Retainers

Retainers maintain the beautiful smile created by braces.  Whichever type of brace you decide to have,  retainers are the final phase of any orthodontic treatment.

When your braces are first removed, teeth have a tendency to want to move back toward their original position – called orthodontic relapse.  This happens because some of the more elastic connective tissue in your mouth tries to pull back to its original position.  Retainers help to maintain the new, straightened position of the teeth after the braces have been removed, by holding your teeth in their new position – orthodontic relapse is completely avoidable.  Your orthodontist will advise on whether fixed or removable retainers are best for you.

Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire, which is bonded behind the teeth in order to hold them in their new positions.  These discreet, unobtrusive retainers are designed for long-term wear, and require very little maintenance other than your routine dental and hygienist check-ups.

Removable retainers are custom-made to snugly fit your teeth in order to keep them in their new position.  These clear retainers don’t have to be worn 24/7 but should be worn regularly as instructed by your orthodontist, and cleaned after use by gently brushing them with a toothbrush and rinsing with water.

Interested in finding out more about retainers?

Book a consultation with one our dentists at Queensgate dental today and find out from one of our experts just how a retainer can help you to smile more.