Retainers

Now that you have been provided with retainers, you may have some questions you would like answered.

What are retainers?

Retainers are custom-made appliances that are used to keep the teeth straight. After braces are removed, teeth will want to move back to their original positions. Wearing retainers will stop the teeth from moving back. Teeth have a tendency to move throughout all our lives so if you like the position your teeth now, you will need to wear a retainer for as long as you want them to stay there. This movement of teeth occurs whether we have had braces or not.

What types of retainers are there?

Fixed retainers are skinny wires on the inside of the front teeth.

Removable retainers are made of clear plastic or pink acrylic with a silver wire. Generally, patients will be provided with a combination of fixed and removable retainers.

Vivera retainers are Invisalign's Branded retainers

(These are £450 for a set of 3 upper and 3 lower)

What should I expect when I get retainers?

Fixed retainers will take a few days to get use to. The tip of your tongue will keep playing with the retainer and may get a bit sore. You will also notice that food will get caught in the fixed retainer although this will significantly improve with time.

Removable retainers will cause you to salivate more than normal, you lips, cheeks, tongue and teeth may feel tender and your bite will feel strange. You may also have a slight lisp. All of these issues will usually resolve after a week of wearing them.

When should I wear retainers?

Fixed retainers cannot be removed unless they are cut off by the orthodontist. They will last around 5 to 7 years after which time they should be replaced.

Removable retainers must be worn as prescribed, initially full-time, except for eating, drinking (drinking plain water with them in is ok), cleaning your teeth and sports that warrant a mouthguard. After eating, and before putting in the retainers, ideally brush your teeth, otherwise rinse your mouth or chew sugar-free gum for a few minutes to remove any food debris. Removable retainers usually last a couple of years and then need to be replaced.

How do I care for them?

Fixed retainers can be cleaned using TePe bottle brushes or SuperFloss. They last many years but like all things in your mouth, they need to be checked periodically. Usually, your dentist is able to check them at your regular check up appointments. If the fixed retainer breaks, you may have to see an orthodontist again to have it repaired or replaced and there is likely to be a charge for this. To make sure they last, avoid crunching ice or hard sweets, don’t chew pens or pencils or open packaging or bottles with your teeth. These activities will damage both your fixed retainer and your teeth!

Removable retainers should be cleaned twice a day with toothpaste and a toothbrush. Do not use whitening toothpastes as these will scratch the plastic. Do not expose the retainers to extremes of temperature so no putting in the fridge or boiling water! About once a week you will need to use a retainer cleaner such as Retainer Brite, to keep your retainer looking new. Always put the retainers in a box when they are not in the mouth, even if it is just for a few minutes. Keep retainers away from pets.