
Why Do You Need An Orthodontic Retainer?
Orthodontic retainers are nothing more than a treatment in which you are going to be provided with retainers, to prevents your teeth from moving back to their initial position. The purpose of orthodontic retainers is to prevent all the work achieved by orthodontics from being lost. This next stage of your orthodontics is often tricky because everything you have achieved can easily disappear, so it is called a follow-up etpa.
Depending on what your dentist deems necessary, he or she will recommend using removable or permanent retainers. The treatment of orthodontic retainers is not as extensive as orthodontic treatment can be. It is usually used for five to seven months. This way, your teeth will be fixed in the ideal place in the oral cavity.
Orthodontic retainers should be used under the supervision of your specialist dentist, and you should try to follow the letter the instructions he or she gave you.
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What Are Orthodontic Retainers?
In case you do not use orthodontic retainers after the previous treatment, all the work that has been achieved may disappear, so this stage is very important to keep and position the teeth in place.
If you do not wear orthodontic retainers properly, you will lose the orthodontic gains and may require braces again, which will include extra expense and a lot of frustration on your part.
For this reason, it is very important that the so-called retention phase be respected.
Types of Orthodontic Retainers
Permanent retainers
Permanent retainers are retainers that are glued to the back of the teeth, which are attached to the front teeth, in order to keep them from moving. Permanent retainers consist of a stainless steel wire, which is attached to the teeth in such a way that only a dental specialist can remove them.
These retainers, also called lingual wire, will fulfill the function of preventing the teeth from moving and thus losing all the work achieved by the brackets or orthodontic appliances.
Permanent retainers offer the patient many advantages, such as that they are not removed unless the dentist deems it necessary, so you will not lose them. They are not noticeable to the naked eye, your routine life will not be harmed by permanent retainers, as they are easy to clean and maintain. And they perform the required function perfectly.
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers consist of a type of removable appliance, completely custom-made for the patient, which consists of a plate made of plastic that will be in contact with the palate, and from this plate will come out wires that will go through the back teeth.
Hawley appliances are long-lasting and adjustable. They are comfortable, once the patient gets used to them and they fulfill their function perfectly inside the oral cavity. They are easy to clean and can be removed when ingesting food or performing routine oral cleaning.
However, Hawley retainers do not go unnoticed as permanent retainers, they are noticeable, sometimes the plastic that is in constant contact with the palate can be a little uncomfortable and it is extremely important that the patient cleans them very well.
Plastic Retainers
Plastic retainers consist of a completely transparent type of retainer, custom-made for each patient, which has the function of preventing the teeth from shifting back to their initial position after having finished with the treatment phase. This type of retainer consists of one for the lower arch and one for the upper arch and will usually be worn only during the night
Essix Retainers
Essix retainers consist of a type of plastic retainers, the function of which is to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position. Essix retainers are custom designed and can be used after any type of orthodontic treatment.
This type of retainer is one of the most popular, thanks to the material they are made of, which allows them to be very inconspicuous in the patient’s mouth. Despite its great advantages, it tends to wear a little faster than other types of retainers and is a little more difficult to clean.

Which Orthodontic Retainer Is Right For You?
Choosing the right type of orthodontic retainer depends on your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and your orthodontist’s recommendation. Some retainers are removable and easy to clean, while others are fixed and more discreet. If you’re not sure which option suits you best, contact our dental clinic in Tirana – our team is here to help you find the retainer that fits your needs and keeps your smile aligned for years to come.
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The Importance of Orthodontic Retainers
The importance of orthodontic retainers lies in the fact that thanks to them, the teeth will not move to their initial position.
Orthodontic retainers are completely custom-made and serve to “teach” the teeth to maintain their new position. It is very important that you follow the instructions given by the dentist to the letter, otherwise, all the work achieved with the help of orthodontic appliances can be quickly lost.
You should wear orthodontic retainers for as long as the dentist instructs you to. This is usually about 6 to 12 months.
Orthodontic retainers will give you a perfect, beautiful, balanced smile that will last over time. And it will make all the work and effort invested worthwhile.
In addition, it is always important to emphasize that it is necessary for you to visit the dentist periodically so that you can quickly see the expected progress.
Orthodontic Retainer Cost in Albania
It is important that you talk to your dentist, to find out if this average cost is included in your insurance plan.
Also, keep in mind that the average cost of orthodontic retainers is directly dependent on yourself, i.e. the amount of work that needs to be done, in order to achieve the expected results.


Orthodontic Retainer Procedure at Endeta Dental Clinic
Diagnostic Phase
In this first phase, the dentist is going to proceed to check the oral cavity and prepare it, in order to, in this way, proceed to take you the pertinent x-rays, as well as analyze your occlusion and everything concerning your oral health.
According to what the dentist sees, he or she will work to achieve a personalized project for you, and thus take all the necessary measures for the realization, placement ad follow-up of your orthodontics.
Therefore you should attend the dentist regularly, so that he or she is aware of the evolution of your teeth and that everything is going correctly, as expected.
Treatment Phase
In this second phase, you will already be fitted with orthodontic treatment, whether metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, or others, in which the dentist, together with the braces, will play a fundamental role in the ideal placement of your teeth within the oral cavity.
The dentist will closely monitor your progress and will be aware of every movement your teeth make. He or she is going to place the orthodontic treatment and will change monthly the rubber bands used to exert pressure on the teeth.
Retention Phase
In this phase, once the orthodontic treatment phase is finished, the specialist dentist, in this case, the orthodontist, will give you orthodontic retainers, which is a device that can be either fixed or removable, which is placed on the teeth of both the upper and lower arches and will help keep the teeth in the position acquired with the help of orthodontic treatment, thus preventing the teeth from returning to their initial position.
This part of the treatment is fundamental because it is what will ensure that the work obtained thanks to the treatment phase lasts over time.
FAQs about Orthodontic Retainers in Albania
After your braces or aligners are removed, your teeth can shift back to their original positions if not properly maintained. Retainers help keep your teeth in place and prevent relapse, ensuring long-term results.
The length of time you need to wear a retainer varies depending on your individual treatment plan. Initially, you may need to wear it full-time, and later, only at night. Our orthodontists will guide you on the best schedule.
Yes, there are several types of retainers, including fixed retainers (bonded to the back of your teeth) and removable ones (such as clear or Hawley retainers). We will help you choose the best option for your needs.
Retainers can last several years with proper care, but they may need to be replaced over time due to wear or changes in your teeth. Regular check-ups at our clinic will help determine if your retainer needs adjustment or replacement.
Clean your retainer daily with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface. We’ll provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your retainer to keep it in good condition.
It’s recommended to remove your retainer while eating to prevent damage and to keep food from getting trapped. If you have a fixed retainer, you can eat normally but should avoid hard or sticky foods.
If you skip wearing your retainer as prescribed, your teeth may start to shift. It’s important to follow the schedule our orthodontist recommends to maintain the results of your treatment.
The cost of orthodontic retainers varies depending on the type you choose. We offer affordable options, and a consultation with us will provide a clear breakdown of costs based on your specific treatment.
Yes, if your retainer gets lost or damaged, we can provide you with a new one. It’s essential to act quickly to avoid any shifting of your teeth. Contact us as soon as possible for assistance.
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