treatment, a consultation at Dentists @ Canning Vale can help determine what options may be available. Depending on the extent of movement, options may include a new course of orthodontic treatment with braces or Angel Align clear aligners, monitoring or an updated retainer.
How long do retainers last?
The lifespan of a retainer varies depending on the type, how well it is cared for and the amount of wear it receives. Removable retainers can become worn or warped over time and may need periodic replacement. Fixed retainers should be checked at regular dental visits to confirm the bond is intact.
Questions About Retainers? Book a Consultation.
Whether you are completing orthodontic treatment and want to understand your retention options, or you have questions about maintaining your existing results, our team at Dentists @ Canning Vale is here to help.
Book an Appointment Call 08 9256 2588Important Information
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, results and costs vary between patients.
A consultation with one of our dentists is required to assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Book a consultation or call 08 9256 2588.
References & Further Reading
This page is based on current clinical literature and guidelines from recognised Australian and international dental and health authorities.
- Australian Dental Association. ada.org.au
- Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). dentalboard.gov.au
- Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID). asid.com.au
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Medical Devices. tga.gov.au
- Australian Society of Orthodontists. aso.org.au
- Australian Periodontology - ADA Oral Health Topics. ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/Publications/Oral-Health-Topics
Content reviewed by Dr Desmond Ng, BDSc (Hons) University of Queensland | Principal Dentist, Dentists at Canning Vale. Last reviewed July 2026.