Looking after your retainer
After your braces have been removed, your orthodontist will give you a retainer so your teeth don’t move back into their original position. It’s really important to look after your retainer so you can maintain your new, straighter smile. There are two types – removable and fixed.
Retainers stay in your mouth for long periods of time, so, if they’re not cleaned properly, they can attract bacteria that forms plaque and tartar. These sticky substances can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Follow our guide to keep your retainers in tip-top condition.
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 orthodontist will advise you on) once a week, for 20 minutes. You should also brush it gently with a warm 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 gumshield if you play contact sports
Avoid hot water: Heat will cause your retainer to lose its shape so don’t leave it in the sun or clean it with hot water
Caring for fixed retainers: Top tips
Keep brushing: Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Make sure you cover all surfaces and pay special attention to the area between your gums and your retainer
Floss daily: Use floss or an interdental brush to clean between the retainer and your gums, as well as between each tooth. Your orthodontist or hygienist will show you how to floss correctly for the best results
See your dentist: Remember to visit your dentist for check-ups as required and see a hygienist regularly for a professional clean
Avoid crunchy foods: Eating hard foods can damage your retainer. Avoid chewy and crunchy food like apples and toffees to prevent any damage
What to do if you lose or break your retainer
If you lose a removable retainer, you’ll be charged for a new one, so it’s important to keep it safe and look after it well. If you break your fixed retainer, you may need a new one or your orthodontist may be able to repair it.
Contact your local practice as soon as possible if you’ve lost or broken your retainer. You’ll need to get a new one as soon as possible so your teeth don’t start moving back into their original position.
If you have any questions about how to care for your fixed or removable retainer, get in touch with your orthodontist and they’ll be happy to give you the answers you need.
“Keep your retainer safe in a case so it doesn’t get lost or broken. Look after it just like you would an aligner- it’s just as important!”- Sarah Ramage, Clinical Director, Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care
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
Retainers
Learn more about retainers and why you need to wear them following teeth straightening treatment.
Removable retainers
Removable retainers can be taken in and out when you’re not wearing them. You’ll generally wear them at night.
Fixed retainers
More about fixed retainers that are permanently bonded to your teeth.
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.
