FAQs - Retention

There are several different types of retainer but they all do the same job, and that is to hold the teeth in their desired position once they have been straightened. There are removable and fixed options available to all of our patients and this can be discussed further with a member of the team on 01920 710880.

Removable retainers are the most widely used type, they are custom made clear plastic trays made to fit your teeth and hold them in the correct position. This is achieved through nightly wear.

Fixed, or bonded, retainers are another popular option with our patients, they are small wires shaped to fit behind the upper and lower front teeth to hold them in place and prevent the teeth from moving.

At Contour Orthodontists we recommend a combination of both fixed and removable retention as the best way of ensuring the teeth do not move once treatment is complete.

Retainers are what stops your teeth from moving again once orthodontic treatment is complete. Put simply if you do not wear your retainers after treatment it is very likely your teeth will move out of line and re-treatment would be required to straighten them again. This would come at extra cost to you, as an investment both financially and of your time.

Retainers are a very important part of orthodontic treatment, so if you have lost or broken your removable retainer you should contact the practice as soon as possible to arrange for a replacement to be made. If the teeth are left without any form of retention for a prolonged period the teeth will begin to move and further re-treatment may be required to straighten them again. If you notice your bonded retainer (fixed) has come away from your teeth or it feels sharp to the tongue you should contact the practice to arrange to have it checked by one of our specialist orthodontists and continue to wear your removable retainers in the meantime.