Orthodontic Retainers

Protect and maintain your smile after orthodontic treatment with custom retainers designed for long-term smile stability.

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What Are Retainers?

Retainers are custom orthodontic appliances designed to maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. Once active orthodontic treatment is complete, teeth can naturally begin to shift over time, making retainers an essential part of protecting your new smile and maintaining long-term orthodontic results.

There are different types of retainers available depending on your orthodontic treatment and long-term smile needs.

  • Clear retainers are transparent removable retainers that fit closely over the teeth to help maintain orthodontic results discreetly and comfortably. They are a popular option for both teens and adults.

  • Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire bonded behind the teeth to help prevent unwanted tooth movement after orthodontic treatment. Because they remain in place continuously, they provide long-term support for smile stability.

  • Traditional removable retainers are custom-made appliances designed to maintain tooth alignment after orthodontic treatment while allowing flexibility for eating and cleaning.

What to Expect

  • Retainer Assessment

    We assess your teeth, bite alignment and orthodontic results to determine the most suitable retainer option for your smile.

  • Digital Scans & Impressions

    Modern digital scans or impressions are used to create custom retainers designed for a precise and comfortable fit.

  • Custom Retainer Fabrication

    Your retainers are carefully customised to help maintain tooth alignment and support long-term smile stability.

  • Retainer Fitting & Instructions

    Once your retainers are ready, we ensure they fit correctly and provide guidance on how to wear, clean and care for them properly.

  • Long-Term Smile Maintenance

    Regular retainer wear and proper care help protect your orthodontic results and reduce the risk of teeth shifting over time.

Why Choose Strydom Orthodontics for Retainers?

Specialist Expertise

Your retainers are carefully planned and customised by a specialist orthodontist and team focused exclusively on orthodontic care and long-term smile stability.

Custom-Made Retainers

Every retainer is individually designed to fit comfortably and support your specific orthodontic results.

Comfortable, Precise Fit

Using modern digital technology and careful treatment planning, we create retainers designed for comfort, precision and long-term effectiveness.

Long-Term Smile Care

Our focus is on helping patients maintain healthy, confident smiles long after braces or clear aligner treatment is complete.

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FAQs

  • Retainers help maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment and reduce the risk of teeth gradually shifting over time.

  • Yes. Retainers are an essential part of maintaining the results achieved through clear aligner (Invisalign®, Spark or other) treatment.

  • Retention requirements vary from patient to patient, but long-term retainer wear is generally recommended to help maintain orthodontic results and smile stability.

  • If retainers are not worn as instructed, teeth may gradually begin shifting back toward their original positions over time.

  • The cost of retainers depends on the type of retainer required and whether replacement retainers are needed. We will provide clear pricing and personalised recommendations before the start of treatment.

  • Yes. Strydom Orthodontics provides replacement retainers for patients who have lost, damaged or worn out their existing retainers. 

  • The lifespan of a retainer depends on the type of retainer, how well it is cared for and normal wear over time. Some retainers may need periodic replacement to maintain effectiveness.

  • Fixed retainers are bonded behind the teeth and remain in place continuously, while removable retainers can be taken out for eating and cleaning.

  • Clear retainers are popular because they are discreet and comfortable, while traditional retainers may offer other benefits. The orthodontist will advise the appropriate retainer for your retention needs.

  • Retainers are designed to maintain tooth position rather than actively straighten teeth. In some very minor cases, removable retainers may help reverse small movements.

  • Retainers should be cleaned regularly using gentle brushing and recommended cleaning methods to help prevent plaque buildup and maintain oral hygiene.

  • Yes. Most retainers are designed to be worn overnight as part of long-term orthodontic retention.

  • If your retainer becomes damaged or no longer fits properly, it is important to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to prevent unwanted tooth movement.

  • Most patients adjust quickly to wearing retainers. Some mild pressure may be experienced initially as the retainer helps maintain tooth position.

  • A specialist orthodontist understands expected growth changes and physiological movement. This will help ensure your retainers are carefully designed to maintain your smile results effectively.