Sofia Martinez
Retainers are pre-formed devices that fit in the mouth and rest behind and in front of the teeth to help maintain realignment after braces or Invisalign. They are made with high-performance shaped plastic that completely covers the teeth and can last up to 24 months. Clear plastic retainers are made from a clear plastic material that fits snugly over your teeth. They are popular due to their aesthetic appeal, as they are nearly invisible when worn. Clear retainers are made of high-quality transparent plastic. If we get technical, they are made out of polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. These retainers are officially called Essix retainers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep teeth in their corrected position after wearing braces |
| Types | Fixed (permanent) retainers, removable retainers, Essix retainers, Hawley retainers, clear plastic retainers, Invisalign |
| Composition | Metal, plastic, acrylic, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyester, advanced polymer materials |
| Process | A mold of the teeth is created using a dental impression or digital scans. Plastic is heated and formed around the mold. Excess material is trimmed, and the edges are smoothed. |
| Maintenance | Clear plastic retainers should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap. Avoid using toothpaste as it can make the retainer dull. Soaking in vinegar once a week can kill germs. |
| Cost | $100 to $285 for one tray (upper or lower) |
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What You'll Learn
Clear plastic retainers are made from thermoplastic polyester
Clear plastic retainers are a popular option for those who have undergone orthodontic treatment, as they help maintain teeth alignment after braces. They are made from thermoplastic polyester, a strong, flexible, and transparent material. This type of plastic is non-porous, reducing the risk of staining or bacteria absorption, making it more hygienic.
The process of fabricating a clear plastic retainer begins with taking a mould or impression of the patient's teeth. This can be done using traditional impression trays filled with alginate or more modern methods like digital scanning and 3D printing. The mould ensures a custom fit for the retainer. Once the mould is created, it is sent to a dental laboratory, where the clear plastic retainer is fabricated.
The fabrication process involves heating the thermoplastic polyester to make it pliable. The heated plastic is then formed around the mould, creating a precise replica of the patient's teeth and gums. After cooling, the retainer is cut and separated from the mould, and any excess material is trimmed. The final steps include smoothing the edges and sterilizing the retainer to ensure it is ready for the patient's use.
Clear plastic retainers, also known as Essix retainers, are favoured for their aesthetic appeal, comfort, and ease of cleaning. They are nearly invisible when worn, making them a preferred choice among adults and teens seeking a discreet option. The smooth plastic material also makes them more comfortable than metal retainers. Additionally, clear retainers are easy to maintain, often requiring just a simple rinse or soak in warm water and mild soap for cleaning.
While clear plastic retainers offer several advantages, they also have some limitations. For instance, they cannot be adjusted if realignment is needed and must be replaced if they crack or break. They may also affect speech and can warp if exposed to heat. Despite these drawbacks, clear plastic retainers remain a popular choice due to their invisibility, comfort, and ease of use.
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Hawley retainers are made with plaster moulds and metal wires
Hawley retainers are a type of removable retainer, used to keep teeth in their corrected position after wearing braces. They are composed of three main parts: an acrylic base, a metal wire framework, and clasps. The acrylic base is custom-made to fit either the roof of the mouth or the inside of the lower teeth. The acrylic base can be moulded in various colours, allowing for personalisation. The metal wires are usually made of stainless steel and are bent and secured using acrylic. The wire loops and bends around the front teeth, securing the appliance in place. The wire can be adjusted by an orthodontist to ensure the teeth remain in their desired position. The clasps are additional wires that wrap around specific teeth, usually the molars, to help anchor the retainer securely in the mouth.
Hawley retainers are made using plaster moulds and metal wires. Firstly, a mould of the teeth is created using dental putty, a soft material similar to playdough. This putty is placed in trays, which are then inserted over the teeth to imprint their unique bite and layout. This mould is then sent to a lab where the retainer is made, and a wire is bent and secured using acrylic. The acrylic is then hardened and pressurised. The retainer then undergoes finishing touches, where it is trimmed or shaped to fit the patient comfortably. Finally, the retainer is sterilised and given to the patient.
Hawley retainers are highly effective in maintaining tooth positions due to their labial bow, which is fitted from cuspid to cuspid. They are also durable, adjustable, and easy to clean. However, they are more noticeable than other types of retainers and may affect speech more than other retainers. They are also slightly more durable than clear plastic retainers.
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$55.2 $69
Essix retainers are a clear plastic option
Retainers are custom-made dental appliances that help keep teeth in their corrected position after braces. They are typically made of metals, acrylic, plastic, or wires. The most popular types are removable, but some are fixed to your teeth.
To make an Essix retainer, a mould of the teeth is created. A very thin plastic or polyurethane is then heated and sucked down around the mould. The retainer is then cut out of the plastic, separated from the mould, and any excess material is trimmed away. The edges are then smoothed and the retainer is sterilized.
Essix retainers offer a range of benefits. They are less bulky and more comfortable than other retainers, and less likely to irritate your mouth or affect your speech. They are also virtually invisible, so you're more likely to wear them, and they are more affordable than other options.
However, Essix retainers also have some downsides. They can increase your risk of plaque, so it's essential to practice good oral hygiene. They can also warp or deform if exposed to heat and tend to become discoloured and more visible over time. They are also less durable than other retainers and can be difficult to repair.
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Retainers are custom-fitted to the wearer's mouth
The traditional method of creating a retainer involves taking a dental impression using dental putty, a soft material similar to play dough. This putty is placed in trays and inserted over the patient's teeth to capture their unique bite and teeth layout. This impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, where it is used to create a plaster mould. The plastic or acrylic retainer is then moulded around this plaster mould.
However, advancements in technology have introduced digital scans and 3D printing as an alternative method. iTero digital scanners and other 3D printing technologies allow orthodontists to take highly accurate digital impressions of the patient's teeth. This digital file is then exported to printing software, which prints a mould of the teeth and gums. The plastic retainer is then formed around this mould, trimmed, and smoothed to ensure a precise and comfortable fit.
The custom-fitting process ensures that the retainer aligns with the new positioning of the patient's teeth, preventing them from returning to their original position. This customisation also ensures that the retainer is comfortable to wear and does not affect the patient's speech or natural bite. The process of fabricating a custom retainer typically takes about a week or more, depending on the technology and methods used.
It is important to note that retainers may need adjustments or replacements over time if the wearer's teeth shift or if the retainer becomes damaged or lost. Proper retainer care, including daily cleaning and following the orthodontist's recommendations, is essential to maintain the retainer's effectiveness and longevity.
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Retainers can be 3D-printed in-house
Retainers are custom-made devices worn in the mouth to keep teeth in their corrected position after wearing braces. There are two types of retainers: fixed and removable. Fixed retainers, also called permanent retainers, are glued to the teeth and can only be removed by an orthodontist or dentist. Removable retainers can be taken out of the mouth and include Hawley retainers and clear plastic retainers.
Clear plastic retainers are made by heating a thin plastic or polyurethane sheet and sucking it down around a mold of the patient's teeth. Traditionally, an orthodontist would take impressions of the patient's teeth and send the model to a third-party dental lab, which would then create the retainer and ship it back to the orthodontist's office. This process could take a couple of weeks, and if there were problems with the fit, the entire process would have to be repeated.
However, retainers can now be 3D-printed in-house, offering several advantages over traditional fabrication methods. With in-house 3D printing, dental offices can design, print, and fabricate retainers themselves, eliminating the need for a third party and reducing the turnaround time to as little as a week or even the same day. This is especially beneficial for patients who need replacement retainers, as a quicker replacement means their teeth are less likely to shift.
In-house 3D printing also allows orthodontists to have greater control over the treatment process and ensure a more precise fit for their patients. Digital oral scans of the patient's teeth can be easily converted into a retainer model for direct printing, and premium, FDA-approved materials can be used to create super clear and durable retainers. The latest 3D-printing resins and printers can produce up to eight aligners in under an hour, and the digitalisation of the process minimises post-processing, improving accuracy and patient fit.
While it is theoretically possible for individuals to 3D-print their own retainers at home, it is not recommended due to the potential health risks of using unsuitable materials. It is also a complex process that requires access to the patient's dental scans or impressions, as well as specialised equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
A retainer is a device that helps keep your teeth in their corrected position after wearing braces.
Retainers are typically made of metal, plastic, or a combination of the two. Clear retainers are made of high-quality transparent plastic, specifically polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. Hawley retainers use metal wires around the base of the retainer, with plastic molded around a plaster mold.
The first step in making a retainer is taking a mold or impression of your teeth. This can be done with traditional impression trays or digital scanners. For clear retainers, a thin sheet of plastic is heated and vacuumed over the model, forming the retainer. The excess material is trimmed, and the edges are smoothed.
Invisalign is a removable, clear plastic aligner used to straighten teeth and improve oral health. Retainers are used to maintain the position of teeth after braces or Invisalign treatment and can be clear plastic or include metal wires.
To clean your retainer, you can soak it in warm water or rinse it with mild soap. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can make the retainer dull and scratch away the shine. You can also soak your retainer in vinegar once a week to kill germs.
