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Retainer Review: What is the Impact of Orthodontic Devices on the Oral Microbiome?
- Shalindri Jayawardene
- May 22
- 2 min read
Orthodontic devices, like thermoplastic retainers, are vital for maintaining teeth alignment after braces or preventing grinding. However, their impact on the oral microbiome remains underexplored, and innovation is needed to mitigate potential disruptions, which can lead to microbial imbalances and infections.
What We Know:
The oral microbiome is shaped by factors such as diet, pH levels and microbial interactions, and orthodontic devices can disrupt this balance, raising infection risks. Retainers often accumulate plaque, but it remains unclear whether the material, surface roughness or wear duration most influences plaque retention. This disruption creates an environment that favors harmful bacteria, like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, linked to dental caries and plaque buildup (Al-lehaibi et al., 2021).
Orthodontic appliances also impact oral hygiene by reducing saliva exposure, which lowers its natural antimicrobial effect. This can increase microbial concentrations, acidity and food residue retention, promoting dysbiosis and potentially leading to periodontal disease (Al-Lehaibi et al., 2021).
Industry Impact and Potential:
A study of patients wearing thermoplastic retainers for three months revealed significant changes in the oral microbiome, with Lactobacillus species predominating, followed by Streptococcus. This microbial shift is concerning as these bacteria are associated with dental caries and plaque buildup. Excess Lactobacillus can create an acidic environment that accelerates enamel demineralization, increasing the risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues (Al-Lehaibi et al., 2021).
Advances in orthodontic device hygiene, such as ultrasonic and UVC cleaning technologies, help reduce plaque and harmful microbial buildup. These technologies not only improve oral hygiene but also maintain retainer material integrity, extending the appliance’s lifespan. Brands like @Zima Dental and @Sonic Dental offer countertop devices that use these technologies to sanitise retainers, ensuring better hygiene and mitigating microbial accumulation.
Future research should focus on understanding how different retainer materials, surface textures and wear durations specifically influence the microbial composition of the oral cavity. Investigating the interaction between these factors and the development of dental diseases could help develop more effective hygiene strategies and orthodontic appliances that minimise microbiome disruption.
Our Solution:
At Sequential, we specialise in microbiome analysis and product development across oral, skin, scalp and vulvar microbiomes. As pioneers in creating innovative solutions to protect and preserve the microbiome, we are well-equipped to collaborate with your company to develop products that support oral health, enhance hygiene practices for orthodontic device users and reduce the risk of microbiome dysbiosis.
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