{"id":7790,"date":"2026-09-15T12:55:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T08:55:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/reteineri\/"},"modified":"2026-09-15T12:55:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T08:55:54","slug":"reteineri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/reteineri\/","title":{"rendered":"Retainer &#8211; What Should You Consider When Wearing It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<style>\n.nbd-article{--nbd-ink:#1c2430;--nbd-mut:#5a6675;--nbd-line:#e3e8ee;--nbd-acc:#0e7ba8;--nbd-soft:#f5f9fc;\n--nbd-font:Arial,\"Helvetica Neue\",Helvetica,sans-serif;\nfont-family:var(--nbd-font);color:var(--nbd-ink);line-height:1.75;font-size:clamp(15px,1.05vw + 12px,17px);}\n.nbd-article *{box-sizing:border-box;}\n.nbd-article h2,.nbd-article p,.nbd-article ul,.nbd-article ol,.nbd-article li,.nbd-article a,.nbd-article summary,\n.nbd-article .nbd-toc,.nbd-article .nbd-toc__title,.nbd-article .nbd-faq,.nbd-article .nbd-faq__a{font-family:var(--nbd-font);}\n.nbd-article h2{font-size:clamp(20px,1.4vw + 15px,27px);line-height:1.35;margin:2.1em 0 .7em;color:var(--nbd-ink);font-weight:700;scroll-margin-top:120px;}\n.nbd-article h2:first-child{margin-top:0;}\n.nbd-article p{margin:0 0 1.05em;}\n.nbd-article a{color:var(--nbd-acc);text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px;}\n.nbd-article a:hover{opacity:.8;}\n.nbd-article ul,.nbd-article ol{margin:0 0 1.2em;padding-left:1.15em;}\n.nbd-article ol li{margin:0 0 .55em;padding-left:.2em;}\n.nbd-article ol li::marker{color:var(--nbd-acc);font-weight:700;}\n.nbd-article ul li{margin:0 0 .55em;padding-left:.2em;}\n.nbd-article ul li::marker{color:var(--nbd-acc);}\n.nbd-article .nbd-article__hero{display:block;max-width:985px;margin:0 auto 1.8em!important;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-article__fig{display:block;max-width:985px;margin:1.6em auto!important;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-article__hero img,.nbd-article .nbd-article__fig img{display:block;width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:14px;}\n.nbd-toc{background:var(--nbd-soft);border:1px solid var(--nbd-line);border-radius:14px;padding:18px 20px;margin:1.8em 0 2.2em;}\n.nbd-toc__title{font-weight:700;font-size:1em;margin:0 0 .7em;color:var(--nbd-ink);}\n.nbd-toc ol{margin:0;padding-left:1.25em;}\n.nbd-toc li{margin:0 0 .45em;}\n.nbd-toc a{color:var(--nbd-ink);text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1px solid transparent;}\n.nbd-toc a:hover{color:var(--nbd-acc);border-bottom-color:currentColor;}\n.nbd-faq{margin:.5em 0 0;}\n.nbd-faq__item{border:1px solid var(--nbd-line);border-radius:12px;margin:0 0 10px;background:#fff;overflow:hidden;}\n.nbd-faq__item summary{list-style:none;cursor:pointer;padding:15px 46px 15px 18px;position:relative;font-weight:600;line-height:1.5;}\n.nbd-faq__item summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none;}\n.nbd-faq__item summary::after{content:\"+\";position:absolute;right:16px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);font-size:1.35em;font-weight:400;color:var(--nbd-acc);line-height:1;}\n.nbd-faq__item[open] summary::after{content:\"\\2212\";}\n.nbd-faq__item[open] summary{background:var(--nbd-soft);}\n.nbd-faq__item .nbd-faq__a{padding:4px 18px 16px;color:var(--nbd-mut);}\n.nbd-faq__item .nbd-faq__a p:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}\n\n.nbd-article h3{font-family:var(--nbd-font);font-size:1.08em;line-height:1.4;margin:0 0 .45em;color:var(--nbd-ink);font-weight:700;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-cards{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(min(100%,260px),1fr));gap:16px;margin:.4em 0 1.6em;padding:0;list-style:none;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-card{background:var(--nbd-soft);border:1px solid var(--nbd-line);border-radius:14px;padding:20px 20px 18px;margin:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-card--img{padding:0;overflow:hidden;background:#fff;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-card__img{display:block;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover;height:auto;border-radius:0;margin:0;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-card__body{padding:18px 20px 18px;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-card h3{position:relative;padding-left:0;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-card p{margin:0;color:var(--nbd-mut);font-size:.96em;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-card p + p{margin-top:.6em;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-card h3 a{color:var(--nbd-ink);text-decoration:none;border-bottom:2px solid var(--nbd-acc);padding-bottom:1px;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-card h3 a:hover{color:var(--nbd-acc);opacity:1;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-cards--icon .nbd-card::before{content:\"\";display:block;width:34px;height:4px;border-radius:2px;background:var(--nbd-acc);margin:0 0 14px;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-steps{list-style:none;margin:.4em 0 1.6em;padding:0;counter-reset:nbdstep;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-step{position:relative;padding:0 0 1.6em 62px;margin:0;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-step::before{content:counter(nbdstep);counter-increment:nbdstep;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;width:42px;height:42px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--nbd-acc);color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:1.05em;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-family:var(--nbd-font);}\n.nbd-article .nbd-step::after{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:20px;top:46px;bottom:0;width:2px;background:var(--nbd-line);}\n.nbd-article .nbd-step:last-child::after{display:none;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-step:last-child{padding-bottom:.4em;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-step h3{margin:0 0 .4em;padding-top:8px;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-step p{margin:0 0 .8em;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-step p:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-step .nbd-article__fig{margin:1em 0 1em!important;max-width:100%;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-note{background:var(--nbd-soft);border:1px solid var(--nbd-line);border-left:5px solid var(--nbd-acc);border-radius:14px;padding:18px 22px;margin:.4em 0 1.6em;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-note p{margin:0;}\n.nbd-article .nbd-note p + p{margin-top:.5em;}\n@media (max-width:480px){.nbd-toc{padding:15px 16px;}.nbd-article .nbd-card{padding:16px 16px 14px;}.nbd-article .nbd-card__body{padding:14px 16px;}.nbd-article .nbd-step{padding-left:54px;}.nbd-article .nbd-step::before{width:38px;height:38px;}.nbd-article .nbd-step::after{left:18px;top:42px;}.nbd-article .nbd-note{padding:14px 16px;}.nbd-faq__item summary{padding:13px 42px 13px 14px;}.nbd-faq__item .nbd-faq__a{padding:2px 14px 14px;}}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"nbd-article\" lang=\"en\">\n<figure class=\"nbd-article__hero\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" src=\"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reteineri-cover.webp\" alt=\"Orthodontist scanning a patient's teeth with the iTero scanner to make a retainer at NB Dental\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Straightening teeth with braces takes one to three years on average, yet some patients of NB Dental &#8211; Nino Beridze&#8217;s Clinic are surprised to learn that they will have to wear a retainer for even longer to keep the result. After <a href=\"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/treatment-with-braces-2\/\">braces<\/a> or aligners are removed, the retainer fixes the teeth in their new position and prevents them from moving again, which is why at <a href=\"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/\">our dental clinic<\/a> the retention stage is also included in the treatment plan.<\/p>\n<p>If you are currently being treated with braces or aligners, or are planning <a href=\"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/kbilebis-gasworeba-elainerebit\/\">teeth straightening<\/a> in the future, you are probably wondering how long you will need to wear a retainer, what the difference is between its types and what to do if it breaks or gets lost. In this blog, the expert orthodontists of NB Dental &#8211; Nino Beridze&#8217;s Clinic discuss these questions in detail and explain what you should consider to maintain the result of your treatment.<\/p>\n<nav class=\"nbd-toc\" aria-label=\"Contents\">\n<p class=\"nbd-toc__title\">Contents<\/p><ol>\n<li><a href=\"#ra-aris-reteineri\">What is a retainer and why is it essential after braces?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#ramden-xans\">How long is it recommended to wear it?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#movla\">How should you care for a retainer?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#gatyda-daikarga\">What should you do if the retainer breaks or gets lost?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#nb-dental\">Orthodontic treatment at NB Dental &#8211; Nino Beridze&#8217;s Clinic from diagnostics to retention<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol><\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"ra-aris-reteineri\">What is a retainer and why is it essential after braces?<\/h2>\n<p>A retainer is an orthodontic appliance used after the active phase of treatment with braces or aligners is complete. By this time the teeth are already straightened, but the tissues and bone around them need time to adapt to the new position. During this period the teeth tend to drift back towards their original position, so the retainer holds them in the straightened state.<\/p>\n<p>Retainers can be fixed or removable. Both types are used at NB Dental &#8211; Nino Beridze&#8217;s Clinic:<\/p>\n<ul><li><strong>A fixed retainer<\/strong> is a thin metal wire bonded to the inner surface of the front teeth. It is not visible from the outside and does not need to be removed daily.<\/li><li><strong>A removable retainer<\/strong> is also called a tray. It is made of a transparent material, and its shape is determined from an impression or a digital scan of the teeth. The tray is almost invisible, is removed before eating and is easy to clean.<\/li><\/ul>\n<p>The orthodontist determines the type of retainer and the wearing regime individually. They take into account your age, the severity of the bite disorder, the initial condition of the teeth and the result achieved. For example, if gaps between the teeth were closed during treatment, you may need a fixed retainer so that the teeth do not shift and the gaps do not reappear.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ramden-xans\">How long is it recommended to wear it?<\/h2>\n<p>After active orthodontic treatment is complete, a removable retainer usually needs to be worn 10 to 12 hours a day. This regime lasts from six months to a year, although the orthodontist sets the exact period according to your condition. Later they will check how well the teeth are holding their new position, and if their position is no longer changing, the tray will be worn only at night.<\/p>\n<p>In adulthood you may need to wear a retainer for longer, because the tissues around the teeth need more time to adapt to the new position.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"movla\">How should you care for a retainer?<\/h2>\n<p>A retainer needs daily care, because plaque and food debris accumulate both on the tray and around a fixed retainer. Without regular cleaning, the risk of tooth and gum problems increases and you may later need caries treatment or other dental procedures. To avoid this, the orthodontists of NB Dental &#8211; Nino Beridze&#8217;s Clinic recommend following these rules:<\/p>\n<ol><li>Clean the tray every day with a soft brush and cool water. Do not use hot water, so that the material does not deform;<\/li><li>Remove the tray before eating and brush your teeth before putting it back in, so that no food debris gets trapped underneath;<\/li><li>Use a water flosser to clean a fixed retainer. Ordinary floss cannot pass under the wire, so it does not remove the debris that collects there well;<\/li><li>When you are not wearing the tray, keep it in its special case. Do not wrap it in a napkin, as you may lose it or throw it away by accident;<\/li><li>Schedule a <a href=\"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/contact\/\">visit to the dentist<\/a> once every six months and have a professional cleaning. The dentist will remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas and also check the condition of the fixed retainer.<\/li><\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"gatyda-daikarga\">What should you do if the retainer breaks or gets lost?<\/h2>\n<p>If your retainer breaks, comes off or gets lost, contact your orthodontist and schedule a visit in the coming days. If less than a year has passed since the end of treatment, do not postpone the visit, because during this period the teeth can shift even within a few weeks. Also, do not try to re-bond a fixed retainer yourself.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nbd-article__fig\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reteineri-3d-modeli-1.webp\" alt=\"Three-dimensional model of the mouth on the iTero scanner screen at NB Dental\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>At NB Dental &#8211; Nino Beridze&#8217;s Clinic, a three-dimensional model of the mouth is created and stored on the day the braces are removed. If your tray is lost or broken, the orthodontist rescans your teeth and compares the data with the stored model to check whether the position of the teeth has changed. A new tray is then made. If a fixed retainer is damaged, the orthodontist re-bonds it or replaces the damaged part at the same visit.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"nb-dental\">Orthodontic treatment at NB Dental &#8211; Nino Beridze&#8217;s Clinic from diagnostics to retention<\/h2>\n<p>NB Dental &#8211; Nino Beridze&#8217;s Clinic has been operating since 2010, and orthodontics is one of its main areas. The clinic&#8217;s expert orthodontists have many years of experience in treating both common and complex cases.<\/p>\n<p>At the first stage, the orthodontist analyses the facial proportions and smile and assesses the bite and the relationship of the jaws. Using digital scanning and <a href=\"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/diagnostics\/\">3D diagnostics<\/a> data, they examine the initial condition of the teeth and jaws in detail, then choose the treatment method and draw up an individual plan according to which the teeth are straightened.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nbd-article__fig\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/reteineri-diagnostika.webp\" alt=\"Planmeca 3D tomograph screen for orthodontic diagnostics at NB Dental\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Orthodontic treatment and follow-up checks take place in one space, and the retainer is also made in the clinic. If a periodontist, surgeon or another specialist needs to be involved in the treatment, the orthodontist and the specialists involved coordinate the treatment plan with each other. The team discusses each stage with you in advance and takes care of the result, your oral health and making sure you feel calm and comfortable during your visit.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"nbd-faq\">\n<details class=\"nbd-faq__item\"><summary>How much does a retainer cost?<\/summary><div class=\"nbd-faq__a\"><p>The price of a retainer depends on its type and on whether you need it for one jaw or both. The orthodontist will tell you the exact amount after the consultation. You can pay in stages or through our partner banks&#8217; instalment plans.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n<details class=\"nbd-faq__item\"><summary>Can you eat with a retainer?<\/summary><div class=\"nbd-faq__a\"><p>A removable retainer must always be taken out before eating, while a fixed one is not. If you have a fixed retainer, avoid very hard and sticky food, as it may be damaged.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n<details class=\"nbd-faq__item\"><summary>What happens if you do not wear the retainer for a few days?<\/summary><div class=\"nbd-faq__a\"><p>If you do not wear the retainer for a few days, you may feel slight discomfort when putting it back in. If the tray no longer fits fully or causes pain, do not try to force it in and contact your orthodontist.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n<details class=\"nbd-faq__item\"><summary>Can teeth be straightened with a retainer without braces?<\/summary><div class=\"nbd-faq__a\"><p>No, a retainer is not used to straighten teeth. It should be worn only to maintain the result of orthodontic treatment.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n<details class=\"nbd-faq__item\"><summary>Can teeth be whitened or reshaped while wearing a retainer?<\/summary><div class=\"nbd-faq__a\"><p>Aesthetic dentistry includes <a href=\"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/teeth-whitening\/\">teeth whitening<\/a> and reshaping. You can plan these procedures during the retention period too, but if the shape of a tooth changes, talk to your orthodontist first, because the existing tray may no longer fit and you may need a new one.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n<details class=\"nbd-faq__item\"><summary>Why do patients choose NB Dental for orthodontic treatment?<\/summary><div class=\"nbd-faq__a\"><p>NB Dental &#8211; Nino Beridze&#8217;s Clinic has been operating since 2010, and orthodontics is its main area. Here, each patient&#8217;s treatment plan is based on detailed diagnostics. Digital scanning, treatment and follow-up checks take place in one clinic, and the retainer is made here too. If a dentist from another field needs to be involved in the treatment, the specialists work in a coordinated way according to an agreed plan.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n<details class=\"nbd-faq__item\"><summary>How to book a consultation?<\/summary><div class=\"nbd-faq__a\"><p>To book a consultation, contact us on <a href=\"tel:+995322322227\">(032 2) 32 22 27<\/a> or by e-mail at <a href=\"mailto:info@nbdental.ge\">info@nbdental.ge<\/a>. The clinic is located in Saburtalo, at 1a Davit Tavkhelidze Street, and is open from Monday to Saturday, from 09:30 to 20:00.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<script>\n(function(){\n  var root=document.currentScript?document.currentScript.closest('.nbd-article'):null;\n  if(!root){var all=document.querySelectorAll('.nbd-article');root=all[all.length-1];}\n  if(!root)return;\n  var toc=root.querySelector('.nbd-toc ol');if(!toc)return;\n  var hs=root.querySelectorAll('h2[id]');\n  if(!hs.length)return;\n  toc.innerHTML='';\n  Array.prototype.forEach.call(hs,function(h){\n    var li=document.createElement('li');\n    var a=document.createElement('a');\n    a.href='#'+h.id;a.textContent=h.textContent;\n    a.addEventListener('click',function(e){\n      e.preventDefault();\n      var t=document.getElementById(h.id);\n      if(t){t.scrollIntoView({behavior:'smooth',block:'start'});\n        if(history.replaceState)history.replaceState(null,'','#'+h.id);}\n    });\n    li.appendChild(a);toc.appendChild(li);\n  });\n})();\n<\/script>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How much does a retainer cost?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The price of a retainer depends on its type and on whether you need it for one jaw or both. The orthodontist will tell you the exact amount after the consultation. You can pay in stages or through our partner banks' instalment plans.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can you eat with a retainer?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A removable retainer must always be taken out before eating, while a fixed one is not. If you have a fixed retainer, avoid very hard and sticky food, as it may be damaged.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What happens if you do not wear the retainer for a few days?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"If you do not wear the retainer for a few days, you may feel slight discomfort when putting it back in. If the tray no longer fits fully or causes pain, do not try to force it in and contact your orthodontist.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can teeth be straightened with a retainer without braces?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No, a retainer is not used to straighten teeth. It should be worn only to maintain the result of orthodontic treatment.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can teeth be whitened or reshaped while wearing a retainer?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Aesthetic dentistry includes teeth whitening and reshaping. You can plan these procedures during the retention period too, but if the shape of a tooth changes, talk to your orthodontist first, because the existing tray may no longer fit and you may need a new one.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Why do patients choose NB Dental for orthodontic treatment?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"NB Dental - Nino Beridze's Clinic has been operating since 2010, and orthodontics is its main area. Here, each patient's treatment plan is based on detailed diagnostics. Digital scanning, treatment and follow-up checks take place in one clinic, and the retainer is made here too. If a dentist from another field needs to be involved in the treatment, the specialists work in a coordinated way according to an agreed plan.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How to book a consultation?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"To book a consultation, contact us on (032 2) 32 22 27 or by e-mail at info@nbdental.ge. The clinic is located in Saburtalo, at 1a Davit Tavkhelidze Street, and is open from Monday to Saturday, from 09:30 to 20:00.\"}}]}<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What a retainer is, why it is essential after braces, how long to wear it and how to care for it &#8211; advice from NB Dental&#8217;s orthodontists.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":7777,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[26,28,65],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7790","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-orthodontics","category-tips","category-useful-articles"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7790","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7790"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7790\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7790"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7790"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nbdental.ge\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7790"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}