Lingual Retainers
Invisible Protection for Long-Lasting Orthodontic Results
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t end the day your braces come off or when your clear aligner series is complete. To preserve your newly aligned teeth, retention is essential—and one of the most discreet and effective methods available today is the Lingual Retainer.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we understand that your investment in orthodontic care deserves long-term protection. That’s why we offer custom-made Lingual Retainers for patients who want a hassle-free, invisible way to keep their smiles aligned—day and night.
What Are Lingual Retainers?
A Lingual Retainer is a thin, custom-fitted wire bonded to the back (lingual side) of the teeth—usually behind the lower or upper front teeth. Once in place, it holds your teeth in their final aligned position and prevents them from shifting over time.
Because it’s attached to the inside of the teeth, a lingual retainer is completely invisible from the front. It stays in place 24/7, offering permanent retention without any need to remember to wear or remove it—unlike removable retainers.
Who Needs a Lingual Retainer?
Lingual Retainers are ideal for:
• Individuals with high risk of relapse, especially in the lower front teeth
• Those who may not be compliant with wearing removable retainers
• People who want a completely invisible retention solution
• Long-term orthodontic patients who value convenience and stability
Our dentists at Affinity Dental Clinics carefully assess each patient’s post-treatment condition and lifestyle before recommending a retainer type. If we believe you are a good candidate for a lingual retainer, we’ll walk you through the process to ensure you understand what to expect.
Benefits of Lingual Retainers
Benefits of Lingual Retainers:
Lingual retainers are bonded behind your teeth, making them completely hidden when you smile or talk.
Because they’re fixed, there’s no risk of forgetting to wear them or accidentally throwing them away.
They help prevent the most common relapse: shifting of the lower front teeth. They are particularly effective for patients with a natural tendency for movement in these areas.
Once you’re used to it (usually after a few days), a lingual retainer won’t interfere with your speech or eating habits.
Each retainer is fabricated to the contours of your individual teeth. After the initial adjustment period, most patients barely notice it’s there.
Lingual Retainers vs. Removable Retainers
| Feature | Lingual Retainers | Removable Retainers (e.g. Hawley, Clear) |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Invisible from front | May be visible when worn |
| Wear Compliance | Always in place | Requires daily wear discipline |
| Maintenance | Requires good oral hygiene | Easy to clean when removed |
| Breakage Risk | Less likely to be lost | Can be misplaced or damaged |
| Comfort | Takes time to adjust | May cause bulkiness for some |
| Best For | Long-term, consistent retention | Night-time use, general retention |
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we may recommend a combination of lingual and removable retainers depending on your case. Many patients use lingual retainers on the lower teeth and removable retainers on the upper arch for a balanced retention strategy.
The Process: Getting a Lingual Retainer at Affinity Dental
At Affinity Dental Clinics, our lingual retainers are custom-made and bonded securely behind your teeth to ensure long-term stability after orthodontic treatment.
Here’s what to expect in our lingual retainer process:
Once your braces or clear aligners are removed, our orthodontist checks your bite, alignment, and gum health to confirm that you’re ready for retention.
We take a mold or a digital scan of your teeth to design a custom-fit retainer. The wire is precisely curved to match your teeth for stability and comfort.
Your custom lingual retainer is fabricated in our in-house dental laboratory in Makati, ensuring precision, faster turnaround, and full quality control.
The retainer wire is carefully bonded behind your teeth using dental adhesive. The procedure is quick, non-invasive, and painless.
We’ll schedule periodic checks to ensure your lingual retainer stays secure. You’ll also receive guidance on brushing and flossing around the bonded wire.
How to Care for a Lingual Retainer
• Use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean between teeth.
• Avoid biting into hard objects or sticky foods that may dislodge the wire.
• Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and retainer checks.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, our dentists and hygienists will guide you through the cleaning techniques and check the integrity of your bonded retainer during routine visits.
Are Lingual Retainers Permanent?
Lingual retainers are designed to be semi-permanent. They can remain in place for many years and are generally recommended for at least 2–5 years after orthodontic treatment—or even longer, depending on your risk of relapse.
However, they can be removed or replaced when necessary. If you prefer to transition to removable retainers after some years, we can plan this together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it feel uncomfortable?
Most patients adjust within a few days. The wire is smooth and placed in a way that minimizes tongue irritation.
Will I lisp or have difficulty speaking?
Some people notice a slight change in speech initially, but this usually disappears after 2–3 days as your tongue adjusts.
Can the wire break or come loose?
Yes, especially if exposed to hard or sticky food. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor and repair it as needed.
Do I still need dental checkups?
Absolutely. Lingual retainers require excellent oral hygiene. We recommend professional cleaning every 6 months to prevent tartar buildup around the wire.
Why Choose Affinity Dental Clinics?
Our clinics have been providing orthodontic care for over a decade. We customize each retainer to your needs and provide full aftercare support.
Clinics in Makati, BGC, Ortigas, Alabang, Parañaque, and Cebu—all equipped with modern diagnostic tools and intraoral scanners.
We’ll never recommend retention you don’t need. Each case is evaluated thoroughly and explained to you clearly before proceeding.
From braces to retention, we ensure every step of your orthodontic journey is supported and comfortable.
Is a Lingual Retainer Right for You?
If you’re looking for a:
• Retainer that works even if you forget it’s there
• Way to avoid compliance issues with removable appliances
Then a Lingual Retainer may be your ideal retention option.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we’re committed to preserving your smile—not just improving it.
Book Your Retainer Consultation Today
Your smile deserves lasting results. With a custom Lingual Retainer from Affinity Dental Clinics, you can enjoy confidence, stability, and peace of mind—without anyone knowing you’re wearing one.
Schedule your consultation today at any of our branches and let’s make sure your smile stays just the way it should be.
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