Clear Retainers in North York

About clear retainers

After teeth are moved, the fibres in the gums and the bone around each root need time to adjust. Until they do, teeth tend to drift back toward where they started. Even years later, teeth naturally shift as we age. A retainer gently holds them in their new position, which is why most dentists recommend wearing one long term, often at night.

Our clinic makes clear removable retainers. They are thin, see-through trays shaped to your teeth, a bit like an aligner but usually a little thicker, and made to hold teeth still rather than move them. To make one, we take a digital scan or impressions of your teeth, and the retainer is formed over that model so it fits closely. Because it comes out, you can brush and floss normally and take it out to eat.

Clear retainers wear over time. A retainer that is cracked, cloudy, split at the edges or loose is a sign to call us. If you lost yours, call soon, since teeth can shift in just a few weeks without one. If they have already moved a little, your dentist will check whether a new retainer can still fit or whether minor treatment is needed first.

You may need a retainer if

• You are finishing Invisalign or braces
• Your old retainer is cracked, warped, cloudy or lost
• Your retainer feels very tight or no longer snaps in
• Your clear retainer has worn thin or split at the edges
• You notice your front teeth starting to overlap again

Benefits

• Helps protect the result of orthodontic treatment
• Clear plastic is hard to notice when you wear it
• Comes out for eating, brushing and flossing
• Replacements can often be made from a new scan or impressions

What to expect

1. Check your teethYour dentist looks at your bite, checks for any shifting and looks at any retainer you already have.
2. Take recordsA digital scan or impressions of your teeth are taken so the new retainer fits closely.
3. Make the retainerA clear retainer is formed over an exact model of your teeth.
4. Fit and instructionsWe check the fit and comfort, and explain how long and how often to wear it.
5. Bring it to checkupsBring your retainer to your regular exams so your dentist can check its fit and condition.

Aftercare

• Brush your retainer gently each day with a soft brush and cool water; hot water can warp the plastic.
• Take it out to eat or drink anything other than plain water, and brush your teeth before putting it back in.
• Keep it in its case when it is out of your mouth, and never wrap it in a napkin or leave it where pets can reach it.
• Bring it to every checkup so we can look for cracks, wear or a loose fit.

Other options

Other retainer types exist, including wire (Hawley) retainers and thin bonded wires fixed behind the front teeth. Our clinic makes clear removable retainers. If you already have a wire or bonded retainer from another office, your dentist can check it at your visit and talk with you about your options if it needs attention.

Cost and coverage

Retainer fees depend on how many arches need one and whether any checks or adjustments are needed first, with the ODA suggested fee guide as a usual reference. If you are finishing orthodontic treatment with us, your first retainers may be part of that plan. Some insurance plans cover replacement retainers under orthodontic or general benefits, and we direct bill most insurance companies. Ask about CDCP coverage for your case, and LendCare payment plans are available too.

Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Your dental team

Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Trusted health information

• Oral health for adults (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)

Related services

Clear Retainers near you

We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.