Retainers

Retainers are the best means of maintaining your fabulous new smile once we’ve helped you to craft it. We select and fit  all kinds of retainer, and with various options available to suit your lifestyle- fixed, unfixed, plastic, wire, whole mouth and half mouth- your retainer needn’t be a nuisance.

There are two main types of retainer – fixed/bonded, and removable.

What is a retainer and how important is it that I wear it?

Retainers are designed to keep your teeth straight and can either be removable or fixed. Now that your teeth are straight, if you do not wear your retainer, your teeth are likely to drift towards their original positions. If this does happen it may be difficult or impossible to correct.

 

How long will I have to wear the retainers? 

Normal age changes occur in the human body; in the mouth, these age changes show up as gum recession, increased lower front teeth crowding and increased turning of twisted or rotated teeth. Having orthodontic treatment does not grant immunity to these normal changes. These age changes vary in severity. Therefore we recommend that you wear your retainers for an indefinite period of time – wear them as long as you want to keep your teeth straight. It’s now your responsibility.

 

Your removable retainer

Depending on each case your orthodontist will recommend to you your retainer regime. Please follow this carefully to ensure you do not get any relapse.

Do not eat or drink with your retainer in place. You will need to clean them regularly using: a toothbrush with soap and lukewarm water (not hot). Avoid using toothpaste or bleach as this will scratch and discolour the retainers. “Retainer Brite” can be used to clean the retainers and make them taste better. You may purchase this from us at future visits.

Your fixed retainer

You may be fitted with a wire to the back of your bottom/top teeth. This is called a bonded retainer. You will need to keep this extra clean. Please avoid any hard, sticky and crunchy foods if you have been fitted with one. If this breaks please wear your removable retainer full time and contact the practice immediately.

You will not need to be seen often now the retainers are in place. You will be advised about your future appointments.

Retainers are expensive to replace so please take great care of them. Please keep them in a retainer box when they are not being worn. Also bring them to all future appointments.