Teeth Retainers in Solihull

Fixed Retainers

After completing your Solihull orthodontics treatment, all our patients receive a fixed retainer as their first line of defence against shifting teeth. Fixed retainers are small, thin, durable stainless steel wires that are permanently bonded to the back of your teeth, holding them securely in place. Because of where they are fitted, they are practically invisible to you and everyone else. Typically, your fixed retainer is placed immediately after your braces are removed, even before impressions are taken for any removable retainers.

Fixed retainers are designed to be low-maintenance and unobtrusive, allowing you to adapt to them quickly. However, you’ll need to pay extra attention to your brushing routine to keep the area around the retainer clean. After the removal of your adult braces in Solihull, our team will guide you on the best techniques and recommend specific brushes for optimal care.

If you experience any issues with your fixed teeth straightening retainers, please contact us right away. We’re always happy to provide guidance and, if needed, can repair or replace your retainer to ensure it continues working effectively.

Removable Retainers

In addition to your fixed retainer, you’ll also receive a custom-made removable retainer after wearing lingual, metal or ceramic braces in Solihull. These retainers provide an added layer of support, particularly at night, to maintain your smile for years to come. There are two types of removable retainers:

1. Essix Retainer – this clear, thin retainer fits comfortably over your teeth like a snug, transparent gum shield. The Essix retainer is practically invisible, making it a popular choice for patients who want a discreet look.
2. Hawley Retainer – the Hawley retainer is a classic design with a durable acrylic base that moulds to the roof of your mouth, along with a thin wire that spans the front teeth to hold them in place. This option is highly durable and adjustable, allowing for minor corrections over time if needed.

Your removable retainer will be custom-fit after impressions of your new straight teeth are taken, usually following the placement of your fixed retainer. Similar to wearing metal braces in Solihull, your removable retainer may feel a bit unusual at first, and you might notice minor changes in your speech, but you’ll adjust within a day or two.

For most patients, removable retainers only need to be worn at night. During your appointment, our orthodontic team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to wear, store, and clean your retainer to ensure it remains in great condition and continues supporting your perfect smile.

How Retainers Work

Retainers for teeth straightening are the final step in your orthodontic journey, playing a vital role in maintaining the results of your teeth straightening in Solihull. Here’s how they work:

1. Stabilising the teeth
   After braces or aligners have moved your teeth into their ideal positions, the retainers will keep them stable and prevent them from shifting back to their original placement.
2. Promoting bone growth
   Retainers help your body adapt to the changes made during orthodontic treatment by allowing time for the bone around your teeth to harden, securing them in their new positions.
3. Reducing relapse
   Over time, teeth naturally shift due to age, wear, and lifestyle factors. Retainers counteract this by holding your teeth in place, minimising the chance of relapse and ensuring your results last for years to come.
4. Custom fit
   Similar to our Invisalign braces in Solihull, every retainer is custom-made for each patient, ensuring a snug fit that keeps your teeth perfectly aligned while remaining comfortable.
5. Discreet look
   Retainers are designed to be discreet, ensuring your orthodontic care doesn’t interfere with your confidence. Options such as clear Essix retainers are virtually invisible, fitting snugly over your teeth for a natural look. Even fixed retainers remain hidden as they are bonded behind your teeth for seamless support without anyone noticing.