What is Retainer?
Definition
A retainer is an appliance worn after braces or aligners to hold the teeth in their new positions, either a thin wire bonded behind the teeth, a removable tray or plate, or both.
Teeth tend to drift back after orthodontic treatment and keep changing slowly throughout life, so retention is part of every orthodontic plan. A fixed retainer is invisible and always working, but needs careful cleaning; a removable one is easy to clean but only works when worn. At Creative Arts in Dubai, the specialist orthodontists fit and replace retainers, including for patients treated elsewhere, and assess teeth that have already moved.
Ask which type suits your case, how many hours a day to wear a removable retainer and for how long, and how it should be cleaned. Ask what to do if it breaks, is lost or stops fitting, and how quickly to come in. Retainer costs are listed in your written plan.
Questions about Retainer
My retainer feels tight after a few nights without it. Is that a problem?
Tightness means the teeth have started to move. If the retainer still goes in fully without force, wearing it full-time for a few days often lets the teeth settle back. If it no longer seats, does not fit at all, or is cracked, stop forcing it and book an orthodontic check, because a new retainer or a short course of treatment may be needed.
Your smile, planned with a dentist — before you decide
Tell us what you would like to change. A dentist reviews it, and you receive a written plan with prices before any treatment.
- First consultation free
- Free photo assessment on WhatsApp
- A written, itemised plan with prices before any treatment
Get your free treatment plan
Tell us what you would like to change. We reply on WhatsApp or by phone during opening hours.
- First consultation free
- Free photo assessment on WhatsApp
Prefer to chat? Send a photo on WhatsApp
614 Jumeira St, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai · Open daily 10:00–20:00 · +971 4 342 4444
Made by hand, in the same building
Tap a film to play it. Ceramic veneers and implant bridges are designed, milled, layered and finished by Creative Art Dental Lab, then fitted in the clinic.