Retainers
When treatment is over and your brace is removed you will need retainers. These prevent the teeth from moving while your teeth and gums settle.
Teeth tend to move during the first six-12 months from removing the brace. After this period teeth become firmer in their new position. Slight movement of the teeth is inevitable, and can only be stopped by wearing retainers.
Removable retainers
These retainers are similar to removable braces. They have a plastic base held in place with wire clips on the side of the teeth. There is also a wire that runs around the front teeth to support them and hold them aligned. It is fairly normal to wear these full time for a while, then to reduce to night time, eventually cutting down to jus one or two nights a week.
Fixed retainers
These retainers are a thin but strong wire, held firmly in place behind the front teeth with small pieces of white filling material. They are convenient and successful at preventing even slight movement. They are suitable for long term wear.
Advice on your retainers
Your retainer has been specially designed to hep maintain the improvements we have achieved together. Shortly after the braces are removed, the teeth can shift as they are used. The teeth will need support, and your co-operation in wearing your retainer as directed will be important.
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Your retainer should be worn as directed all the time. It can be removed for special circumstances such as meals, brushing or active sports, but try to wear it as much as possible. As the bite stabilises, the hours required are often reduced.
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Certain teeth may feel pressure and become sore for a couple of days. This is normal and happens because the retainer is adjusted to make minor improvements in the bite, such as space closure or moving a tooth.
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Brush your retainer with toothpaste and cool water after every meal. A fresh and clean retainer is healthier and more comfortable. Soak in Retainer Brite once each week.
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Your retainer is durable, but needs ‘tender loving care’ in order to do its job:
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Please do not bend the wires. Excessive flipping of the retainer with the tongue causes premature wire breakage.
Store it in the case when not in use! Do not leave it where it might be damaged, thrown away, bent, broken or played with by small children or pets.
Please keep your retainer away from heat or hot water. Unfortunately, plastic can warp or distort, making your retainer lose its fit.
A damaged or lost retainer may have to be replaced. The NHS will not pay for another retainer and you will have to pay the full cost of the appliance.
If for some reason you cannot wear your retainer as suggested, please let us know so that the adjustments can be double checked. We want to do everything possible to help you succeed in this important final phase of the treatment.
As we grow and mature, everything undergoes change. Some minor shifting and settling of teeth is expected. Proper retainer wear will keep these changes to a minimum.
If you have any questions regarding your new retainers, please feel free to ask.
And thank you in advance for your help and co-operation.
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