Just like clear aligners, retainers can be made of different materials. 

Essix, Tristar and Zendura are just some of the materials used to create retainers. 

Brands like Angel Aligner and Invisalign create retainers with their own proprietary materials. 

Based on experience, retainers that stand the test of time are Zendura, Angel Aligner retainers and Vivera by Invisalign. 

While you can eat and drink with your clear retainers on, it is not recommended to do so. There are multiple risks that you should be aware of when consuming food or beverages while wearing your clear retainers. 

Hot drinks can warp the plastic material, altering the fit. Acidic beverages can become trapped between the retainer and teeth, increasing decay risk. Coloured drinks can stain both the retainer and teeth. 

Chewing forces can create stress points in the retainer, leading to cracks or breaks. Food particles can become lodged under the retainer, promoting bacterial growth and bad breath. 

For the sake of prolonging the longevity of your clear retainers and your oral health, your clear retainers should be removed for all meals and snacks. Your teeth should also be brushed before re-inserting them.

Clear retainers serve a maintenance function rather than an orthodontic correction role. You should not be using your retainers to treat teeth relapse. 

When teeth shift from their corrected positions, the retainers cannot actively move them back. Attempting to use ill-fitting retainers can cause tooth pain, root damage, and periodontal problems. 

Minor shifts might be correctable with new retainers, but significant relapse requires professional orthodontic intervention. 

Some dentists or orthodontists offer affordable clear aligner treatment for minor relapses. Regular retainer wear prevents the need for retreatment by maintaining tooth position.

The lifespan of your clear retainers depends on multiple factors such as the material used for your clear retainer, as well as your usage habits.

Material quality affects durability, with premium materials lasting longer. Grinding habits can wear down the plastic faster. Proper cleaning and storage practices significantly impact longevity. Temperature exposure, such as hot drinks or car storage, can warp the material. Physical stress from removal and insertion affects structural integrity. 

Signs of wear include cloudiness, rough edges, loose fit, and visible cracks. Most patients need replacement every 1-3 years, though some may last longer with excellent care.

If you have lost or broken your clear retainers, there is no need to panic!

You can simply drop us a message to make a new set if you have visited us previously for your clear retainers or orthodontic work. 

If you are a new patient, we will need to take digital scans of your teeth before proceeding with a new set of clear retainers. 

Lost or broken retainers require prompt professional attention. Teeth can begin shifting within days without retention. 

Multiple sets of retainers can be ordered simultaneously as backups. The replacement process typically takes 1-2 weeks, during which time teeth may shift slightly.

In some instances, you might have received clear retainers that might feel slightly loose.

You might even be able to lift up your retainers using your tongue. 

This can sometimes happen even when the scans are accurate. The tongue is a strong muscle so it is possible that the retainers can be lifted by your tongue when you play with it. 

As long as the retainer stays in when speaking then it should be fine but do not use your tongue to intentionally push out your retainer.

If in doubt, do let your dentist know so that they can help you with it.

There is no need for your retainers to cover your wisdom tooth (molar), especially if they were not shifted at all during your previous orthodontic treatment. 

Retainers are used to retain the position of the teeth that were actually moved during orthodontic treatment.

Teeth have elastic memory and tend to shift back to their original position over time.

If certain teeth, like the second molars, were never moved, they do not generally require retention. 

However, if you prefer having your molars covered, do let us know during the retainer appointment. 

If you have not worn your retainers for more than 6 months, there is a possibility that your teeth might not fit into your clear retainers. 

Attempting to wear retainers after a long break can result in pretty disastrous consequences. Forced insertion of ill-fitting retainers can damage tooth enamel, irritate your gums and cause root resorption. The pressure from misfit retainers may crack teeth or cause nerve damage. 

If your retainers are no longer fitting, you might want to consider visiting a dentist or orthodontist to have an orthodontic evaluation to assess whether your tooth position has changed. 

Treatment options might include new retainers for minor shifts or comprehensive orthodontic treatment for significant changes.

Prevention through consistent wear remains the best approach.

It will not be possible to use your CDC vouchers to pay for your clear retainers at kohe™ Dental as we are not a CDC-registered merchant.

CDC-registered merchants can only qualify as a CDC merchant if they are a local business located in the heartlands.

Unfortunately, kohe™ Dental is a town dental clinic located in an office building, and will not be able to register as a CDC merchant.

Yes it is possible to use your corporate benefits or dental insurance to pay for your clear retainers. However, this is subject to your corporate benefits and insurance provider. 

If you wish to use your corporate benefits or dental insurance, simply let us know when booking an appointment for your clear retainers.