The end of your braces is just the beginning:

Retention: the second set of braces?

Congratulations, you've got your dream smile with SayCheeese aligners – and now, of course, it's all about keeping it for the long term. Although our aligners have moved your teeth over the past few months, your teeth can also move back into unfavourable positions without aligners.

Second set of braces & retainer from SayCheeese in Vienna

I didn't have my braces at SayCheeese and now my teeth have shifted again – what can I do?

Unfortunately, this isn't uncommon. Sadly, some braces providers forget to inform their patients about retention at the end of treatment. At SayCheeese, we regularly carry out follow-up treatment of misaligned teeth that were previously treated incompletely elsewhere. Many of our patients also had braces as children or teenagers and now come to us because their teeth have shifted again. Simply book your free consultation!

book an appointment now

Is retention important after orthodontic treatment?

Yes, retention after your teeth straightening is very important to make sure your teeth stay in the right position. During your retention phase, you wear either a fixed wire or a removable aligner to hold your teeth in the desired position and stop your misalignment from coming back. How long retention lasts varies from case to case, but lifelong retention is usually best – after all, you want to keep your beautiful smile for the rest of your life!

Retention, or a second set of braces, after treatment – SayCheeese

What retention options are there?

There are two different ways to keep your teeth in the right place after our invisible teeth straightening for adults. They are:

Retainer wire after braces treatment in Vienna

Fixed retainer

A fixed retainer is a small wire that's attached to the inside of your teeth and stays there permanently. This retainer has the following advantages:

Permanent: A fixed retainer stays on your teeth permanently, which means there's nothing you can forget.
Effective: Fixed retainers are considered extremely robust and effective.
Comfortable: Because a fixed retainer is firmly attached to your teeth, it doesn't need to be put back in every day.

Clear retainer after braces treatment in Vienna

Removable retainer

A removable retainer is similar to your invisible aligners, just a little more robust. However, you only wear it at night and can take it out at any time, e.g. when eating. This retainer has the following advantages:

Safe: Removable retainers are generally somewhat safer than fixed retainers, as they're less likely to cause injuries to the tongue or palate.
Flexible: Removable retainers can easily be adjusted if your teeth shift during the retention phase.
Cost-effective: Removable retainers are generally more cost-effective than fixed retainers.

Frequently asked questions about retainers

How do I clean my removable retainer?

Clean your retainer every day with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush so that bacteria can't build up. It's best to avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol, as they can damage the material – we'll give you more care tips at the final check-up of your treatment.

How should I store my retainer?

Whenever you take your retainer out, it always goes in its storage case so that it doesn't get damaged or lost. Retainers are travel-friendly too: simply take the case with you when you travel and clean your retainer just as regularly on the go as you do at home.

What should I do if my retainer breaks or gets lost?

In that case, give us a call on 01 393 5050 and we'll quickly arrange a replacement at our Vienna practice so that your result stays secure. The cost of a replacement retainer depends on the type and will be discussed with you personally.

What should I do if my retainer pinches or no longer fits properly?

A well-fitting retainer feels comfortable. If it pinches or feels loose, please don't adjust it yourself – call us on 01 393 5050 instead: we'll check the fit at our practice and adjust the retainer if necessary.

How long does a retainer last?

Removable retainers often last several years, and fixed retainers usually even longer. At the follow-up appointments at our practice, we check the condition of your retainer, and if it has cracks or no longer fits, we'll quickly take care of a suitable replacement.

How often do I need follow-up appointments after treatment?

One or two follow-up appointments after treatment are usually enough; at these, we check your result and the fit of your retainer. A follow-up appointment takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and if you ever miss one, we'll simply arrange a new one.

Want to keep your beautiful teeth for the rest of your life?

Retention is an important part and the crowning finale of your teeth straightening.

For SayCheeese patients, we therefore offer retainers on the best possible terms. Our dentists will bring this up with you at the end of your aligner treatment.

If you're not a SayCheeese patient, unfortunately we can't currently offer you retainers. However, if your teeth have shifted again after teeth straightening at another clinic, you're very welcome to come to us for a consultation.

If you have any questions about this topic, you can reach us by phone, by email or via our contact form.