retainer [L, retinere, to hold] , 1. the part of a dental prosthesis that is cemented to an abutment tooth to which the suspended part of a bridge (called the pontic) is attached. It may be an inlay, a partial crown, or a complete crown. 2. an appliance for maintaining teeth positions and jaw relations gained by orthodontic procedures. Also called retaining orthodontic appliance. 3. the part of a fixed prosthesis that attaches a pontic to the abutment teeth. 4. any clasp, attachment, or device for fixing or stabilizing a dental prosthesis.
