English
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
EspañolDuring your treatment, your teeth are held in position with the brace or aligner, so when these are removed, your teeth will try to move back to their original position. After your orthodontic treatment is completed, you’ll need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back. Retainers allow your teeth to stabilise so they stay in the new, straight position.
Types of retainers: removable and fixed
- Removable retainers are made from a clear, thin plastic that fit over your teeth. We take impressions after your orthodontic treatment and use these to create your bespoke retainers. Removable retainers are completely comfortable
- Fixed retainers often consist of a wire that is fixed to the back of your front teeth. These are normally attached as soon as the treatment has reached a conclusion to make sure there is no shifting.
How long do you need to wear a retainer?
The thinking around how long you need to wear a retainer is split amongst dental professionals. Usually, teeth stabilise after a few months but they can still move slightly over time. However, many dentists agree that you should wear your retainer for as long as you want your teeth to remain straight. In many cases, this means that wearing a retainer is a lifelong commitment.
What to do if you’ve lost or broken a retainer
The best thing to do is to get in touch. We can arrange to get a replacement made for you.
