A retainer is the final and often underestimated phase of any orthodontic treatment. Once fixed braces are removed or aligner therapy ends, the teeth are straight, but the surrounding tissue and jawbone need time to stabilise. Without securing them, the teeth would almost always shift again – the retainer locks the result in place.\n\nThere are two basic types. The fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the inner surface of the front or canine teeth, remaining permanently in the mouth. The removable retainer is a clear tray or an acrylic plate with a wire, usually worn at night. The two are often combined. Your orthodontist or dentist takes an impression or scan and makes the retainer to fit you individually.\n\nA retainer is essentially needed after every active tooth correction – in adults just as much as in adolescents. Experts assume teeth have a lifelong tendency to drift, which is why long-term or even permanent wear is now often recommended.\n\nPay attention to regular check-ups: a loosened bonded wire or an ill-fitting tray can quietly allow teeth to move back. Good oral hygiene around the wire, careful cleaning of the tray and consistent wear are essential. Costs depend on the design, material and follow-up care – clarify the approach and any ongoing costs with your practice in advance.
Retainer
A retainer is a small dental appliance worn after braces or aligner treatment to keep the corrected teeth in their new position. It prevents the teeth from gradually drifting back to where they were before (known as relapse).
Example
A 16-year-old student from Winterthur has her fixed braces removed after two years. Her orthodontist bonds a fixed wire retainer behind her lower front teeth and additionally makes a clear night-time tray for the upper jaw. This keeps the result stable even if the student occasionally forgets to wear the tray.
Frequently asked
How long do I have to wear a retainer?
In the first months after treatment a tray is often worn especially consistently, then usually reduced to night-time only. Because teeth tend to drift throughout life, many experts now recommend very long-term or even permanent wear. Your orthodontist will set the exact duration individually.
How much does a retainer cost in Switzerland?
There is no flat figure: costs depend on the type (fixed or removable), the material, the number of jaws treated and the follow-up care. Check-ups and possible replacement after loss or breakage also play a role. Ask for a transparent cost estimate before treatment begins.
What happens if my fixed retainer comes loose?
Arrange an appointment at your practice as soon as possible. If the wire detaches even partially, teeth can shift back unnoticed, and it may also make cleaning harder or irritate the gums. Do not try to reattach or cut it yourself.