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Retainers
Retention is the process of keeping your teeth straight following successful orthodontic treatment.
When orthodontic treatment has been completed there is a great tendency for the teeth to move out of position again. Teeth continue to move throughout your life and your teeth usually become more crooked as you get older.
Retainers are provided to prevent movement of your teeth when your orthodontic treatment has been completed.
There are two types of retainer provided to keep your teeth in their new positions, removable retainers and fixed retainers.
Removable Retainers
It is usual to have a short initial period of full time wear after which retainers should be worn every night as directed by your orthodontist.
If you do not wear your retainers as directed your teeth will move.
Removable retainers are taken out for meals, toothbrushing, contact sports and swimming.
Some retainers are are made with dental acrylic and wires, these are called Hawley retainers and are generally fitted after NHS treatment.
Your orthodontist will decide which type of retainer is best for your teeth.
If you cannot wear your retainer for any reason, please contact us immediately.
The fee to replace one removable retainer which has been lost, or damaged, is approximately £60-00 on the NHS and between £80 and £120 on a private basis.
Fixed Retainers
These are fitted behind the front teeth to prevent relapse of spacing or significant rotations. Fixed retainers are usually required for at least five years but are often kept in place for life.
Fixed retainers are an additional benefit for patients who have chosen to have private orthodontic treatment. They are expensive to make and fit. You should avoid biting into very hard foods that may damage them.
We recommend that fixed retainers are usually kept in place for life but are only guaranteed for a maximum two years as they are subject to wear and tear.
The fee to repair or replace a fixed retainer is between £90 and £180.
Patients with fixed retainers may also have a removable retainer for occasional night time wear, and for emergencies.
If your fixed retainer breaks or comes loose, please let us know immediately. If you have a removable retainer as well, this should be worn over the broken fixed retainer until you can be seen at the surgery.
Cleaning
Keeping your removable retainers clean with a toothbrush and toothpaste is very important. 'Retainer Brite' can be purchased from our reception desk. These effervescent tablets will help keep your removable retainers clean and fresh.
As well as thorough toothbrushing, flossing of your teeth is recommended. If you have a fixed retainer you should use superfloss or brushsticks beneath the fixed retainer so that the gums are kept in a healthy condition.
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