Retention

  

At the end of treatment, the teeth need to be held in the finished position to allow the fibres in the gums to remodel in the new position. This only starts once the braces are off and can easily take up to 18 months to complete. So retention is essential and as important as the active treatment.

There are two main types of retainer:

 

Removable Retainers: The most commonly used, are very thin clear mouth-guard type plastic; or a plastic plate which fits around the inside of the teeth and has metal clasps to keep it in. For the first few days your teeth may be tender in the morning.

 

Fixed (bonded) Retainers: Use a small wire attached behind the top or bottom front teeth with special glue. They are not visible from the front. One advantage is that they are always there. But it is necessary to make sure you clean around them as part of your normal brushing, and always avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods. Providing you take constant care, and get them regularly checked at your dentist, they can last many years and maintain the alignment we have achieved with treatment. We only provide this type of retainer on a private basis. (See Fees).

 

Retainers will need to be worn every night  for a minimum of 18 months, after which they need to be worn at least a couple of nights a week  until your wisdom teeth have erupted fully. Life long wear is recommended to maximise retention of the finished alignment. Teeth will move as a normal ageing process, whether braces have been used or not. If no movement of your teeth is important to you, I advise a life-long commitment to retainer wear is essential.

If retainers are not worn, the teeth will move and the correction achieved will be reduced.

  

Broken or lost Removable Appliance/Retainer

 

Contact Reception at the earliest opportunity to discuss whether an unscheduled appointment is needed for a repair or replacement appliance and any associated costs involved. In the meantime if possible continue to wear the appliance as directed.

 

Broken or partly unstuck bonded retainer

 

Contact Reception at the earliest opportunity for an appointment to review the situation and be given options. In the meantime, wear your removable retainer full time to cover any uncomfortable parts and keep the teeth fully aligned until you can get to see us.

 

If you have a problem with the wire within the first year and tamper with it, cut the wire or remove the whole or part of the wire, there maybe a charge for a new retainer.

 

Even with excellent compliance some settling can be expected.  

 

BOS video on retainers - Why retainers are so Important

 

BOS video on retainers - Hold That Smile

 

 

Peachcroft Orthodontics is a small, friendly and family run Specialist Orthodontic Practice based in Abingdon. Our Specialist Orthodontist, Rosemary Garton, and her experienced team have been providing all aspects of Orthodontic care since 1999.

Contact Details

Peachcroft Orthodontics
Peachcroft Shopping Centre
Peachcroft Road
Abingdon
OX14 2QA
Tel: 01235 559269

info@pcortho.co.uk

Out of hours emergency contact number:
NHS England: 111