Retainers are used after you have had your teeth straightened to ensure that they remain in their new straight position and don’t move back to where they were before. There are two types of retainers available: bonded and removable.
A bonded retainer is a thin stainless-steel wire that is fixed to the back of your teeth for a set time. It’s completely discreet, and unlike removable retainers, you won’t lose them or forget to put them in. Bonded retainers are also very easy to look after and maintain – all you need to do is simply brush your teeth as normal to make sure they stay clean.
Clear and removable retainers are custom-made to closely hug your teeth and stop them from moving. Typically, for the first few days after treatment, you will need to wear them all the time (day and night). After this, you will usually only wear them at night, decreasing to three nights a week. Your orthodontist will tell you when to wear them.
If you have fixed retainers, your dentist or orthodontist will provide guidance on how to clean them (including brushing and flossing advice), as it can also be difficult to reach teeth beneath the wire. To clean your removable retainers, you can gently brush them with a soft toothbrush using liquid soap and water, or our recommended cleaning tablets.
Your retainers will be factored into the total cost of your orthodontic treatment, outlined in your individual treatment plan. You’ll be given your retainer(s) at the end of your treatment. Bonded retainers can be more expensive than removable retainers due to their aesthetic appeal and efficiency.
Get in touch with our friendly team today or book your orthodontic consultation online.