Orthodontic retainers play a critical role in protecting the results of your braces or Invisalign treatment. At Shakespeare Orthodontists, we provide custom-made retainers for patients across Auckland, helping maintain long-term alignment and prevent unwanted tooth movement after treatment is complete.
Your teeth aren’t fixed in bone like fence posts in concrete; they are held by a complex network of fibers and ligaments that have “memory.” During the first year after treatment, these fibers are particularly active. A custom-fitted retainer acts as a gentle guide, holding your teeth in place while the surrounding bone and tissue settle.
Whether you are finishing treatment with us or you’ve recently moved to the area and need a replacement for a lost or broken retainer, we provide a range of modern retention solutions tailored to your lifestyle and dental needs.
No two smiles are the same, and neither are the ways we keep them straight. Depending on your original orthodontic concerns and your lifestyle, we will recommend one (or a combination) of the following three types of retainers.
A fixed retainer consists of a thin, custom-fitted wire bonded discreetly to the back (tongue side) of your front teeth.
Essix retainers are clear, removable trays made of medical-grade plastic that fit snugly over your teeth—very similar in appearance to an Invisalign® aligner.
The Benefit: They are virtually invisible and cover the chewing surfaces of your teeth, providing excellent stability for the entire arch. Because they are removable, they make brushing and flossing simple.
Best For: Patients who prioritize aesthetics and want a comfortable, discreet option for nighttime wear.
The Hawley retainer is the most durable type, made of a thin acrylic plate shaped to your palate with a metal wire that wraps around the front of your teeth.
The Benefit: These are incredibly robust and can be adjusted by your orthodontist if minor tooth movements are needed. The acrylic comes in various colors, allowing for a bit of personalization!
Best For: Patients who need a heavy-duty retainer or those who prefer a device that allows the teeth to touch naturally.
In many cases, our orthodontists recommend a Dual Retention approach: a fixed wire bonded to the lower teeth for permanent security, paired with a clear Essix retainer for the upper teeth to be worn at night. This “belt and braces” method provides the best long-term protection for your investment.
Accidents happen—retainers get misplaced, stepped on, or simply wear out over time. If your retainer is lost or damaged, time is of the essence. Without a retainer, teeth can begin to shift in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
Orthodontic retainers are essential for maintaining straight teeth after active treatment — and they’re not just for patients who have just finished braces. You may benefit from a retainer if you fall into any of the following groups:
After braces are removed, teeth naturally try to shift back to their original positions. Wearing a custom-fitted retainer helps stabilise your new smile and protect the results of your orthodontic treatment.
Just like braces, Invisalign treatment requires a retention phase. A properly designed retainer ensures your teeth remain aligned once your final aligners are complete.
If your retainer is lost, damaged, or no longer fits correctly, teeth can begin to move within days. Prompt retainer replacement helps prevent unwanted shifting and avoids the need for retreatment.
If you’ve had orthodontic treatment in the past and are noticing changes in tooth alignment, a new retainer may help stop further movement and maintain your smile long-term.
Fixed Wire Loose? If the wire has come away from a tooth, do not attempt to pull it off. Use a small piece of orthodontic wax to cover any sharp ends and call us immediately for a repair.
Lost your removable retainer? Don’t wait for your next scheduled check-up. The sooner we can take a new impression or scan, the less likely you are to need corrective treatment later.
Retainer feeling tight? If you haven’t worn your retainer for a few days and it feels tight, wear it for longer periods (22 hours a day) to see if the teeth settle. If it doesn’t fit at all, do not force it—this could damage your teeth.
At Shakespeare Orthodontics, we offer a streamlined replacement service for both our existing patients and those who have moved to Auckland from another practice.
We utilize advanced 3D digital scanning technology, meaning no messy, uncomfortable “putty” impressions. We can quickly create a high-precision digital model of your teeth to manufacture your new retainer with a perfect fit.
Whether you are finishing your treatment journey with us or simply need a new retainer to protect your smile, our team is here to help.
Don’t wait any longer, contact ustoday for a consultation and take the first step towards a lifetime of confidence with a smile you love!
Our team is professional, knowledgeable and experienced in teeth straightening, invisalign, braces - and happy to help.
We offer a range of flexible payment plans, including 12 monthly interest free. Ask us how we can help.
We're highly trained specialist orthodontists and use the latest orthodontic technologies.
Free customer parking in easily accessible locations in Auckland (Epsom) and the North Shore.
In 2008, Adriana graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. After graduation, she worked in Venezuela in private practice, at the Orthopaedic Children’s Hospital (Dentistry/Orthodontics unit), and as a lecturer in the National Experimental University of the Armed Forces.
In the year 2011, Adriana moved to Argentina to specialise, gaining the Specialist Orthodontist degree from the University of Buenos Aires in 2013. While in Argentina, she worked as a part-time lecturer at the Orthodontics Department in the University of Buenos Aires, private practice, and at the Craniofacial Unit in the Paediatric Hospital Garrahan, looking after cleft lip new-born, children, and adolescent patients.
Adriana is a Spanish speaker. On her spare time she likes going to the beach, travelling, socialising with friends, playing video games, cooking, and going to the gym.
BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd
Dr Azza Al-Ani, grew up in Christchurch, is a registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland. You can find her at one of the clinics in the city, or at their Takapuna clinic on the North Shore.
In 2009, Azza graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Credit from the University of Otago.
She worked as a dental house surgeon at Auckland, Greenlane and Middlemore Hospitals; and as a dental officer at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital.
In 2012, she completed the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) primary examinations.
Before commencing her specialist training, she held a part-time Professional Practice Fellow position at the Faculty of Dentistry, while working as a dentist in private practice.
In 2016, Azza graduated from the University of Otago with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics. She passed examinations to gain memberships into the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
She is also certified with the Australasian Orthodontic Board, and is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, and the New Zealand Dental Association.
Azza’s area of research interest is hypodontia.
She has presented about this topic at the European Orthodontic Society Congress, and at the International Association Dental Research ANZ Scientific Meeting, and has been involved in the publication of numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.
Outside of work, Azza loves spending time with her son and Mo (her husband), socialising with family and friends, overseas travel, and tries to keep up with Mo mountain biking.
Mo is a Specialist Orthodontist. He grew up in both New Zealand and Australia.
After completing a year in Health Sciences, and later physiotherapy, he qualified as a dentist in New Zealand. He spent the next four years working alongside his father in Sydney where he practised general dentistry. Mo then returned to Dunedin to specialise, gaining his specialist degree – Clinical Doctorate in Orthodontics from the University of Otago.
During the three years of specialist training, Mo had the privilege of learning from the best. The combined clinical and academic acumen of professors, doctors and staff provided an invaluable experience.
Meanwhile, Mo published and presented significant research and clinical cases at both national and international forums, including the International Association of Dental Research, the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontics, the European Orthodontic Society and the New Zealand Dental Association conference.
A firm believer in maintaining high clinical standards, Mo successfully completed further examinations to become affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (Sydney).
Mo is currently a part time senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists and also holds professional memberships with the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, the New Zealand Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists.
He has also been involved in the supervising and lecturing of students at the Auckland University of Technology.
Outside of work, Mo enjoys the precious time with his young family and the outdoors. He especially loves mountain biking, running, fishing, diving and, in winter, snowboarding.
Traveling along with his best friend and wife (Azza) around the world has also been a big part of Mo’s life. Mo is primarily based in Shakespeare Orthodontic’s city clinics and on the North Shore.
