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Retainers are custom-made devices used to keep your teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment. Without retainers, teeth can naturally move over time, so wearing them as advised is essential to maintain your new smile.
There are two main types of retainers. Removable retainers are clear, custom-made trays that fit over your teeth and are typically worn at night. These are provided for all of our patients and must be worn as instructed to be effective. Fixed (or bonded) retainers are thin wires fitted behind the front teeth to help hold them in place. These are provided as standard for our private patients.
Fixed retainers are also available to NHS patients as a separate private treatment, following a 3-month cooling-off period after NHS treatment is complete.
At Contour Orthodontists, we recommend using both fixed and removable retainers together, as this offers the best long-term protection against your teeth moving after treatment.
Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment, helping to keep your teeth in their new position once your braces or aligners have finished. Teeth can naturally move over time, so without retainers, they may begin to shift back towards their original position.
Wearing your retainers as advised will help maintain your results and protect the investment you’ve made in your smile.
Retainers are an essential part of keeping your teeth in their new position after treatment. If your removable retainer is lost or broken, please contact the practice as soon as possible so we can arrange a replacement. Without retention, teeth can begin to move, and further treatment may be needed to correct this.
If your bonded (fixed) retainer becomes loose, breaks, or feels sharp, please get in touch to arrange an appointment with one of our orthodontic therapists. In the meantime, continue to wear your removable retainers if you have them.