Congratulations on completing your Orthodontic Treatment. Retention after Orthodontic Treatment is as important as the treatment itself. Kindly go through the information below to know more.
What is a Retainer?
Retainers are appliances designed to keep your teeth in their corrected position and it is important that you wear them as instructed. All patients need to wear retainers after treatment. They can either be removable or fixed. We will advise you which retainer you need. The design and duration of retainer wear is unique to each case and should not be compared to others.
How might a removable retainer affect me?
Your speech may be different at first. Practice speaking with the retainer in place e.g. read out aloud at home on your own. Your speech should return to normal within a few days. To begin with you may produce more saliva and have to swallow more than usual. This is normal and should pass after a few days.
Why is it important that I wear a retainer?
Retainers are designed to keep your teeth in their corrected position. If you do not wear the retainers as directed, it is likely that your teeth will move.
How long will I have to wear retainers?
This will vary depending on how your teeth looked before the orthodontic treatment started. However, as a general rule, you will be asked to wear a removable retainer for a minimum of 12 months. We will advise you when to wear your retainer. It is likely that if you stop wearing your retainers there will be some tooth movement. Changes in the position of your teeth can continue throughout life and are part of the normal ageing process. The only way to have permanently straight teeth is to wear a retainer on a part-time basis for life.
Can I remove the retainer?
Yes, if the retainer is a removable type. However, if you have been asked to wear it full-time, then it should only be removed for cleaning, contact sports and swimming. When it is not in your mouth it should be kept in a protective box. Do not click the retainer in and out with your tongue as this can cause it to break or become loose.
What about tooth brushing?
Take the removable retainer out to clean your teeth. It is important that you brush your teeth well for at least 2 minutes, You should also gently clean the retainer with a toothbrush, soap and cold water.
How often will I now need to be reviewed?
You will not need to be seen as often now that the retainers are in place. We are responsible for a retention period check ups for 6 months. After this period, you will have to pay for continuing care or re-treatment as well as for any replacement/repair of retainers. Please bring your retainers with you to each visit.
What do I do if my retainer breaks or I lose it?
Ring up for an appointment as soon as possible. Do not wait for your next review appointment as your teeth may move whilst you are not able to wear your retainers. You may be charged a fee for its repair/replacement.
