Orthodontic fixed retainer – The Complete Guide

Have you just finished orthodontic treatment and your practitioner is talking about a “retainer” ? It’s normal not to understand everything right away, but this small, discreet wire actually plays a major role.

Without a retainer, your teeth can shift — sometimes very quickly, within the first few weeks.
As an orthodontist, I have seen too many relapses caused by poorly fitted, broken, or simply missing retainers.

That’s why this guide was written for you — to give you a clear and comprehensive understanding of orthodontic fixed retainer.

The role of an orthodontic fixed retainer

A retainer wire is a thin, discreet arch bonded behind the incisors and canines. As a fixed retainer, it acts as a permanent device: it neutralizes the elastic memory of the tissues and prevents the teeth from returning to their original position on the dental arch. In practical terms, it blocks the micro-movements responsible for crowding or the reopening of a gap — two common complications without retention.

Is the orthodontic retainer wire effective ?

Yes, the retainer wire is effective, and this is proven both clinically and scientifically. Fixed 24/7, the retainer wire provides continuous retention : it blocks the micro-movements responsible for crowding or the reopening of a diastema — in other words, the gap between two front teeth that was closed thanks to orthodontic treatment.

As a result, although metal retainer wires are effective, they have several limitations : they can come loose or break over time, require more careful maintenance, remain slightly visible, and must be removed before an MRI of the head or neck.

It should be noted that an orthodontic retainer wire made of PEEK eliminates all these drawbacks : unbreakable, aesthetic, MRI-compatible, and above all, perfectly fitted to your teeth. It provides reliable and continuous stability without discomfort or restrictions. You forget about it — but it doesn’t forget you, protecting your smile day and night.

Why do your teeth shift after orthodontic treatment ?

Even after your braces or aligners are removed, your teeth remain alive : they are connected to the bone by elastic periodontal fibers. After being moved, these fibers naturally try to return to their original length, creating a recoil force that pushes the teeth to shift again.

Three major factors explain these shifts :

• Tissue elastic memory
  The periodontal ligaments and gums have retained the imprint of the original position; without a retainer, they gently pull the teeth back.
  
• Daily muscle forces
  The tongue, lips, and even swallowing exert small, repeated pressures. On freshly aligned teeth, these forces are enough to cause slight crowding.
  
• Bone growth or remodeling
  In adolescents, the jaws continue to grow, but even in adults, bone remodels throughout life. These changes alter the available space and encourage late shifts.
  (Orthodontics : Current Principles and Techniques, 6th Edition, Graber, Vanarsdall & Vig, Elsevier, 2021)

French Society of Dentofacial Orthopedics (SFODF), Patient’s guide to orthodontics.

The result ? Gradual crowding, reopening of spaces, subtle rotation of an incisor… These movements are often slow but irreversible without a stabilization device. The retainer wire acts like a permanent splint : it neutralizes these residual forces and ensures the long-term stability of your smile.

The three main types of orthodontic retainers

Today, three main types of retainers are available : the classic twisted stainless steel wire, removable clear aligners worn at night, and the PEEK wire, the latest technological innovation combining comfort, discretion, and reliability.

Criterion	Steel wire	PEEK eZtain	Removable clear aligners
Comfort	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Aesthetics	Dark wire behind the teeth	White color, discreet on the teeth	Almost invisible
Hygiene	Interdental brushes required	Simplified hygiene	Separate cleaning
Durability	2–3% breakage per year	0% breakage at 5 years	To be replaced every 2–3 years

In summary, the PEEK eZtain solution combines the reliability of a fixed orthodontic retainer with the comfort of a premium material, while eliminating the main drawback of metal wire : breakage.

The CHD Lausanne Bessières practice favors PEEK retainers for their exceptional strength and custom fit. Patients appreciate a more aesthetic, metal-free solution that is perfectly tolerated daily. Since the introduction of this technology, the team has observed a significant decrease in emergencies related to broken wires. This approach ensures long-lasting stability without the drawbacks of traditional metal retainers.

Can teeth move with a fixed retainer ?

Yes, teeth can move with a fixed retainer, but this is rare and avoidable. It mostly happens if the wire comes loose, even slightly, or if it was placed under tension, which can apply unwanted force. Poor hygiene can also lead to tartar buildup, destabilizing the wire.

When the retainer is intact and well maintained, scientific literature shows stability greater than 95% at ten years.

What do the studies say ?

• Stability over time : A 2024 study on fixed retainer published in the Journal of Orthodontics shows that, when properly maintained, a fixed retainer keeps teeth aligned in 96% of cases, even after 10 years.
  
• Types of wires : PEEK wires (custom-made by computer) exert very little pressure on the teeth from the moment they are placed – four times less than some hand-made metal wires. This limits unwanted movements and ensures stability close to 100% over 10 years.
  
• Oral hygiene : People who use interdental brushes and fluoride mouthwash have 40% less plaque. As a result, the wire comes loose less often because it is less affected by bacteria and mechanical forces.
  

In summary, your teeth won’t shift as long as the wire remains intact and your gums are healthy. The PEEK eZtain system optimizes both factors: zero documented breakage and an ultra-smooth surface that limits plaque buildup.

If you notice any irregularity, consult your orthodontist without delay; the sooner the intervention, the better the stability is ensured.

Specifically, in case of doubt

• Visually check that the wire is still bonded to each tooth.
  
• Run your tongue over it : if the wire feels loose, make an appointment within 48 hours.
  
• A small nightguard can serve as an additional “safety belt” for high-risk cases—discuss this with your orthodontist.

When should the fixed retainer be removed ?

For the vast majority of patients, the correct answer remains : never — as long as the fixed retainer is intact and well tolerated, it can stay in place for life.
However, there are six well-defined clinical situations in which the orthodontist will choose to remove it (and most often, replace it immediately).

Situation	Why it is removed ?	What happens next
Cavity treatment / aesthetics	The wire obstructs access to a cavity or a composite that needs to be redone.	New segment re-bonded the same day.
Targeted periodontal surgery	Gum recession or bone regeneration.	New wire (or nightguard) after healing.
Very poor hygiene	Recurring tartar buildup under the wire ; risk of periodontitis.	Permanent removal or replacement with a PEEK eZtain, which is smoother and better fitted.
Prosthetic work	Implants, veneers, anterior crowns.	Wire removed for the impression, replaced after placement.
Proven nickel allergy	Rare, concerns metal wires.	Switch to PEEK eZtain wire (metal-free).
Patient’s aesthetic choice	Need for “freedom” after ≥ 5 years of stability.	Accepted if a nightguard is worn for life.

One thing to remember : removal of a fixed retainer is never automatic. It is only considered for medical or technical reasons, such as during an MRI. Metal wires must then be removed. A PEEK fixed retainer can, however, be kept in such cases.

A retention solution (new wire or nightguard) is always planned to prevent any relapse. Discuss this with your orthodontist—you will decide together on the best strategy to keep your smile perfectly aligned.

Want to know more about how long a fixed retainer lasts ? Our complete article on how long to keep your retainer is here for you.

Is the fixed retainer meant to be worn for life ?

Yes. Nowadays, orthodontists recommend keeping the fixed retainer for life. Indeed, teeth can still shift over time, even after a properly completed treatment. It acts as a safeguard, preventing the front teeth from gradually crowding with age.

How is an orthodontic retainer wire placed ?

The placement of a retainer wire is a quick, painless procedure that practitioners perform with full expertise. It takes place in a few precise steps, right in the office, and usually takes no more than 15 minutes. Here’s how it works.

*Total time : ~15 minutes *

1. Cleaning and drying
   The practitioner carefully cleans the inner surface of your teeth, then places small cotton rolls (or a dental dam) to keep the area dry.
   
2. Trial fitting of the wire
   The custom-made wire is placed temporarily to check that it fits the arch without applying pressure.
   
3. Enamel preparation
   A gel is applied for 20 seconds to create a micro-etch, then the surface is rinsed and dried.
   
4. Application of the adhesive
   A drop of flowable composite is placed on each tooth that will receive the wire.
   
5. Positioning and “curing”
   The wire is pressed against the teeth ; a blue light sets the adhesive in a few seconds.
   
6. Covering
   The wire is secured to each tooth using a highly filled composite resin to hold it securely in place long-term.
   
7. Finishing and inspection
   The edges are polished, and your bite is checked to ensure it does not contact the adhesive, making sure everything is smooth and stable.

For a more detailed explanation of the process, visit our dedicated article on retainer wire placement and discover everything you need to know.

Post-placement sensations : what to expect ?

• Days 1 to 2 : You may experience a slight feeling of thickness under the tongue, sometimes accompanied by mild tingling. This is completely normal — it’s simply your body adjusting to the presence of the wire.
  
• First week : Adaptation occurs naturally. Most patients completely forget about the wire after just a few days.
  
• What if there’s pain ? In the vast majority of cases, no painkillers are needed. However, if any unusual discomfort persists beyond 48 to 72 hours, contact your clinic for a quick check-up.

Immediate care for your retainer : the right habits

Starting the evening of placement, it’s essential to clean your fixed retainer properly to prevent irritation and plaque buildup.

Begin by gently brushing the area with an extra-soft toothbrush, without applying pressure. This gentle cleaning helps remove initial bacteria while preserving the composite resin that holds the wire in place.

During the first 7 days, an alcohol-free mouthwash with chlorhexidine (0.12%) is highly recommended. It helps disinfect the area, limits bacterial growth, and promotes healing of the gums and tongue. This makes the wire easier to tolerate on a daily basis.

🦷 Tip: Clean the area every evening, paying special attention around the wire. This reduces the risk of inflammation and extends the lifespan of your retainer.

Thorough cleaning from the very first days helps you avoid future issues (discomfort, detachment, irritation) and lays the foundation for long-term oral hygiene.

Common issues with retainer wires

Disclaimer
The advice below does not replace a professional consultation. If in doubt, please contact your orthodontist.

Problem	Warning signs	What to do immediately ?	Timeframe for consultation
Broken retainer wire (rare : 0% with PEEK)	Sharp point causing discomfort, “clicking” sensation under the tongue	Cover the area with orthodontic wax; avoid hard foods.	< 48 h
Wire detached from a tooth	Wire moves, small visible gap	Do not pull on it ! Limit biting with your front teeth.	< 72 h
Pain / irritation	Tongue ulcer, discomfort while speaking	Use wax and soothing mouthwash ; take paracetamol if needed.	< 5 days if it persists
Heavy tartar buildup / bleeding gums	Yellow deposits, bleeding when brushing	Daily interdental brushing + scaling appointment.	< 2 weeks
Rare hypersensitivity (metal)	Redness, metallic taste	Hypoallergenic PEEK eZtain solution.	Depending on urgency

Instructions in case of an incident

1. Inspect your wire in the mirror : each bonding pad should fully cover the wire without gaps.
   
2. Apply a ball of wax or a piece of sugar-free chewing gum over the sharp area.
   
3. Note the date of the issue : the sooner you consult, the less time your teeth have to shift.
   
4. Wear your nightguard (if you have one) until your appointment : it helps stabilize the arch while waiting for the repair.
   

With PEEK eZtain, mechanical risk is almost nonexistent ; however, a direct impact (sports, olive pit, chewing on a pen) can still loosen a bonding spot. The rule : act quickly — a repair takes 10 minutes and prevents any relapse.

Clean your fixed retainer daily

A fixed retainer is the cornerstone of your orthodontic stability ; therefore, meticulous hygiene is essential to ensure it lasts without causing cavities or inflammation. Follow this detailed protocol – it easily fits into your routine and takes no more than two minutes after each meal.

1. Choose the right toothbrush

Type	Advantages	Points to watch out for
Soft manual toothbrush (soft-bristle pack)	Precise motion control ; fine bristles that reach under the wire	Replace every 2 months (bristles that spread out).
Oscillating/rotating electric toothbrush	Circular motion that “lifts” plaque around the adhesive ; includes a 2-minute timer	Brush tooth by tooth ; do not apply excessive pressure on the handle to avoid damaging your enamel.
Sonic toothbrush	Vibrations over 30,000 Hz : flushing effect under the wire ; very gentle on the gums	Hold the brush head at a 45° angle on the lingual surface.

eZtain tip
PEEK has a smooth surface ; a sonic toothbrush removes plaque without scratching the resin, helping to limit biofilm formation.

2. Interdental brushes : the second line of defense

• Choose the right brush size
  Each color corresponds to a diameter. To start, opt for 0.6 mm – it’s often ideal. Then adjust according to the space between your teeth.
  
• Use it where it really matters
  Gently slide the interdental brush under the wire, toward the space between the teeth. Make two small back-and-forth motions, no more – it’s unnecessary to apply pressure.
  
• Don’t neglect the highest-risk area
  Focus first on the space between your two lower front teeth (31–41) : this is where tartar tends to accumulate first.
  

3. Special dental floss (super-floss)

1. Insert the stiffened end of the floss carefully beneath the retainer.
   
2. Gently rub the spongy section against the tooth surface and the adjacent enamel.
   
3. Wrap, pull, and change to a new segment for each interdental space.

Contrary to popular belief, a lingual retainer does not prevent the use of super-floss. In fact, using dental floss is highly recommended to maintain proper hygiene around your retainer, especially if the wire is not perfectly bonded against your teeth.

4. Rinsing and fluoride agents

After brushing and using the interdental brush, rinsing plays a key role in the daily care of your lingual retainer. A well-chosen mouthwash can not only strengthen enamel but also reduce bacteria responsible for inflammation and tartar buildup.

Timing	Product	Purpose
Day 0 → Day 7	Chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash	Reduces bacterial load after placement, accelerates gum and tongue healing in case of irritation.
Long term	Fluoride mouthwash 0.05% (225 ppm) twice a week	Strengthens enamel, reduces sensitivity.
In cases of dry mouth	Xylitol gel or spray	Maintains salivary flow and buffers acidity.

5. What to eat after getting a retention wire fitted ?

Once the bonding appointment is completed, the adhesive is already fully set. No specific dietary restrictions are required.

However, even in the long term, certain habits can weaken your retainer.

• To limit over the long term : sodas, acidic juices, caramels, nougat, and other sticky sweets. Their high sugar content and adhesive texture can weaken the bonding resin of the retainer and promote tartar buildup.
  
• Recommended : cheeses (a good source of calcium), crunchy fruits cut into small pieces (gently stimulate the gums), and nuts such as almonds or walnuts, which are rich in phosphorus and beneficial for tooth enamel.

6. The importance of professional follow-up after retainer placement

A well-placed retention wire can last for many years – provided it is properly maintained. Follow-up visits with your orthodontist are not just a quick check-up; they are essential for detecting early signs of debonding, tartar buildup, or minor tooth movement – often before you even notice them yourself.

Here is the ideal schedule to follow to keep your retainer 100% effective, with no unexpected issues :

Frequency	Procedure performed	Why it is important
Every 6 – 9 months	Scaling and adhesive inspection	Removes tartar from behind the wire, polishes the resin, and ensures the wire remains securely attached.
Every 12 months	Photos and digital impressions	Allows for year-to-year comparison and can detect tooth movement of less than 0.1 mm.
Every 3 to 5 years	Composite polishing	Restores the surface of the adhesive and seals micro-porosities where plaque can accumulate.

In numbers :
Patients who follow this routine show 40% less plaque and a 70% lower risk of cavities compared to a group not using interdental brushes (University of Lyon 1 Study, 2024).

Cost and reimbursement of retention wires

To assess the cost of a retention wire, it is important to distinguish between the material (steel or PEEK), clinical time (placement, follow-ups), and your insurance policy. The figures below reflect the average observed in French clinics in 2025 and may vary by ±15% depending on the region and the practitioner’s experience.

Procedure / Device	Average price including tax*	Social Security reimbursement**	Insurance coverage***
Fixed steel wire (1 arch)	300 €	€0 (over 16 years) / €161.25 (under 16 years, first year of retention, code TO75)	Orthodontic package €50–150
Fixed PEEK eZtain wire (1 arch)	350 – 450 €	€0 (over 16 years) / €161.25 (under 16 years, first year of retention, code TO75)	Premium insurance plans : €100–200
Essix retainer (1 arch)	200 €	0 € (>16 years)	€50–100 (depending on the plan)
Wire repair / rebonding	70 – 90 €	Not listed	Variable (rarely covered)

* Survey by the French Dental Surgeons’ Association & French Orthodontists’ Union, March 2025.
** Ameli scale “Post-treatment retention”; prior approval required for patients under 16 years.
*** Please consult your coverage summary : “adult orthodontics” plans reimburse within an annual limit.

Budget tip for your retention treatment

• Some practitioners include the PEEK retainer in the overall treatment package to help smooth out costs – be sure to discuss this option with yours !
• Choose a PEEK treatment guaranteed against breakage to avoid the expense of repairing a traditional retention wire.

Next-generation orthodontic retention

Orthodontics continues to evolve – and retention evolves with it.
Materials are becoming lighter, stronger, and better tolerated. Design techniques are increasingly personalized, thanks to 3D modeling and computer-assisted manufacturing.

What remains constant is the need for reliable, durable, and comfortable retention.
But what is changing fundamentally is the way we achieve it.

PEEK retention wires represent the next step forward.

For over 10 years, it has been proven essential to maintain a retention wire for life. To meet this requirement, technology has advanced : today’s wires are more reliable, more comfortable, and much better tolerated.

In the 1990s, retention wires were bulky, rough, and often prone to breaking. Since then, they have evolved into thinner, lighter designs that are almost imperceptible in the mouth.

The latest innovation is PEEK retention wires. By replacing the manual bending still practiced in many clinics, PEEK allows for custom-made wires that are more precise, more comfortable, and above all… unbreakable.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

The fixed retainer – in conclusion

A well-maintained retention wire remains, to this day, the best guarantee of a perfectly aligned smile for life. Invisible, silent, yet remarkably effective, it protects months—sometimes years—of orthodontic effort.

Among the options available, the PEEK eZtain wire stands out : zero measured breakage, immediate comfort, unmatched aesthetics, and easy maintenance. This is why it represents the most reliable and discreet solution modern orthodontics can offer.

I created eZtain to address a concrete clinical need : to finally provide a fixed retainer that truly delivers on its promises.
In partnership with INSA, we developed a custom-made PEEK solution that is more comfortable, more precise, and above all, durable.

Today, eZtain is no longer an experiment. It is a technology adopted by dozens of clinics across France, recommended by my peers, and proven daily in real-life practice.

If you are looking for a reliable retainer designed to last, you are in the right place.

Want to learn more?
Talk to your orthodontist.
Because a beautiful smile is great—but an aligned smile is even better.