Have your braces been removed? Congratulations on your new smile! Now, it is vital to secure the results you’ve achieved. At the Doctor Dent clinic in Astana, we provide professional retainer installation—specialized orthodontic appliances designed to hold your teeth in their correct positions and prevent them from shifting.

Our orthodontists work with all types of retainers, including both removable and fixed options. We select the best solution for each patient individually, taking into account their specific clinical case and age. After your retainer is fitted, it is essential to visit your orthodontist regularly and undergo professional dental cleanings according to the recommended schedule.

Retainers are orthodontic appliances fitted after braces are removed. Their primary purpose is to stabilize the new position of the teeth and preserve the outcome of the orthodontic treatment.

Once a brace system is removed, the bone tissue and ligaments have not yet fully adapted to the new dental alignment. Without stabilization, teeth may gradually shift back toward their original positions. Therefore, wearing a retainer after braces is a mandatory stage of orthodontic treatment.

The duration of the retention period is determined by the orthodontist and depends on the complexity of the initial bite correction, the total treatment time, and the patient’s age. On average, the retention phase lasts twice as long as the period the braces were worn. In some cases, long-term or even permanent retention is recommended. During this period, it is important to visit your orthodontist at least once every six months.

There are two main types: removable and fixed (non-removable) retainers. In certain clinical situations, a combination of both types may be used.

Removable retainers can be taken out and put back in by the patient. They are easy to clean, do not interfere with other dental treatments, and can serve as a temporary replacement if a fixed retainer is damaged. Removable retainers may also be recommended if one or more teeth are missing (excluding wisdom teeth).

The main types of removable retainers include:

• Retainer plates
• Clear retainers (trays)
• Positioners

A retainer plate consists of an acrylic base and metal wire elements. It maintains the shape of the dental arch effectively; however, it can be visible, so it is most commonly worn at night.

Clear retainers secure the entire dentition and are custom-made for both the upper and lower jaws. Thanks to the transparent material, they are virtually invisible. These trays can be worn throughout the day, being removed only during meals.

The tray must be removed and rinsed before every meal. Before putting it back in, it is crucial to brush your teeth thoroughly to prevent tooth decay and gum inflammation.

Positioners are elastic trays for both jaws that are joined together. They are designed to maintain the correct position of the lower jaw and are typically used during sleep.

At the Doctor Dent clinic in Astana, removable retainers are custom-crafted using dental impressions or digital scans of the teeth, utilizing 3D Dental technology. Once the impressions are taken, the data is sent to the laboratory, where a device that perfectly matches the patient’s anatomy is manufactured within a few days.

Fixed retainers are bonded to the inner (lingual) surface of the teeth and are completely invisible to others. They are most commonly installed on the front teeth—the incisors and canines.

The appliance consists of a thin metal wire that is bonded to the inner surface of each tooth using a specialized dental composite. Installation is performed exclusively by an orthodontist after a professional cleaning. High-quality surface preparation reduces the risk of the retainer becoming detached.

A fixed retainer does not require complex maintenance. Standard hygiene—using a toothbrush, interdental brushes, and dental floss—is sufficient. With proper care, the appliance lasts a long time and reliably holds the teeth in a stable position.

Proper oral hygiene is the foundation of maintaining your orthodontic results.

Removable retainers should be rinsed after every meal. At least twice a day, they should be cleaned with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Once a week, specialized cleaning tablets for removable appliances can be used. Always store your retainer in its protective case.

For fixed retainers, we recommend using interdental brushes, dental floss, and an oral irrigator (water flosser). The use of toothpicks is not permitted, as they can damage the appliance. Additionally, using mouthwash (including fluoride rinses) is beneficial.

Routine dental visits every six months are mandatory to monitor the condition of the teeth, receive professional cleanings, and ensure timely treatment if needed. If you experience any discomfort or pain, you should contact your orthodontist immediately.

The selection, fabrication, and fitting of retainers require a professional approach and high clinical expertise. The cost of retainers depends on the type of appliance chosen, the complexity of the clinical case, and the scope of the orthodontic treatment. It is impossible to purchase a retainer without a consultation—the final decision is made by the orthodontist after an examination.

At the Doctor Dent dental clinic in Astana, we provide a full range of services: orthodontic consultations, retainer installation, fabrication of removable appliances, bonding of fixed retainers, professional oral hygiene, and long-term follow-up care.

We support our patients through every stage of the retention period, helping them maintain their perfect smile for years to come.