DrSmile Retainer: How to preserve the new smile

Retention is extremely important after tooth correction. Find out about DrSmile Retainer costs, duration and options here.

Teeth shift throughout life. And even very quickly if they have been loosened as part of a tooth correction with DrSmile.

This is particularly annoying, since not only a lot of time and effort but also a lot of money has to be invested in the treatment.

The stabilization phase (also called retention) is therefore just as important as the tooth correction itself. It should begin immediately after the completion of treatment and should not be neglected in any case.

Various aids can be used for retention. In this article you can find out how long the whole process takes, what the costs are and which DrSmile retainers are available.

You can find more information about DrSmile here.

DrSmile Retainer: What are the retention options?

The word “retention” comes from English (to retain = to hold, stabilize). Specifically, the teeth should be stabilized in their new position during this phase of treatment.

This is because the constant pressure of the aligners makes them sit looser than before. This means that, in the worst case, they move back to their original position within a very short time after completion of the tooth correction.

Various techniques can be used for stabilization:

1. The removable DrSmile retainer is similar to the invisible aligneryou already wore during the correction phase. They are also completely transparent and thus virtually invisible to third parties. However, the splints are made of a more robust material, as they are worn for longer and therefore have to last longer. Removable DrSmile retainers can be ordered from the provider’s online store or reordered at any time.
2. An alternative is the fixed DrSmile retainer. This is a thin wire made of metal that is attached to the back of the tooth in the upper and/or lower jaw. It fits tightly and is not removable. It is applied with a special transparent adhesive. This fixed retainer is particularly recommended after corrections of severely misaligned teeth and must be professionally inserted and removed by the dentist. Here, too, there are two different variants: The 3-3 retainer extends from canine to canine, while a 4-4 retainer additionally includes the first molars.

DrSmile Retainer costs: These additional costs apply

A removable DrSmile retainer costs 99 euros per jaw. As already mentioned, you can easily reorder the splints in the DrSmile Shop.

A 3-pack of retainer splints is available in the store at a price of 297 euros. Currently, the product is reduced to 140 euros (as of February 2023).

The removable retainer splints have a shelf life of between 8 and 12 months. However, for this they must be carefully treated and well cared for.

A fixed DrSmile retainer on the upper or lower jaw costs 29 euros per month or 350 euros one time. The permanent retainer for both pines is available for 41 euros per month or a one-time fee of 490 euros.

Just like tooth correction with aligners, DrSmile Retainer costs are unfortunately not covered by private or statutory health insurance.

Read more about DrSmile and health insurance here.

More information about DrSmile prices in general can be found here.

How long does the DrSmile retainer have to be worn?

The duration of the active retention time varies. As a general rule, however, the DrSmile retainer should be worn for at least as long as the tooth correction lasted.

In many cases, the retainer must even be used permanently. Because even in adults, teeth move throughout their lives. They can therefore shift back to their original position even if they are already firmly rooted again.

During the first 8 weeks, the DrSmile retainer – like the aligners before it – should be worn for at least 22 hours a day and only removed for eating and dental hygiene.

After that, it is sufficient in most cases if the retainer splint is only used at night for sleeping.

How is the retainer from DrSmile cleaned properly?

The removable retainer from DrSmile can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush. Hard bristles should be avoided, as they can damage the material.

To clean the dental trays, you can also use a mild toothpaste to thoroughly remove deposits and prevent odors.

Fixed retainers can also be cleaned with a toothbrush. However, since flossing is much more difficult, we recommend that you use an interdental space brush.

With their help, the interdental spaces above and below the retainer wire can be cleaned.

In addition, it is worth using a mouthwash – mouthwash should also be used regularly.

We also recommend that you have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. Here, both the retainer wire and all hard-to-reach areas are cleaned particularly thoroughly.

What to do if the retainer wire is damaged?

After a few years, the retainer wire may loosen, break or become loose. In this case, you should make an appointment with the dentist directly.

This is because if the broken retainer is not repaired promptly, there is a risk of ingestion. The dentist or orthodontist removes the broken wire and replaces it with a new one.

Fixed DrSmile retainers have a two-year warranty. After the warranty expires, you will have to bear the costs yourself if the wire is replaced or repaired.

Frequently asked questions about DrSmile retainers

Here we answer some frequently asked questions about DrSmile retainers.

You can find more articles and information about DrSmile here.

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