Retainers after braces: To prevent teeth from shifting again (recurrence)

The most important facts in brief

• The so-called retention phase is just as important as active treatment with braces, because only with suitable retainers can the results of orthodontic treatment be permanently stabilized.
• Without retainers, the teeth can shift again, making further orthodontic treatment necessary.
• In our practice, we mostly work with removable splints that are worn at night.
• Dr. Carina Wick is a specialist in orthodontics in Vienna and Linz. Our team will be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice on your individual situation.

After active orthodontic treatment—whether with fixed braces or aligner therapy with invisible braces—the so-called retention phase follows in order to permanently stabilize the teeth in their new position. This is essential because teeth are in constant motion throughout life due to pressure from the cheeks and tongue, as well as changes in facial morphology caused by natural aging processes. If retention is neglected, the teeth will shift back in the direction of their original misalignment (= recurrence). 
Lifelong retention is a prerequisite for maintaining the achieved tooth and jaw position in the best possible way.

The type of retainer that is suitable for you or your child will be decided on an individual basis depending on the respective tooth misalignment.

Did you undergo orthodontic treatment with braces some time ago and now notice that your teeth have shifted again?

If you are experiencing a relapse, an individual orthodontic assessment at our practice is necessary. We will evaluate the current position of your teeth, your bite, and possible causes of the shift. 

Based on this examination, our practice will advise you on suitable treatment options—from simple stabilization measures to targeted re-correction. The goal is always to find a functionally stable and long-term aesthetic solution that suits your individual situation.

Feel free to make an appointment in Vienna or Linz! 

Please note: Our Vienna practice on Mariahilferstraße is a private practice for dental and orthodontic services. Our practice in Linz is a purely orthodontic practice with a health insurance contract for free braces.

What types of retainers are there?

There are basically two medically established types of retainers, which differ in their design, handling, and mode of action. Both types are described in the guidelines of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) as equivalent forms of retention, provided they are used correctly.

Fixed retainers

The fixed retainer consists of a thin wire that is permanently attached to the inside of the front teeth (usually from canine to canine). It works around the clock and is not visible to patients from the outside. Medically, it is considered particularly reliable because it is worn independently of the patient's cooperation. Professional associations recommend it especially for the lower jaw. Good oral hygiene at home with dental floss and regular prophylaxis is a prerequisite, as plaque can accumulate.

My wire keeps breaking and/or gets in the way when I eat

Hard or very chewy foods (e.g., nuts, hard bread crusts, chewing gum) can bend or loosen the wire. If a wire is uncomfortable or broken, we offer prompt check-up appointments to quickly fix the problem. If the problem keeps recurring, you can switch to removable retainers. 

Removable retainers

The removable retainer in splint form is a transparent plastic splint that completely covers the teeth (not to be confused with invisible braces). It is usually worn at night, and in the initial phase sometimes also during the day. According to clinical studies, this type of retainer offers very good stabilization, but requires consistent use. The advantages are that it is easy to clean and can be removed for eating and dental care. In contrast to fixed retainers, this type holds the entire dental arch in place. At the same time, this splint provides excellent protection against teeth grinding.

The Hawley retainer is a classic removable retainer consisting of a plastic base and a visible wire arch. It is used less frequently today, especially after treatment with removable braces in children's teeth, and rarely in adults. Its advantage lies in its high stability and good adaptability, for example in cases of minor tooth movement. However, modern plastic splints are often preferred due to their visibility and greater comfort.

Conclusion: The type of retainer that makes the most sense in each individual case depends on the respective tooth position, jaw, risk of relapse, and oral hygiene, and should always be decided on an individual basis by an orthodontist.

Help, my teeth have shifted—what now?

As soon as you notice changes in the position of your teeth, you should have an orthodontic check-up as soon as possible. Complaints such as pain in the jaw joint, clicking noises, or a feeling of pressure when chewing should also be taken seriously and investigated. The earlier such changes are detected, the easier and gentler the correction is usually. 

After completing orthodontic treatment, we therefore recommend regular check-ups at our practice, ideally every six to twelve months at most, in order to detect and counteract any incipient tooth movement in good time.