Fixed Retainers: Why They Matter and How to Care for Them

If you're considering dental braces in Singapore, you'll find a range of options to suit different needs and lifestyles including ceramic braces, metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. When the braces come off or your Invisalign journey ends, it’s a moment worth celebrating. However, your smile’s journey isn’t quite over yet.

Your teeth, particularly the front teeth, have a natural tendency to shift, even years after treatment. To maintain that beautiful, aligned result, you’ll need a reliable retainer. And for many, a fixed retainer (also called a permanent retainer) is a dependable way to hold your teeth in position.

What is a fixed retainer?

A fixed retainer is a small, subtle wire placed on the inside surface of your front teeth that quietly works behind the scenes to keep your teeth exactly where they should be. It usually a thin metal wire that is bonded behind the teeth usually from canine to canine. 

The bonding material typically used is a tooth-coloured composite resin, which secures the braided wire or spiral wire retainer without affecting the appearance of your smile. The procedure is quick and painless, requiring no anaesthetic in most cases. Unlike removable retainers, a permanent retainer stays in place 24/7. So, you don’t need to remember to wear it daily as it’s always there, quietly doing its job.

Why retainers matter after orthodontic treatment?

Once active treatment with braces or aligners ends, your teeth can have a tendency to shift back toward their original position. 

After wearing braces, a retainer is essential to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t end when the braces come off, retainers work to maintain the results long term.

Your teeth are surrounded by living tissues like ligaments, bone, and muscles that are constantly exerting forces on them. Your tongue pushes outward while your cheeks and lips apply pressure inward. During orthodontic treatment, gentle forces guide the teeth into new positions. However, once that pressure is removed, the surrounding tissues and fibres naturally want to return to their pre-treatment positions. This is a process known as orthodontic relapse. This is especially common in the lower front teeth and upper teeth where crowding often begins.

One common option is bonded retainers, which are fixed to the back of the front teeth to help prevent movement. These are often worn for years, sometimes even for the rest of your life, depending on how your teeth respond.

Retainers provide the necessary support during this critical post-treatment period to keep the teeth from reverting to their old positions. This is why consistent retention, especially with fixed retainers, is so crucial to hold your teeth in the exact straight position where you and your orthodontist have worked so hard to place them. 

What are the differences between fixed vs. removable retainers?

When it comes to keeping your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment, both fixed and removable retainers offer valuable benefits. Here’s how the most common types of retainers compare:

What are the types of removable clear retainers?

There are several types of clear plastic retainers, but they differ in strength, durability, and fit. Understanding their differences can help you choose what’s right for your smile.

• Zendura retainers: They are often made from thermoplastic materials. They are cost-effective, nearly invisible, and cover the gums for a secure fit. With good care and without teeth grinding, they can last a few years. If you’re looking for an effective and affordable option, these are a reliable choice.

• Vivera Retainers : Manufactured by Invisalign, they are thick and durable retainers made using 3D digital imaging. They provide an accurate fit and they're ideal for patients seeking durability or need backup sets of retainers.

It’s important not to confuse Invisalign aligners with clear plastic retainers. Even though they can look similar, they serve very different roles in your orthodontic journey. Invisalign aligners are part of your active orthodontic treatment and they are designed to apply gentle pressure and move your teeth over time. On the other hand, clear plastic retainers are used after treatment to maintain your teeth in their final, corrected position. 

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• Protecting Your New Smile with Invisalign+ Retainer
• Dental Braces Singapore How Much They Cost & What's The Process (2025)

Why is maintaining oral hygiene so important with a fixed retainer?

With a permanent retainer, diligent care is essential to prevent plaque build-up, tartar accumulation, and gum disease. Food particles can gather around the retainer wire, particularly if oral hygiene practices are lacking.

Not all fixed retainers are crafted the same. While many utilise a wire bonded across all six front teeth, newer and more hygienic designs leave the spaces between the front teeth open, facilitating easier flossing and thorough cleaning. These innovative designs support oral hygiene while providing the necessary stability to prevent relapse.

To keep your oral health in good shape:

• Brush around the wire using proper technique
• Use a floss threader or water flosser daily
• Avoid sticky foods, crunchy foods, and hard bites that may dislodge the wire
• Schedule regular check-ups and dental cleanings at regular 6 month intervals 

This type of retainer can last long but it requires care with proper maintenance and regular monitoring.

What if the fixed retainer wire breaks?

If a retainer breaks, it’s important to have it repaired quickly, as teeth can start to move. There are different types of retainers, and each retainer requires regular cleaning and good oral hygiene to avoid buildup and maintain effectiveness.

Breakage of the retainer wire can result in your teeth to drifting and undo the alignment you worked so hard to achieve. If the wire breaks, you may notice movement of the front teeth, a poking wire, or difficulty flossing as usual.

If you notice the retainer wire has detached or shifted, contact your dental provider for an assessment. In the meantime, if you have a removable retainer, wear it nightly to minimise shifting until you can be seen. 

Is a fixed retainer right for you?

Not every patient needs a fixed retainer, but it’s often recommended if:

• You had severe crowding or rotations (like deep overbite or severe rotation)
• You're less likely to consistently wear a removable retainer
• Your orthodontist anticipates a risk of orthodontic relapse

Your orthodontic professional will assess a variety of factors, including your bite, lifestyle, and commitment to care, before recommending the right type of retainer for you.  Wearing a retainer as directed after braces is a crucial step to protect your smile.

Conclusion

Every smile deserves to stay just as confident and well-aligned as the day you finished orthodontic treatment. Your fixed retainers are your smile’s quiet protectors that help keep your teeth in their previous position, preserving that perfect smile and avoiding the need for retreatment.

Wearing and caring for your permanent retainers is a lifelong commitment, but one that rewards you with a lifetime of confidence. Most retainer wires can last many years with proper care, but you should still have them checked regularly for any wear, debonding, or distortion.

At Dental Designs Clinic Singapore, we’re here to support you on your orthodontic journey from the first aligner to the final retention phase. Whether you need help with your current retainer, are considering switching types, or just want to keep your teeth in position for the future, our friendly team is here are here to help you.

Drop us a message here and let us help you keep smiling!

WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092

Call us at : +65 6221 8284