Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth. It’s virtually invisible, always working, and can’t be lost or forgotten.

At Bella Smile, we take fixed retention a step further with a digitally designed, robotically bent YOAT retainer, customized to the exact position of your teeth.

The Bella Smile difference: YOAT custom-bent retainers

Instead of hand-bending a generic wire, we use a 3D scan of your finished smile to digitally design your fixed retainer.

Our in-office YOAT Bender II then robotically bends the wire to follow the precise contours of your teeth. This creates a close, passive fit designed to hold the tooth positions we worked to achieve.

We use a thin, flexible multi-strand stainless-steel retainer wire designed for long-term bonded retention.

Why we like it

• Custom designed from your 3D scan
• Robotically bent for a precise, consistent fit
• Thin and comfortable behind the teeth
• Passive fit designed to maintain your finished tooth positions
• Durable multi-strand wire
• Always working — nothing to remember or lose

Why fixed retention matters

Teeth naturally have a tendency to shift after orthodontic treatment, particularly the front teeth. A bonded retainer provides continuous retention, helping protect your result day and night.

At Bella Smile, we typically bond fixed retainers behind the upper four front teeth and lower six front teeth, depending on the individual case.

Fixed + removable: our approach to long-term stability

For added protection, we often combine a fixed retainer with a removable nighttime retainer.

The fixed retainer continuously helps maintain the front teeth, while the removable retainer helps protect the position of the entire arch.

After treatment, no daytime removable retainer is typically needed — just wear your nighttime retainer as prescribed.

Caring for your fixed retainer

Fixed retainers require a little extra attention when flossing. We’ll show you how to clean underneath the wire, and regular dental cleanings help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

If your retainer ever feels loose or broken, contact us promptly so we can check it before your teeth have a chance to shift.