Retainers
Retainers are orthodontic appliances that keep your teeth straight following treatment. Having your braces removed is exciting, but without proper retention, your teeth will slowly start to move back into their original position.
Why do teeth move after braces?
During orthodontic treatment your teeth are held in position by your braces. Once they’re removed, stretched fibres in your gum try to pull the teeth back to their original position – something known as ‘orthodontic relapse’. It takes time for these fibres to remodel and stop pulling on the teeth.
If your jaw is still growing, that can also encourage your teeth to move once treatment has been completed, which is common in children and teenagers.
To avoid orthodontic relapse, you’ll need to wear a retainer to hold your teeth into their new position. There are two kinds: removable and fixed retainers.
Removable retainers
Removable retainers resemble a thin, clear gumshield, which fits snugly over your teeth to keep them still. You can take them in and out as needed.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers consist of a thin, stainless steel wire which is permanently bonded behind the front teeth. They’re a discreet, fixed way of retaining your new smile.
How long do you have to wear your retainer?
To retain your new, straighter smile, your orthodontist will generally advise that you wear a retainer indefinitely.
A fixed retainer is permanently bonded to your teeth, so you’re assured that your teeth will stay straight. If you have removable retainers, your orthodontist will advise you on how long you should wear them each day.
How much are retainers?
Any costs will be written into your treatment plan, which you’ll see and sign before you go ahead with your teeth straightening. The cost of retainers varies depending on which type you have.
The first step is to book a free* consultation with an orthodontist who will check you’re suitable for braces and talk you through the process.
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
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Find out more
Find out more about retainers, including the different types, how to look after them and costs.
Fixed retainers
Fixed retainers are bonded to your teeth using a thin wire. They’re permanent and discreet.
Removable retainers
Removable retainers are clear, flexible appliances which you can take in and out as needed.
Looking after retainers
Find out how to care for your retainers following teeth straightening treatment.
Cost of braces
Learn more about how much braces might cost and the different options available to you.
Teeth straightening
Learn more about the types of treatment available at Total Orthodontics, including fixed braces and discreet, removable options.
Our orthodontists
*Form Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
