When we remove your braces, your teeth will have a tendency to drift back to their original positions. Something we call orthodontic relapse.
Thankfully, we can keep your confident new smile in line with 12 months of aftercare and fixed and/or removable retainers.
Fixed retainers consist of thin wires, which are discreetly bonded behind your front teeth to hold them in place. They’re very unobtrusive and designed for long-term wear to ensure long-term results.
Your fixed retainers should be worn indefinitely and will require very little maintenance. Just make sure you clean around them carefully using special floss or an interdental brush. You should also see your dentist for regular dental health checks and hygienist appointments.
Removable retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth in their new positions. You won’t need to wear your removable retainers day and night, but it’s important to wear them regularly as instructed by your clinician.
Keep your retainers safe in a protective box when you’re not wearing them. For extra peace of mind, we can arrange to have a spare set made for you.
With a little dedication orthodontic relapse should be avoidable. Unfortunately, many of our patients weren’t give the right support the first time round. If this sounds familiar, we have a range of discreet braces that can help. Invisalign Express uses clear aligners to straighten mild orthodontic relapse in just months.
Arrange a complimentary consultation with our friendly and knowledgeable team
Your clinician will advise you on which type of retainer is best for you, but ultimately it’s your decision. Usually we recommend both fixed and removable retainers.
If you misplace or break your retainer, get in touch with the orthodontist or dentist who carried out your treatment as soon as you can. Otherwise your teeth could start to move.
It’s probably a sign that your teeth are moving and you’re not wearing your retainer often enough. Wearing your retainer for longer and more frequently should resolve this problem.
Yes, we can organise a second removable retainer for extra peace of mind.
A fixed retainer shouldn’t affect your speech. A removable retainer could give you a slight lisp, but this should quickly improve.
Yes, you’ll be able to clean in between your teeth using an interdental brush, superfloss or air floss. Your fixed retainer will only be attached to your front teeth, so you’ll be able to clean in between your back teeth using normal dental floss.