Retainers - City Clinic Marbella

Dentistry▸Orthodontics

Retainers

Retainers are custom devices—either fixed or removable—designed to hold teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. They prevent relapse by stabilizing the teeth while bone, gums, and soft tissues adapt to the corrected alignment.

Doctors & Specialists:

Dr.Marino Martín Luque

After braces or clear aligners reposition your teeth, the surrounding bone and ligaments need time to reorganize and secure that new arrangement. Without retainers, teeth tend to drift back toward their original position. Retainers act as a safeguard against this relapse. At City Clinic, retainers are precisely designed to your anatomy and may include removable plastic types or bonded wires discreetly fixed behind the teeth. Retention protocols are individualized based on your treatment needs, risk of movement, and long‑term stability.

Indications

After braces or aligners

To prevent tooth relapse

Maintain final alignment

Stabilize bite post-treatment

Preserve smile results

Causes

Natural tooth movement

Elastic recoil of gums

Incomplete bone stabilization

Irregular retainer use

Treatment Details

Procedure Steps

1

Assessment & Impressions – Final orthodontic evaluation and taking digital scans or impressions of aligned teeth.

2

Fabrication & Fitting – Custom retainer is crafted and fitted precisely; comfort and stability are checked.

3

Instructions & Follow-Up – Guidance on wearing schedule, cleaning, and regular check-ups to monitor fit and make adjustments if necessary.

Duration:

Typically takes 20–30 minutes

Number of Sessions:

One fitting session plus periodic follow-up visits

Recovery / Downtime:

None — normal function resumes immediately

Pain Level:

None — retainers are comfortable when properly adjusted

Pre-Treatment:

Ensure your teeth are clean before fitting
Bring your final orthodontic records or plans
Communicate any sensitivity or mouth anatomy concerns

Post-Treatment:

Wear the retainer exactly as prescribed (initially often full‑time, later night only)
Clean it gently daily with a soft brush and mild solution
Store in its protective case when not worn
Avoid exposing removable retainers to heat or bending
Attend regular dental check-ups to monitor fit and retention

Results

Expected Outcome

In the short term, your teeth remain stable in their new positions. Over time, the surrounding tissues fully adapt, securing the result of orthodontic treatment. Long-term, retainers help preserve your straightened smile and minimise relapse.

How Long
Results Last? 

Retention is considered lifelong — many patients transition to wearing retainers at night indefinitely to maintain alignment.

Risks & Considerations

Possible Side Effects 

• Mild pressure at first • Plaque buildup if not cleaned • Breakage or warping of retainer • Fixed retainer may loosen

Contraindications (who should avoid it)

• Poor oral hygiene or gum disease
• Inability to commit to wearing and maintaining the device
• Structural issues requiring re‑orthodontic adjustment

Safety Notes

Retainers at City Clinic are designed using precise impressions and high‑quality materials. Fixed retainers are bonded with care to avoid interference, and hygiene instructions are essential to prevent plaque accumulation and gum problems.

Pricing

Price Range (approximate)

Factors Affecting Price

• Removable vs bonded retainer
• Material quality and lab customization
• Need for frequent replacements or adjustments
• Complexity of retention plan

Insurance Coverage

Retainer is not covered by insurance.

FAQs

Will retainers hurt?

No — properly adjusted retainers are comfortable. Mild pressure may be felt initially.

How long must I wear them?

Initially full‑time, then typically night use indefinitely.

Can I remove a bonded retainer?

Yes — an orthodontist can remove it when appropriate, though removal may risk small movement.

How do I clean them?

Gently brush removable types daily and care for fixed ones during normal oral hygiene.

What if I stop wearing them?

Teeth will likely drift back toward previous alignment, undoing treatment results.

Related Treatments

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are custom dental devices designed to preserve the gap created when a primary (baby) tooth is lost prematurely. They ensure the adjacent teeth do not drift into the space, allowing the corresponding permanent tooth to erupt properly.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment using a series of custom, clear, removable plastic aligners that gradually shift teeth into their desired position. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable solution for straightening teeth.

Braces & Brackets

Braces (also called brackets) are fixed orthodontic appliances used to gradually move and align teeth, correct bite irregularities, and optimize the overall function and aesthetics of the smile.

Bite Adjustment

Bite adjustment is a dental procedure designed to correct misalignment between the upper and lower teeth, improving comfort, chewing efficiency, and long-term oral health. At City Clinic, this treatment helps prevent wear, jaw pain, and other complications caused by an uneven bite.