At DentalClinic24, we often explain to our patients that finishing orthodontic treatment is not the end – it is the beginning of the most crucial stage. Professor Alexander von Breuer emphasizes that retention is the key to a stable result. Retainers keep the teeth in their new position and prevent them from moving back to where they were before treatment.
After braces are removed, the teeth remain mobile – the bone tissue and ligament structures need time to adapt. This period is called retention, and it cannot be ignored. At DentalClinic24, we carefully select the type of retainer: removable or fixed, depending on the patient’s bite, tooth anatomy, and lifestyle. Fixed retainers are bonded to the inner surface of the teeth and work around the clock, while removable ones require discipline but provide more flexibility.
Why are retainers so important? Because teeth have a “memory” of their previous position. Without proper retention, they gradually begin to shift – sometimes slightly, sometimes so noticeably that repeated orthodontic treatment becomes necessary. At DentalClinic24, we regularly meet patients who return years later wishing to restore results lost due to not wearing retainers.
Retention timelines are also individual. On average, active retention lasts from 1 to 3 years, but Professor von Breuer reminds us that for many patients, light nighttime retention may be recommended for life. It is not a limitation – it is a guarantee of stability.
Regular orthodontic checkups are an essential part of this stage. At Dental Clinic24, we monitor the condition of the retainer, its fixation, changes in bite, and adjust recommendations when necessary. This approach helps avoid relapse and maintain a perfect result without stress or repeated treatment.
Retainers are not just an extension of braces – they are an investment in predictability, aesthetics, and confidence. When the process is supervised by our specialists, the patient receives not only a beautiful smile but also the assurance that it will remain stable for years to come.
Earlier, we wrote about how DentalClinic24 helps children who are afraid of dentists