Different from permanent retainer use
This guide covers temporary use of PTFE retainers for specific medical events (typically days to weeks). For long-term use of retainers as everyday jewellery (e.g. for workplace requirements or lifestyle choices), see the separate guide on permanent retainers.
What PTFE retainers do medically
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is a soft flexible polymer used in medical devices, cookware coatings, and specifically for piercing jewellery designed for temporary medical use. In the piercing context, PTFE retainers replace metal jewellery during medical events, holding the piercing open without the metal that causes problems in specific medical situations.
This guide covers medical use of PTFE retainers specifically: when to use them, how to source them from your piercer, sizing considerations, and situations where glass or other alternatives are better. The guidance applies to temporary use around specific medical events, not long-term daily wear (which is covered separately).
When PTFE retainers work well
Surgery
• Non-conductive, so electrocautery does not cause burns
• Not affected by X-ray or ultrasound imaging in the procedure
• Soft and flexible, does not press against surgical positioning devices harshly
• Can typically stay through most surgical procedures where metal jewellery would be removed
Imaging
• X-rays and CT scans, PTFE causes much less artefact than metal (though some artefact due to different density from tissue)
• MRI, PTFE is not magnetic and can typically stay through MRI (confirm with radiographer for the specific scan)
• Ultrasound, PTFE does not affect ultrasound imaging as far as clinically relevant
Dental work
• PTFE oral piercing retainers stay soft, less risk of tooth damage during dental work
• Do not react with dental instruments or amalgam
• More comfortable during extended dental procedures than metal jewellery
Childbirth
• Suitable for labour and delivery preparation
• Non-metallic, addressing surgical caesarean concerns without full removal
• Discuss with maternity team about specific acceptability at their facility
When PTFE has limitations
MRI specifics
• PTFE is non-magnetic and does not heat in MRI fields, generally safe
• Some MRI protocols require ANY jewellery removal regardless of material, ask the specific team
• Very high-field MRI (7T research scanners) may have different requirements than clinical MRI
• If in doubt, remove PTFE for MRI rather than assuming safety
Very tight-fitting jewellery
• PTFE is soft and flexible, meaning it does not hold its shape as rigidly as metal
• Very tight piercings that need firm jewellery to stay open may not work well with PTFE
• For fresh piercings that need very specific jewellery shape to heal properly, PTFE may not be adequate
Long-term use limitations
• PTFE is designed for temporary medical use, not long-term wear
• Extended use can degrade the material, affecting the piercing
• For permanent retainer needs (workplace, lifestyle), longer-term materials like bioplast are more suitable
• Standard implant-grade titanium remains the best long-term jewellery choice
Sourcing retainers
Your piercer is the best source
• They know your specific piercing sizes
• They can select retainers appropriate for the specific medical event you are preparing for
• They show you how to insert them properly
• Retainer sizing is more reliable through professional sizing than online guessing
Timing
• Get retainers at least 2 to 4 weeks before your medical event
• Ordering allows time for delivery if the specific size is not in stock
• Practice insertion in the days before the event so you are comfortable with the process
• Do not wait until the day before, sourcing under time pressure often produces wrong sizes
Sizing
• Gauge (thickness) must match your existing piercing exactly, wrong gauge either does not fit or damages the piercing
• Length or diameter depends on the specific piercing type and your anatomy
• End sizes are usually smaller than decorative jewellery, for practical medical use
• Buy from your piercer with sizing they measure
Cost
• PTFE retainers are typically €5 to €15 each, depending on the specific type
• A full set of retainers for multiple piercings might be €30 to €80
• Worth investing for medical events where the alternative is losing piercings that would take months to re-establish
Glass retainers
Glass retainers are an alternative to PTFE for specific medical situations.
• Made from borosilicate glass, similar to laboratory glassware
• Absolutely non-magnetic, non-conductive, and non-reactive
• Slightly more visible in imaging than PTFE due to higher density
• Rigid rather than flexible, provides more support for piercings that need it
• Slightly more expensive than PTFE, €10 to €25 per piece typically
• Preferred in some MRI protocols where PTFE is not acceptable
• Not suitable for oral piercings where they could break with tooth contact
Bioplast retainers
Bioplast is a proprietary polymer used for piercing jewellery, similar to PTFE in medical suitability.
• Slightly firmer than PTFE while still flexible
• More suitable for long-term wear than PTFE
• Not always available for all piercing positions
• Similar medical properties to PTFE, non-conductive, non-magnetic
• Preferred by some piercers for extended-use situations
Practical use around medical events
Inserting retainers
1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Prepare the retainer by cleaning with sterile saline solution.
3. Remove existing metal jewellery, keep it in a labelled container.
4. Insert the retainer slowly and gently. Do not force it, if it does not slide in easily, the size may be wrong.
5. Confirm the retainer sits in place similar to how your normal jewellery would.
6. Rinse the piercing with sterile saline after insertion.
7. Do this at home before the medical event, not at the hospital under time pressure.
Wearing during the event
• Retainers can typically stay through the entire medical event
• Follow specific guidance from the medical team if they ask for removal
• Do not adjust or touch retainers during the procedure
• If a retainer becomes dislodged, ask the medical team for help rather than trying to reinsert during the procedure
Reverting to metal jewellery afterwards
• Wait until you are alert and stable after the medical event
• Clean hands thoroughly before touching piercings
• Remove retainers and insert metal jewellery gently
• If reinsertion is difficult, the piercing may have adjusted slightly to the retainer shape, insert something slightly smaller or shorter first
• Standard aftercare applies during recovery
Shop the look
Internal links
• Temporary piercing removal, complete guide
• Piercings during labour and childbirth
• Permanent retainers vs letting a piercing close
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PTFE retainers?
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) retainers are pieces of piercing jewellery made from a soft flexible polymer, used to hold piercings open without the metal that causes problems in specific medical situations. They are non-conductive (safe with electrocautery), non-magnetic (safe with MRI), and non-reactive with imaging. They come in the same general shapes as metal jewellery (labrets, curved barbells, straight barbells, rings) but in transparent or skin-tone materials rather than metallic finishes.
Where do I get PTFE retainers?
Your piercer is the best source. They know your specific piercing sizes and can measure or source retainers appropriate for your piercings. Ordering through a professional piercer produces more reliable sizing than buying online. Get retainers at least 2 to 4 weeks before your medical event so you have time to practise insertion. PTFE retainers typically cost €5 to €15 each. Some hospital shops stock them but the range and sizing is more limited.
Can I use PTFE retainers instead of removing piercings for MRI?
Usually yes for standard clinical MRI. PTFE is non-magnetic and does not heat in MRI fields, addressing the main safety concerns with metal jewellery. However, some MRI protocols require ALL jewellery removal regardless of material, so confirm with the specific radiology team before assuming. Very high-field MRI (research 7T scanners) may have different requirements. If in doubt, remove PTFE rather than assuming safety.
Do PTFE retainers show up on X-rays?
Yes, but much less than metal. PTFE is denser than tissue but far less dense than metal, so it creates some artefact in X-ray and CT images but significantly less than metal jewellery would. For routine imaging where absolute clarity is not needed, PTFE retainers are usually acceptable. For diagnostic imaging where absolute clarity of a specific area matters, full removal may still be preferred. Discuss with the radiology team about the specific imaging protocol.
Can I wear PTFE retainers long-term instead of metal jewellery?
Not ideal. PTFE is designed for temporary medical use, not extended long-term wear. Extended use can degrade the material over months, affecting the piercing. For long-term retainer needs (workplace requirements, ongoing lifestyle reasons), bioplast is more suitable, or if you want to keep piercings while wearing minimal jewellery, discuss with your piercer about the best long-term option. Standard implant-grade titanium remains the best choice for extended everyday jewellery.
What is the difference between PTFE and glass retainers?
Both are non-metallic and generally suitable for medical situations, but they have different properties. PTFE is soft and flexible, more comfortable but provides less structural support. Glass is rigid and non-flexible, provides more support for piercings that need firm shape but more risk of breakage (especially for oral piercings). PTFE causes slightly less imaging artefact than glass. PTFE is cheaper (€5 to €15) than glass (€10 to €25). For most medical situations, PTFE is the standard choice. Glass is preferred in some specialised MRI protocols and situations where rigidity matters.
How long can I wear PTFE retainers before I need to change back?
For a specific medical event lasting hours to days, PTFE works well. For events lasting a week or two (extended hospital stays, recovery periods), still usable. For longer periods (weeks to months), the material degrades and other options become preferable. For very long-term retainer wear, bioplast or titanium options are more suitable. Discuss timing with your piercer if your medical situation involves extended retainer use.