Orthodontic Retainers
Retention After Treatment
Retainers are appliances which look like thin sports mouthguards. They are designed to be worn once your braces have been removed to ensure your teeth stay in position. Retainers are a very important phase of treatment, as without them your teeth could begin to move throughout growth and even in adulthood.
Removable Retainers
These look like a clear mouth guard and are made of a special plastic material. Following treatment they must be worn for at least 12 hours every day, we suggest early evening and all night in bed. After 12 months this can be reduced to night time only but must be continued to ensure teeth do not relapse.
Fixed Retainers
These consist of a thin wire attached to the inside of the front teeth and are a permanent fixture. It is important with this type of retainer to avoid anything hard sticky or chewy to avoid damage. These are not suitable for every patient so must be discussed with the clinician.
Types of Retainers
There are three basic types of retainers:
- Made of metal and acrylic.
- Essix Retainers, made of clear plastic (they look like Invisalign aligners).
- Permanent Retainers, which are glued to the back of your teeth.
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