Orthodontic retainers are appliances worn after active orthodontic treatment to maintain teeth in their corrected positions. Without retention, teeth naturally drift back towards their pre-treatment alignment — a process called relapse. There are two main types: removable retainers (vacuum-formed Essix-style or Hawley acrylic retainers) and fixed bonded retainers (a thin wire bonded to the inner surfaces of the front teeth). Dentour partner clinics fabricate retainers per arch, allowing patients to replace lost or worn retainers affordably or to receive their first set as part of a complete orthodontic course.
Your clinician checks the current tooth positions. If retainers are being made immediately after orthodontic treatment, debonding or final aligner scan records are used directly. If replacing existing retainers, new impressions or a digital scan are taken.
Precise physical impressions (alginate or PVS material) or an intraoral digital scan are taken of the upper and/or lower arch to capture current tooth positions accurately.
Removable Essix retainers are vacuum-formed over a 3D-printed model of your teeth. Hawley retainers are custom bent from stainless steel wire and acrylic. Bonded retainers are prepared using multi-strand stainless steel wire adapted to the inner tooth surfaces.
The retainer is checked for accurate fit, comfort, and correct occlusion. Minor adjustments are made chairside. For bonded retainers, the wire is etched and bonded to the inner surfaces of the specified teeth.
Detailed written and verbal instructions are provided covering wear schedule, cleaning, and when to contact the clinic. A follow-up appointment or remote check-in protocol is arranged.
1
Visits
2
Days stay
No healing period — wear retainer as instructed from day of fitting
Healing
Oral health assessment, digital scan or physical impressions taken for retainer fabrication. Clinic sends to laboratory or prints model same day.
Retainer checked for fit, adjusted as needed, and fitted. For bonded retainers, wire is bonded at this appointment. Instructions and carry case provided.
Retainers counteract the natural tendency of teeth to drift back towards their original positions, protecting the investment made in orthodontic treatment.
Essix and Hawley retainers are removed for meals and cleaning — comfortable, hygienic, and easy to wear long-term.
Bonded retainers require no patient compliance — the wire maintains tooth position continuously without depending on the patient remembering to wear an appliance.
Removable retainers only work when worn. Patients who consistently forget to wear their retainer will experience tooth drift and relapse over time.
Bonded wire retainers can fracture or debond from individual teeth without the patient noticing. Regular checks by a dentist (every 6 months) are needed to confirm the wire is fully intact.
Fixed wire retainers require floss threaders or a water flosser to clean under the wire. Plaque build-up on a poorly cleaned bonded retainer can contribute to calculus formation and gum inflammation.
Wear your retainer as instructed — typically full-time (except meals and cleaning) for 3–6 months after orthodontic treatment, then nightly for the long term. Never go more than 2–3 days without wearing your retainer as teeth can shift quickly.
Clean removable retainers daily with a soft toothbrush and mild clear soap or retainer cleaning tablets. Rinse with cool water. Never use toothpaste (abrasive), hot water (warps plastic), or bleach.
Always store removable retainers in their protective case when not in use. Retainers wrapped in tissue or placed loose on surfaces are frequently lost or damaged. Keep them away from heat sources and pets.
Clean under the bonded wire daily using floss threaders, orthodontic floss, or a water flosser. A fluoride mouthwash reduces plaque risk around the wire and bonding points.
See your local dentist every 6 months to have your bonded retainer checked for integrity and to receive professional cleaning around the wire.
Contact the clinic promptly if a retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits. Do not leave a gap in retention — teeth can shift significantly within weeks without a retainer in place.
Retainer fabrication is a straightforward single-visit procedure requiring just 1–2 days in Moldova. Impressions or digital scans are taken, retainers are manufactured (typically same-day or next-day for removable types), and fitted at a second short appointment. Patients visiting Dentour for any other dental procedure can conveniently add retainer fabrication to the same trip.