Following orthodontic treatment, we always recommend you wear a retainer to prevent teeth drifting back to their former position. We offer two types of retainers; removable and fixed. A year after having your braces removed, we will review your teeth, but you are welcome to contact us if you have any concerns or queries after this period.
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Removable retainers are similar to very thin gum shields and, as they are custom-made, they fit very snugly over your teeth to keep them in position.
The risk of movement is highest just after your braces have been taken off, so during the first six months after removal you should wear your retainer every night. After this time, we will check your bite and teeth, and let you know whether you can reduce the length of time you need to wear your retainer.
You should ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned before wearing your retainer. You also need to keep the retainer itself clean and fresh, using a firm toothbrush and cold water. Don’t use toothpaste as it may cause the retainer to discolour or become brittle, and hot water may distort it.
We will provide you with a handy storage box so you can keep your retainer safe and secure when you’re not wearing it.
A fixed retainer is a thin metal wire bonded to the back of your upper or lower incisor teeth, although it can occasionally extend onto the canines. It is an unobtrusive and reliable way to keep your front teeth perfectly in line.
If orthodontic treatment is carried out while you are still a teenager, a fixed retainer will be kept in place until you have stopped growing, usually at around 21 years old. If you have treatment as an adult then the fixed retainer should be left in place indefinitely or at least for as long as possible.
It’s important to brush over your retainer as part of your normal oral care routine and you can also use a special type of floss (Superfloss) between your teeth. Thorough cleaning will prevent the build-up of plaque around the retainer, which could lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Don’t worry – you don’t have to! Your orthodontist will advise you whether a fixed or removable retainer will be best suited to your individual case and your lifestyle.
You may find your speech changes slightly as you get used to the feeling of your new retainer in your mouth. However, this will be temporary and you will be talking normally before long. You may wish to speak more slowly at first, or read aloud to get your mouth more used to your retainer.
If you have a fixed retainer, this remains in place and cannot be removed. Therefore, you can eat while it is in your mouth, but we advise you to be careful with very hard or sticky foods to avoid causing any damage.
If you have a removable retainer, you need to take it out to eat or drink anything other than plain water. When your retainer is out of your mouth, make sure you store it in a hard container or storage box so it doesn’t get lost or damaged.
You should wear your retainer on a part time basis, usually overnight, for as long as you wish your teeth to stay straight. If you stop wearing your retainer, you risk your teeth moving back into their original positions and undoing all your orthodontic treatment progress. We see many patients who had orthodontic treatment when they were younger but are seeking further treatment due to their teeth moving over time without retention.
by Dental
DesignSite last updated: December 2024
