Retainers

A retainer is an orthodontic device that keeps your teeth straight after your braces have been removed. It takes a while for your soft tissue and jaw to adapt to the new position of your straightened teeth, so you need a retainer to hold them in place. There are two types of retainer available: Fixed and Removable.

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer consists of a thin metal wire that’s permanently bonded behind your teeth to hold them in place. They’re sometimes known as bonded retainers or permanent retainers.

What are the benefits of having a fixed retainer?

• They’re permanently attached to your teeth, so you won’t need to worry about taking them in and out.
• They’re very discreet as they’re fixed behind your teeth.
• A fixed retainer won’t affect the way you speak.

You’ll need to care for your fixed retainer in a similar way to braces, brushing and flossing with inter-dental brushes carefully to make sure the wire and your teeth stay clean.

We’ll also recommend you visit your general dentist regularly and see a hygienist to make sure your oral heath is in good condition.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers look a bit like a thin, clear gum shield and are custom-made to fit your mouth. They’re made from a durable plastic that’s comfortable to wear.

your dentist will take an impression of your teeth when your braces are removed, so they can make sure your retainer will hold your teeth in this position. You’ll need to wear them for a certain amount of time each day for them to work. Your dentist will advise you on how long this is, but in most cases, you’ll only need to wear them at night.

Caring for removable retainers: Top tips

• Keep them safe: Keep your removable retainer in a case whenever you aren’t wearing it. They can easily be misplaced and you’ll be charged if you need a new one.
• Never use toothpaste: To prevent damage, never use toothpaste to clean your retainer. You should soak it in a retainer cleaning solution (which your dentist will advise you on) once a week, for 20 minutes. You should also brush it gently with a wet toothbrush every day.
• Wear it correctly: If you need to wear your retainer during the day, take it out before eating and brush your teeth before wearing it again. Don’t use it while swimming and make sure to replace it with a gum shield if you play contact sports.
• Avoid hot water: Heat will cause your retainer to lose its shape so don’t leave it out in the heat of sunlight or clean it with hot water.

How much do retainers cost?

Fixed Retainers cost £350 per arch and it costs £150 to repair a fixed retainer.
Removable Retainers cost £120 per arch.