Treatment ends. Retention is for life.
Teeth have a natural tendency to move throughout your lifetime. Retainers are the only thing that reliably holds your result in place — and the investment in retaining your result is far smaller than retreating a relapse.
Teeth don't stay put on their own.
When active treatment finishes — whether with braces or clear aligners — the teeth are in their corrected positions but the surrounding bone and tissues are still remodelling. Without a retainer, teeth will move back toward their original positions over time. This is not a failure of treatment; it is a normal biological process.
At Claremont Orthodontics, we place significant emphasis on retention planning. Dr Denize discusses retention options at the beginning of treatment, not just at the end, so patients understand from the outset that retainers are part of the commitment to a lasting result.
For patients in Perth's western suburbs — whether coming to us from Nedlands, Subiaco, Dalkeith, Cottesloe, or Mosman Park — retention check appointments at our Stirling Highway practice are straightforward and quick. We monitor your teeth at intervals after treatment and address any concerns early.
Fixed, removable, or both.
Fixed (bonded) retainers
A thin, custom-formed wire is bonded to the inner surfaces of your teeth — most commonly the lower front six teeth, and sometimes the upper. Fixed retainers work continuously, without any compliance requirement. They are particularly useful for the lower incisors, which are among the most prone to relapse. Regular dental hygiene appointments are important to keep the area under the wire clean.
Removable retainers (clear overlay)
A clear, thin tray that fits over the teeth — very similar to an aligner. Worn nightly, removed during the day for eating and brushing. Comfortable and discreet. The most commonly prescribed removable retainer in modern orthodontic practice. If lost or damaged, a replacement can be made from the digital scan of your teeth taken at the conclusion of treatment.
Combination retention
Many patients at Claremont Orthodontics wear a fixed retainer on the lower teeth (for continuous protection of the most mobile teeth) and a removable clear retainer on the upper arch at night. The combination approach addresses the different retention needs of each arch and reduces the risk of undetected movement behind the fixed wire.
Removable retainers are typically worn full-time initially, transitioning to nightly wear over the first few months.
Bonded retainers last many years with proper hygiene. Periodic checks confirm the wire is intact and the bond is secure.
Regular check appointments at our Claremont practice to confirm stability and address any concerns early.
Frequently asked questions about retainers.
How long do I need to wear a retainer?
Retention is a lifelong commitment if you want your result to remain stable. Teeth have a natural tendency to move throughout life, and retainers are what counteract this. The good news is that most patients settle into nightly wear of a removable retainer without difficulty. Fixed retainers bonded behind the teeth require no effort at all. Dr Denize will discuss the most appropriate retention plan for your case at our Claremont practice.
What is the difference between fixed and removable retainers?
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back surfaces of the teeth — usually the lower front teeth and sometimes the upper. It works continuously without any action required by the patient. A removable retainer is worn over the teeth, typically at night, and is taken out during the day. Many patients at Claremont Orthodontics have both — a fixed retainer for the most mobile teeth and a removable for overall arch stability.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Teeth can and do shift if retainers are not worn consistently. The rate of movement varies between individuals but is unpredictable — some patients notice changes within weeks, others over years. Once teeth have moved, correcting the relapse requires active orthodontic treatment again. Consistent wear of your retainer is far simpler than retreatment.
My retainer doesn't fit anymore. What should I do?
Contact our Claremont practice as soon as possible. A retainer that no longer fits properly may indicate that some tooth movement has occurred. Do not try to force the retainer onto teeth — this can cause discomfort and may not correct the movement. Dr Denize will assess whether a replacement retainer is sufficient or whether further treatment is needed.
How do I look after my retainer?
Removable retainers should be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush and water — not toothpaste, which can scratch the plastic. Keep them away from heat (which can warp them) and store them in the case provided when not in use. Fixed retainers should be cleaned carefully with floss threaders or an interdental brush to remove plaque from underneath the wire. We will give you detailed care instructions when your retainers are fitted at our practice on Stirling Highway in Claremont.
Protect your result for the long term.
Whether you need a new retainer, a retention check, or you are exploring treatment for the first time, our Claremont practice is here to help.