Orthodontics:
What are retainers?
Retainers are worn after braces to keep your teeth straight and ensure they don’t move back to their original position.
Two types of retainers are available: removable and fixed. After your orthodontic treatment, your dentist or orthodontist will discuss retainer options and provide aftercare advice.
Removable retainers
Removable retainers are transparent, flexible, plastic moulds, custom-made for you.
They typically need to be worn full-time, day and night, for the first few months after treatment. Then usually, retainers are only worn at night, and after a year, this should decrease to one or two nights a week.
To avoid tooth movement, it’s important to follow your dentist’s or orthodontist's guidance on when and how long to wear your retainer.
Fixed retainers
Also known as bonded retainers, a fixed retainer is a thin, stainless-steel wire, which is attached to the back of your teeth and hidden from view.
Fixed retainers are increasingly recommended as a reliable, long-term solution. While removable retainers can be lost or forgotten, bonded retainers are attached to the teeth.
Fixed retainers need to be kept in place for at least two years. They could be worn permanently, depending on their condition.
How much does a retainer cost and how can I get one?
The cost of your retainer will be built into the total cost of your orthodontic treatment, outlined in your treatment plan.
You’ll be given your retainer at the end of your treatment. If you lose or break your retainer there is likely to be a cost to replace it. Speak to your local practice for more information.
How do you care for your retainers?
Removable retainer
- Your retainer should be removed while eating and drinking (except for water).
- To remove your retainer, apply gentle pressure to the back teeth on both sides. Removing your retainer from only one side could cause it to crack.
- Remove your retainers when swimming or playing contact sports. When playing contact sports, you should wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
- To clean your retainer, gently brush it with a soft toothbrush, using liquid soap and cold or warm water. Avoid hot water which could warp the retainer, and don’t brush it with toothpaste as this will dull the plastic. Your dentist or orthodontist may also recommend cleaning solutions, such as Retainer Brite tablets.
- If you spot any damage, please contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Fixed retainers
- Fixed retainers can be more difficult to clean than a removable, plastic retainer. It can also be difficult to reach teeth beneath the wire. Your dentist or orthodontist will provide guidance on how to clean retainers, including brushing and flossing advice. This may include using a floss threader to reach beneath it.
- You may need to avoid or cut down on crunchy, sticky foods which could break or damage the retainer wires. Your dentist or orthodontist will provide guidance.
- If you spot any damage to the wire, or it becomes loose, contact your dentist.
Replacing a lost or broken retainer
If you notice any damage to your retainer, or lose a plastic one, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible.
If lost, your dentist or orthodontist will book an appointment to fit you a new one. If you break your retainer, you may need a new one, or your dentist may be able to fix it.
Why do I need to wear a retainer?
Retainers are essential to keep your teeth straight after braces. Our bodies are constantly changing as we age so, if you stop wearing your retainer as per your dentist’s instructions, your teeth can gradually drift back out of position.
If you stopped wearing your retainer, and your teeth have moved, it is possible to have braces a second time. At a consultation, your dentist or orthodontist can advise suitable next steps.
Whitening after braces
After braces, some patients choose to brighten their new, straighter smile with whitening treatment. Professional teeth whitening can safely and effectively whiten your teeth.
At Bupa Dental Care, two teeth whitening options are available at practices across the UK. These include in-practice whitening, and at-home whitening kits, provided under the guidance of a qualified dentist.
If you have clear aligners and your dentist feels it’s a suitable option, home whitening can be done in conjunction with your treatment, using the last few aligners from your series. This way, you finish your aligner treatment with a beautifully straight, white smile.
Find out more
Braces FAQs
Find out the answers to a range of orthodontic questions.
What to expect
From your first consultation, through to aftercare, find out what you can expect during your orthodontic journey.
Teeth whitening
If you’re interested in teeth whitening, find out more about your options.
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