Make sure your perfect smile lasts a lifetime
The importance of a retainer
Having your braces removed is an exciting moment, but before you skip out of the door with your beautifully straight teeth, it’s important to know that, without retainers, they could move.
To help avoid any relapse we provide our patients with a fixed retainer and a removable retainer, to hold the teeth in their new position. We will continue to monitor your retention for 12 months after treatment before discharging you.
Retainers are a lifelong commitment if you want to guarantee that your teeth stay straight. Luckily, modern retainers are both comfortable and discreet.
Fixed retainers
After treatment, all private patients are fitted with a fixed retainer.
Your fixed retainers will usually be fitted as soon as your braces are removed, before we take impressions for your removable retainers.
A fixed retainer is a thin stainless steel wire, which is permanently bonded behind your teeth.
You will get used to them quite quickly, but you will need to pay a little extra attention when you brush your teeth. Don’t worry – we’ll show you the best cleaning techniques and advise on which brushes to use.
If you experience any problems with your retainers, please get in touch as soon as you can.
We’ll always be more than happy to provide advice and, in most cases, we will be able offer you a repair or new retainers.
Removable retainers
All patients are provided with a removable retainer. You will get the choice between two different types.
The Essix Retainer is a thin, clear gum shield, which fits perfectly over your teeth.
The Hawley Retainer moulds to the roof of your mouth and uses wires to retain your teeth.
Whichever you choose, your removable retainers will be custom-made to fit you by taking a mould after your fixed retainer fitting. Your removable retainers are usually fitted the following week.
There may be some movement in your teeth before the fitting – but don’t worry. Your retainers will soon correct this.
It may take some getting used to – you’ll notice that your speech may be affected initially for example, but after a day or so, it will feel normal.
In most cases, you’ll only have to wear your removable retainer at night, but your orthodontist team will advise you on wearing, storage and cleaning.
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Brace care – avoiding emergencies and looking after your brace