Retainers

Once the active period of treatment is completed, your braces are removed. The next step is called retention. Retainers are utilised to hold your teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums and muscles adapt to the new positions. You must wear your retainer as instructed, otherwise your teeth may move toward their original positions and the benefit of wearing your braces will be lost.

Our orthodontist will design your retention regime according to your specific orthodontic needs. There are various options available to suit your lifestyle and treatment requirements. Some people may need retainers for an extended period of time. In some cases, discrete permanent retention may be necessary. The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected.

Retainers fall into two main types, fixed and removable:

Fixed - Bonded Retainers

Removal Retainers

Clear Removable Retainers

Care of Your Fixed Retainer

When considered necessary by our orthodontist you will be fitted with a wire to the back of your bottom/top teeth. This is called a bonded retainer. You will need to keep this extra clean. Please avoid any hard, sticky and crunchy foods if you have been fitted with this type of retainer. If your fixed retainer should break, please wear the removable retainer (provided for you at the same time as your fixed retainer is fitted) full time and contact the practice immediately.

Care of Your Removable Retainer

Each person is different so our orthodontist will recommend to you your personal removable retainer regime. Please follow this carefully to ensure you do not get any relapse.

Retainers are expensive to replace so please take great care of them. Please keep them in a retainer box when they are not being worn. Also bring them to all future appointments.

Why not take advantage of our free initial orthodontic consultation to find out how you may benefit from orthodontic treatment?