Retainers
Wear your retainers to keep your smile straight.
Had your brace removed in the last 2 weeks? If there is a problem with your retainer, please phone us on 028 9045 1303. Teeth can move quickly in the first few weeks after a brace comes off, so we want to sort it out as soon as we can.
Why retainers matter
After a brace comes off, your teeth will try to move back towards where they were. As you get older, the shape of your face and the bone around your teeth also change, so teeth shift naturally – around 1 to 2 mm every 10 to 20 years, always to a worse position.
Wearing your retainers stops this shifting. It also helps protect your teeth from wear if you grind them at night.
If you want to keep your teeth straight, you will need to wear retainers for life. If you stop wearing them, your teeth are likely to move.
The cost of not wearing them
If your teeth move and we did your original braces, for us to treat you again to straighten your teeth it will cost:
Otherwise, our standard private prices apply.
The health service never pays for a second course of treatment.
Removable retainers
Removable retainers (sometimes called Essix retainers) are thin, see-through plastic covers made to fit closely over your teeth. You may have one for your upper teeth, your lower teeth, or both.
Wearing your retainers
- Wear your retainers every night while you sleep – for about 8 to 10 hours each night.
- You do not need to wear them in the day, unless we tell you to.
- If you miss a night and they feel tight, wear them more until they feel comfortable again, and let us know.
The first few days
- They may feel tight. This is normal and shows they are working. It usually settles within a few days.
- Speech: you may have a slight lisp at first. This usually improves within a few days.
Eating and drinking
- Your retainers are only worn at night, so take them out in the morning. Do not eat with them in.
- Take them out when you drink. Drinks can get trapped under the retainer – hot drinks can bend the plastic and sugary drinks can cause tooth decay.
Keeping them clean
- Brush your teeth before you put your retainers in at night.
- Clean your retainers by brushing them gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water.
- Do not use hot water – it can bend the plastic so they no longer fit.
Replacement retainers
Why you may need a replacement
- Retainers need to be worn for life to keep your teeth straight.
- If a retainer is lost, broken or worn out, you will need a replacement.
How much does it cost?
| Replacement retainers | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 retainer (upper or lower) | £105 |
| 1 set (upper and lower) | £210 |
| 2 sets (multi-buy) | £380 (save £40) |
| 3 sets (multi-buy) | £510 (save £120) |
Who checks your retainers?
After brace treatment, you are discharged back to your own dentist. Your dentist checks your retainers at your regular check-ups.
How to get a replacement
- Please go directly to our website to order a replacement retainer, using our Lost or broken retainer form. The costs above apply for a replacement retainer from us.
- Or go back to your regular dentist. They may be able to make replacement retainers. The cost may vary.
Do not wait. If a retainer is lost or broken, get a replacement as soon as possible. Your teeth can move quickly without a retainer.
If your teeth move
- If your teeth move, a retainer may no longer fit. A new retainer will not move your teeth back to their straight position, but it will stop them moving to an even worse position.
- You may then need more treatment to straighten your teeth again (retreatment).
- You can book private retreatment with us if needed. This is not covered by the health service, so private fees will apply.
Save money
- Keep your retainers in their case whenever they are out of your mouth. Never wrap them in a tissue or napkin – they are easily thrown away.
- Never use hot water – it can bend the plastic.
- Keep them away from pets (dogs love to chew retainers).
Problems and what to do
For any problem below: contact us or your regular dentist straight away. Your teeth can move quickly. Bring your retainer to your appointment with us or your regular dentist so it can be checked.
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Cracked retainer | Keep wearing it unless a sharp edge hurts your mouth. |
| Lost retainer | Contact us or your regular dentist straight away. Your teeth can move quickly without a retainer. There will be a charge for a replacement retainer, either with us or with your regular dentist. |
| Worn, split or sharp retainer | A retainer that is worn through or has a split or sharp edge needs replacing. |
| Retainer does not fit | This is often because it has not been worn enough, or you have taken a few nights off from wearing it. Chewies (from our practice or online) can help it sit fully over your teeth. If you have not worn it within the last week, or it was not fitting well, a replacement will need a new scan. A new retainer will not move your teeth back to their straight position, but it will stop them getting worse. |
Long-term care
After you finish brace treatment and get your retainers, you will be discharged back to your dentist, who will check your retainers as part of your general dental appointments. Retainers do not last forever and may need replacing over time.
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Questions about your treatment?
Our friendly team is happy to help. Call us on 028 9045 1303 or send us an email.