Types of Retainers & How to Care for Them

Finishing braces or Invisalign® in Burnaby doesn’t mean your treatment is over—it means you’ve reached the retention phase. This step is critical for protecting the results you’ve worked hard to achieve.

Retainers keep your teeth from shifting back, especially in the months after treatment when your bite is still settling. Whether you had aligners, traditional braces, or cosmetic correction, the right retainer makes all the difference.

If you’re in Burnaby and want to keep your smile stable for the long haul, here’s what you need to know. Our burnaby dentist is here for you.

Why Retainers Matter—and What They Actually Do

Before you ever reach the retention stage, you may need spacers for braces to prepare your teeth.

After orthodontic treatment, your teeth look aligned—but they’re not locked in place just yet. Without a retainer, they’ll gradually shift back, undoing months or even years of progress.

This happens because the bone and tissue around your teeth need time to stabilize. The jawbone reshapes slowly, and the elastic fibres in your gums still “remember” their old positions.

That’s where retainers come in. They hold your teeth steady as your body adjusts. Skipping this step—or wearing your retainer inconsistently—can lead to noticeable relapse, especially in the first year after treatment.

At Burnaby Dentist and Orthodontist, as part of our cosmetic dental services in Burnaby, we design custom retainers using precise digital scans. That means no boiling, no warping, and a better fit from day one. When retainers fit well, they’re easier to wear—and more effective at doing their job.

Bone Memory, Soft Tissue, and Why Teeth Shift Back

Your teeth aren’t fixed in place—they’re held in by soft tissue and bone that adapt over time. After orthodontic treatment, these structures need time to stabilize around your new alignment.

The jawbone, in particular, takes several months to remodel. During that time, even mild pressure—like chewing, grinding, or just daily bite forces—can push teeth out of position.

Retainers give your bones and gums the chance to adjust. By keeping your teeth steady, they help “set” your new bite and reduce the risk of unwanted movement.

Wearing your retainer as directed—especially in the first year—is the most effective way to protect your results long term.

Types of Orthodontic Retainers

Retainers aren’t one-size-fits-all. The right type depends on your teeth, treatment history, and how consistently you’ll wear it. If you’re still exploring different teeth straightening options in Burnaby, knowing which retainer follows treatment can help you plan long-term.

Here’s a quick comparison of the most common options:

We’ll help you choose the type that fits your lifestyle and protects your results. Some patients even use a combination—like a fixed lower retainer and a removable upper one—for the best of both worlds.

Fixed (Bonded) Retainers: Low-Maintenance, Always Working

Fixed retainers—also called bonded or permanent retainers—are slim wires secured behind your front teeth, typically on the lower arch. They’re hidden from view and hold your alignment in place around the clock.

This type of retainer is ideal if you had crowded lower teeth or if your alignment was harder to maintain during treatment. It’s effective, discreet, and always working—even when you’re not thinking about it.

Why we recommend it:

✔ You don’t have to remember to wear it

✔ It works continuously, reducing the risk of shifting

✔ It’s perfect for patients who want a “set it and forget it” option

➤ Important note: Bonded retainers require a bit more effort when it comes to dental hygiene in Burnaby. Standard floss won’t fit between teeth near the wire, so we’ll show you how to use a floss threader or water flosser to keep the area clean.

At Burnaby Dentist and Orthodontist, we help you maintain your fixed retainer with routine check-ups and cleaning tips tailored to your teeth.

Removable Retainers: Hawley vs. Essix

Removable retainers give you flexibility—but they require consistency. You’ll need to wear them as directed, clean them regularly, and store them properly when not in use.

There are two main types:

Hawley Retainer

This durable option is made from acrylic and metal wire. It sits on the roof of your mouth (or behind your lower teeth) and holds your alignment while allowing your bite to settle naturally.

➤ Pros: Long-lasting, adjustable, easy to repair

➤ Considerations: More visible than clear options

Essix Retainer

Essix retainers are clear plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth—similar to Invisalign® aligners. They’re discreet and comfortable but more prone to wear and heat damage.

➤ Pros: Nearly invisible, smooth fit, easy to wear

➤ Considerations: Shorter lifespan; may need replacing more often

Both types are effective. The best choice depends on your habits, goals, and how likely you are to follow through. At Burnaby Dentist and Orthodontist, we help you choose the right one—and support you in keeping it working well.

Custom Retainer Solutions for Unique Needs

While most patients do well with standard fixed or removable retainers, some cases call for a more tailored approach.

At Burnaby Dentist and Orthodontist, we assess each smile individually. If your bite requires added retention, minor correction, or long-term durability, we’ll discuss the best option based on your case—not just a default choice.

Our team uses digital scans to ensure precision and comfort in every custom retainer. If your needs change over time, we’ll adjust your plan accordingly.

Retainer Care & Maintenance

Wearing your retainer is essential—but keeping it clean and intact is just as important.

Over time, plaque and bacteria build up on your retainer just like they do on your teeth. That cloudy film? It’s not just cosmetic—it can lead to odour, discomfort, and even oral health issues if left unchecked.

Daily Cleaning Tips:

✔ Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to clean your retainer each day

✔ Avoid using toothpaste—it can scratch and dull the surface

✔ Rinse with lukewarm (not hot) water to prevent warping

✔ For Hawley retainers, occasional soaking in an orthodontic cleaning solution can help—but skip any product with alcohol or harsh chemicals

Storage Matters

Always store your retainer in a ventilated case when it’s not in your mouth. Avoid wrapping it in tissue (easy to throw out) or leaving it on counters where it’s exposed to heat—or pets.

Need Help?

We’ll show you how to clean and store your retainer during your fitting at our Burnaby clinic. It’s easy to manage with a routine that works for you.

Flossing with Fixed Retainers: Yes, You Can

If you have a bonded retainer, flossing takes a little more effort—but it’s absolutely doable, and it matters.

Since the wire runs across the back of your front teeth, regular floss won’t slide through easily. Ignoring those areas can lead to plaque buildup and gum inflammation over time.

Here’s how to keep it clean:

✔ Use a floss threader to guide floss underneath the wire

✔ Try a water flosser if you prefer something quicker—just aim the stream along the gumline under the wire

✔ Brush carefully along the retainer to keep buildup in check

At Burnaby Dentist and Orthodontist, we’ll walk you through each step. Once you learn the technique, it becomes second nature—and helps protect both your alignment and gum health long term.

When to Replace a Retainer—and What to Do If It Breaks

No retainer lasts forever. Over time, they can loosen, crack, or stop fitting properly—especially if they’re not cleaned or stored consistently.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Essix retainers may need replacing every 6–12 months, depending on use
• Hawley retainers can last several years with good care
• Fixed retainers should be checked regularly to ensure the wire hasn’t loosened

If your retainer breaks or no longer feels snug, don’t wait. Even small changes can lead to unwanted tooth movement.

What to do:

• Stop using a broken retainer
• Call our Burnaby clinic as soon as possible
• We’ll assess the fit and schedule a quick scan if a new one is needed

We offer fast replacements and ongoing support to help you protect the progress you’ve made.

Conclusion

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t stop when the braces come off or the last aligner is removed. Retainers are what keep your smile aligned, your bite stable, and your hard-earned results intact.

At Burnaby Dentist and Orthodontist, we guide you through every step of retention—from fitting the right retainer to helping you care for it properly. Whether you need a first retainer, a replacement, or a check-up, we’re here to help you protect your smile for the long term.

Ready to stay aligned? Book your consultation today at our Burnaby clinic.