Metal Retainers
Retain your post-orthodontic treatment teeth with metal retainers. Suitable for patients who have just completed braces or clear aligners treatment and want sturdy and long-lasting retainers to preserve their straight teeth.
Best for patients who are more susceptible to gum inflammation from prolonged clear retainer wearing or for patients who prefer a more permanent solution to removable retainers.
Metal Retainers Explained
Metal retainers are custom-made orthodontic appliances consisting of a metal wire attached to an acrylic base that fits against the roof or floor of your mouth. They are a stable alternative to clear retainers.
They are designed to maintain the position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment, preventing unwanted movement and preserving your alignment results.
Metal retainers follow a specific wearing schedule. Initially, they are typically worn full-time (except during meals and oral hygiene routines) for a prescribed period before transitioning to night-time only wear, as directed by your orthodontist.
It is essential to wear your metal retainer according to the instructions of your dentist or orthodontist to maintain your treatment results. If you experience any discomfort or notice the wire becoming loose or bent, contact your dentist or orthodontist promptly for adjustments.
Regular appointments are scheduled to monitor the fit of your retainer and ensure your teeth remain properly aligned. Your orthodontist may make minor adjustments to the wire during these visits if needed.
Remember that completing your orthodontic treatment is just the beginning! Metal retainers are your reliable partners in maintaining your newly aligned smile for years to come.
Benefits of Metal Retainers
The immediate advantages of using metal retainers include:
Durable and long-lasting construction
Metal retainers are built to last.
The retainers are usually made with materials that withstand daily wear and tear.
Metal retainers typically last several years without needing replacement when properly maintained and stored.
Can be easily adjusted by your dentist or orthodontist if needed
If there is a slight tooth movement, or if you require a slight modification to your metal retainers, it is possible for metal retainers to be easily adjusted.
Your dentist or orthodontist can modify metal retainers chairside without requiring complete replacement.
Custom-made to fit your specific dental structure
Each metal retainer is precisely crafted using measurements from your digital scans to ensure optimal fit and retention.
Easy to clean and maintain
Metal retainers can be thoroughly cleaned with simple tools like a toothbrush and mild soap, requiring no special cleaning solutions or complicated maintenance routines.
Cost-effective due to their durability
The extended lifespan and durability of metal retainers provide better long-term value compared to alternatives that require frequent replacement.
Less likely to warp or lose shape
Metal components, unlike that of clear retainers, maintain their shape regardless of temperature changes or wear patterns, ensuring consistent performance over time.
Allows for natural saliva flow
The design allows proper saliva circulation around teeth, maintaining natural oral environment and promoting dental health.
Repairs are possible
If you have a tendency to break or damage your retainers, the good thing is that repairs are possible for metal retainers especially when wire or acrylic components get damaged.
Modifiable design
The structure allows orthodontists to make adjustments that can help correct minor tooth movements while maintaining retention.
Metal Retainers Journey at kohe™ Dental
When you make a set of metal retainers at kohe™ Dental, you can expect complete cost and treatment transparency with no bill shocks.
Our treatment coordinators have been trained to ensure that you are aware of all our dental treatment costs before you enter the dental clinic.
Our exclusive partnerships with certain clear aligner brands and dental labs have allowed us to come up with a competitive pricing structures. The reduced costs are passed on as cost savings to patients like yourself.
kohe™ Dental is a remote-first dental clinic. This means that if you are a return customer, you are able to order your metal retainers online and have them delivered to you within 3 working days. Same-day or express orders are possible with an additional fee.
Here is what you can expect when you visit kohe™ Dental for your metal retainers:
3D Teeth Scanning (1st Visit)
If you have decided to make your metal retainers with kohe™ Dental, your first visit will involve a dental consultation with our dentist.
On the same day, X-rays (Lat-Ceph) will be taken along with 3D Scans.
Your oral health condition will be explained to you in detail along with the metal retainer options that we have.
Our dentist will conduct a 3D intraoral scan of your mouth and teeth.
The 3D scan helps capture your teeth accurately so that your metal retainers can be manufactured.
Should you require additional metal retainers in the future, there is no need to head down to kohe™ Dental.
We are able to use the existing scans to produce new metal retainers for you (if your teeth have not shifted from the original position).
You will make the total payment for the retainers on your first visit.
Metal Retainers Fitting and Collection (2nd Visit)
Types of Metal Retainers
There are a few variations of metal retainers available: Hawley retainers, fixed (bonded) wire retainers, spring retainers and combination retainers.
The following showcases each metal retainer and what they are usually used for.
Hawley Metal Retainers
Hawley metal retainers have an acrylic base that fits against the roof or floor of your mouth with metal wires wrapped around your teeth for stability.
The main wire crosses the front teeth, while smaller clasps grip the back teeth.
These retainers are highly durable, adjustable by your dentist or orthodontist, and allow natural teeth contact when biting.
Their sturdy construction typically lasts several years with proper maintenance. You can easily remove them for cleaning and eating.
Fixed (Bonded) Wire Retainers
Fixed bonded metal retainers feature a thin metal wire permanently attached to the back of the teeth, typically the lower front teeth.
The wire is custom-shaped to follow the tooth contours and bonded using dental adhesive.
These retainers provide constant retention without relying on patient compliance. They remain invisible from the front and do not affect speech.
Special attention needs to be paid to cleaning beneath the wire to prevent tartar buildup.
Spring Retainers
Spring retainers incorporate active components that can apply gentle forces to maintain or slightly adjust tooth position.
The design includes specialised springs or finger springs attached to an acrylic base.
These retainers serve dual purposes of retention and minor tooth movement. The springs require periodic adjustment by your dentist or orthodontist to maintain effectiveness.
Combination Retainers
Combination retainers merge different retention methods into one orthodontic appliance. e.g. Combining a fixed bonded retainer with a clear retainer over it.
They might include both fixed and removable components or combine various wire designs.
Some versions feature a bonded lingual wire with a removable overlay retainer. This approach provides comprehensive retention for complex cases.
The design offers multiple retention mechanisms while accommodating specific patient needs or tooth alignment challenges.
Types of Retainers
There are a few variations of retainers that you might have encountered while looking for retainers.
The following showcases some of the most common retainers used by dentists or orthodontists:
$210 per set or $400 for 3 sets
kohe™ Zendura™ Clear Retainers
kohe™ Zendura™ Clear Retainers are a high-quality clear retainer that is made from Zendura™.
The retainer is removable and made to last. They are also the favourite choice of kohe™ Dental patients who have completed orthodontic treatment.
The retainers take about 7 to 10 days to prepare.
$480 for 3 sets
Angel Aligner Clear Retainers
Angel Aligner clear retainers are personalised to fit your teeth post-orthodontic treatment.
The retainers are comfortable and do not stain easily. They help maintain the alignment of your teeth.
The retainers take about 10 to 14 days to prepare.
If you have taken up Angel Aligner clear aligner treatment with us, your treatment plan includes a set of retainers post-treatment without additional cost.
$550 for 3 sets
OneSmile Retain Clear Retainers
OneSmile Retain clear retainers are used to retain the shape and position of your teeth after your orthodontic treatment.
They are clear retainers that are custom-made to fit to your teeth.
The retainers take about 10 to 14 days to prepare.
$980 for 3 sets
Vivera Clear Retainers
Vivera clear retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth. Vivera aligners are designed to help maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment post clear aligners or braces.
The retainers are made from a durable plastic material that is comfortable while keeping your teeth in their desired positions.
The retainers take about 10 to 14 days to prepare.
$225 for one arch or $450 for both arches
Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are traditional removable retainers with a metal wire and an acrylic base.
If you choose to take up Hawley retainers, it will take a maximum of 10 to 14 days to prepare.
Some patients prefer Hawley retainers to traditional fixed wire retainers as they are easy to clean and maintain.
While Hawley retainers are not as comfortable as clear retainers and can even feel and look bulky, they continue to be a popular choice amongst patients.
$320 for one arch or $640 for both arches
Fixed Wire Retainers
Fixed wire retainers come in two different forms – the straight type and the flossable type.
Straight Type: Straight type wire retainers are a thin metal wire that is bonded to the back of your teeth.
The main purpose of straight type retainers is to maintain front teeth alignment. Because of how it is secured (using resin), you might require occasional maintenance.
Straight type retainers take about 7 to 10 days to prepare.
Flossable Type: Flossable type or hygienic fixed wire types are designed to be flossable. They share the same benefits as straight type retainers but can be better for improved oral hygiene.
It takes 7 to 10 days to prepare.
Metal Retainers Cost in Singapore
Most metal retainers cost about $400 – $600 per set in Singapore.
At kohe™ Dental, metal retainers are from $225 – $320 for one arch, and $450 – $640 for both arches.
Besides our metal retainers, we also offer clear retainers. You can view the cost breakdown of our metal retainers in the table.
| Cost at kohe™ Dental | |
|---|---|
| Hawley Retainers | $225 for one arch $450 for both arches |
| Fixed Wire Retainers | $320 for one arch $640 for both arches |
Financing Metal Retainers
If you are thinking of heading to kohe™ Dental for metal retainers, there are a few ways you can finance your treatment.
Catch22™
A payment plan that allows you to get orthodontic and healthcare treatment seamlessly without worrying about your finances. Your payment on your schedule.
All Major Banks
We accept interest-free instalment payments from all major banks. Get up to 12 months interest-free instalments.
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
We have existing collaborations with BNPL platforms like Atome to help reduce the upfront expenditure of your dental treatments.
Dental and Corporate Insurance
We are on multiple dental and corporate insurance panels to provide more accessible orthodontic dental care to you.
Why Should I Do My Metal Retainers at kohe™ Dental?
kohe™ Dental is the first dedicated clear aligner dental clinic in Singapore that focuses on the use of a varying range of invisible braces or clear aligner brands in orthodontic treatment.
Because of our unique focus, we are able to offer affordable and competitive prices for patients like yourself who wish to seek orthodontic treatment.
Completing your clear aligner treatment does not mean that your smile journey has ended! kohe™ Dental makes the next steps in your smile journey more affordable and efficient.
24/7 Treatment Coordinator Support
Our treatment coordinator supports you throughout your entire journey – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Have a question about your current treatment plan or experiencing some discomfort from your invisible braces treatment? Our treatment coordinators got your back.
Lab Made Retainers
Our retainers are made in a dental lab that has been chosen for their high-quality and precision.
Whether you are requesting a scallop edge clear retainer or a normal edge clear retainer, our lab delivers them based on your requirements and requests.
Quick Turnaround Time
We understand that time is of the essence.
Our retainers are created and ready for collection within 7 days from your date of appointment or request (for return patients).
Should you require express collection (same day or within 3 days), do let us know so that we can arrange for it.
There is an additional surcharge of $60 for same-day collection. This surcharge is imposed from the dental lab.
Replace Retainers Conveniently
kohe™ Dental maintains all digital records of your teeth to streamline the retainer replacement process.
When replacement becomes necessary due to normal wear or minor damage, you can order new retainers without requiring additional scans or in-clinic visits. This process works out well especially if you have a busy schedule or do frequent travels.
This efficient system allows us to accelerate retainer production using previously captured digital impressions.
We prioritise your convenience while maintaining the precise fit of the original retainer.
Archival Data Library
Dental records, including retainer specifications, are securely stored in a digital database.
This streamlined system allows for quick access when replacement retainers are needed or when we require reference information.
The comprehensive digital archive maintains your detailed oral health histories, original tooth positions, and treatment specifications.
This system not only expedites the retainer replacement process but also helps ensure precise, personalised fit for future dental appliances.
Digital record keeping eliminates the need for new impressions in the event you need a new retainer. This helps you save time and accelerates the clear retainer production process.
Affordable Cost
All services and products offered at kohe™ Dental have been benchmarked for affordability.
We ensure that the cost of our services and products are affordable and cost-friendly.
Authentic and Premium Materials
All materials and supplies used at kohe™ Dental are authentic and high-quality.
Our suppliers and partners have been diligently vetted to ensure that none of their supplies or equipment fall short of both the clinician and patient expectations.
Dental retainers are fabricated using materials that meet strict Health and Safety Administration (HSA) standards and requirements.
These materials undergo rigorous testing and have proven safety records in dental applications.
Each type of retainer, from clear removable options to permanent bonded varieties, is constructed from medical-grade components specifically chosen for their durability and biocompatibility.
The materials demonstrate excellent longevity when properly maintained and have been extensively studied for oral use.
Their composition ensures optimal performance while maintaining patient safety.
Precision Fit with Enhanced Detail
kohe™ Dental uses advanced 3D scanning technology to create precise digital impressions of your teeth.
These digital scans capture intricate details of tooth structure and alignment with exceptional accuracy.
The scanning process eliminates traditional impression materials while providing enhanced detail for retainer fabrication.
Digital measurements ensure each retainer is custom-fitted to the unique contours of individual teeth patterns. The computer-aided design process allows for precise adjustments and modifications before production begins.
This technology produces retainers that fit more comfortably and maintain tooth position more effectively than traditionally manufactured alternatives. The digital workflow reduces potential errors and improves the overall quality of the final product.
These precise measurements and manufacturing processes result in retainers that provide optimal tooth stability and patient comfort.
No Dental Moulds
kohe™ Dental uses a 3D digital intraoral scanner to document and take 3D images of your mouth without a dental mould.
This method is clean, fast and efficient. There is no need for messy dental moulds for dental impressions.
Your teeth is scanned on the same day as the consultation and sent immediately to the dental lab for production.
Metal Retainers: Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions about metal retainers.
Do metal retainers straighten your teeth?
Metal retainers do not straighten your teeth. It is dangerous and unsafe to use metal retainers as a tool for teeth straightening.
Metal retainers do not apply consistent and steady force needed to move your teeth like braces or clear aligners do.
What metal retainers do is retain the shape and appearance of your newly aligned teeth, thus the name retainers.
Retainers also help prevent your teeth from damage caused by bruxism. However, it will do absolutely nothing for shifting your teeth into the right position.
If you have a teeth relapse after years of not wearing your retainers, I would caution against using your metal braces to re-straighten your teeth.
While it might seem a good idea to force your teeth into your metal retainers to realign them back to their original perfect form, it really is not. This is also not the not the function and purpose of these orthodontic devices.