Everything You Need to Know About Spring Retainers

While orthodontists use traditional retainers to prevent teeth from shifting after treatment, spring retainers (spring aligners) can correct teeth that have slightly shifted.

They are also a treatment option for people receiving orthodontic care for the first time whose teeth need only minor adjustments that don't require braces.

This article explains spring retainers' uses, advantages, and disadvantages for straightening teeth.

How Does a Spring Retainer Work?

Unlike the retainer you get after your braces come off, which holds your teeth in a corrected position, spring retainers work to straighten teeth. To start, an orthodontist makes impressions of your teeth. Then, a retainer is molded based on the position of straightened teeth.

Spring retainers consist of a wire and acrylic frame that gently moves your front teeth into position. They are used only to move teeth 1–2 millimeters (mm), which is why they are sometimes a good choice for teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment.

Spring retainers can be suitable for turning or rotating a tooth but not for more extensive all-over crowding.

Types of Spring Retainers

Types of spring retainers include:

• Helix coil: Allows for minor adjustments and flexibility
• Mushroom spring: Most often used post-treatment to maintain correction
• Modified spring: Used post-treatment but can also be used for minor adjustments
• Super modified spring: Combines the technology of the mushroom and helix coil
• Standard spring clip: Can be used post-treatment or for minor adjustments
• Spring design with wire extensions: Allows the wire to extend back two to three teeth for added retention

Spring retainers traditionally cover only the front four teeth; however, they can be modified and combined with other retainer technology, like the Hawley retainer, to cover more teeth.

Advantages of a Spring Retainer Over Traditional Braces

If your teeth have slightly shifted after orthodontic treatment or if your teeth need only a slight adjustment, you could be a candidate for a spring retainer. There are several benefits of a retainer over traditional braces.

Removable

Unlike braces, you can remove spring retainers for eating, so you won't have to worry about avoiding certain foods or detangling sticky stuff from your appliance. In addition, a removable device makes it easier to keep your mouth and retainer clean.

Less Expensive

Braces are more expensive than less invasive treatments; therefore, a spring retainer may be a more affordable option if your teeth need only a minor correction.

Less Noticeable

Finally, a spring retainer with a single wire over the front teeth is less noticeable. Braces, on the other hand, contain brackets and wire and usually cover all or most teeth. In addition, since a retainer is removable, you can take it out for things like special occasions or pictures. (However, you should not remove your spring retainer too often, as doing so could compromise your treatment schedule).

Disadvantages of a Spring Retainer

On the other hand, spring retainers have some downsides. They are limited to only very minor tooth movements, so patients need to have realistic expectations on the outcomes when using them. Since they are removable, they can be easy to lose.

Some people find them uncomfortable, but the discomfort usually dissipates as you get used to the device. Spring retainers don't last indefinitely, so you may need to replace your retainer eventually.

Summary

Spring retainers are dental appliances that help to straighten minor misalignments. Unlike other retainers, which, as the name suggests, "retain" teeth in position after braces, spring retainers can move teeth. However, they can do this for only minor adjustments. The spring retainer sits just over the front four teeth. Variations and modifications allow the retainer to cover more teeth if needed.

A Word From Verywell

Since they are less invasive and less expensive, people often wonder if a spring retainer is an alternative for braces. Unfortunately, the answer is not usually. However, if you previously had orthodontic work and your teeth have slightly shifted, you may be a candidate. Remember that your commitment to wearing a retainer as prescribed is essential for a retainer to work. Talk to an orthodontist if you think a spring retainer could help your smile. They'll be able to explore the best options for your circumstance.