Retainers are used after you have had your teeth straightened to ensure that they remain in their new straight position. It essential that retainers are worn as recommended by your Harley Street orthodontist in London, in order to ensure you continue to enjoy your new, straighter smile.
There are 2 main types of retainer available:
Retainers are used after you have had your teeth straightened to ensure that they remain in their new straight position. It essential that retainers are worn as recommended by your Harley Street Dental & Implant Clinic dentist in London, in order to ensure you continue to enjoy your new, straighter smile.
There are 2 main types of retainer available:
A bonded retainer is fixed/bonded to your teeth and is not removable. It is fixed to the inside of your teeth so it is completely discrete. As bonded retainers are a permanent fixture, your teeth will stay in their new positions and will not be able to move back to where they were before. Bonded retainers do not require any special looking after, they are very easy to clean. You will simply need to brush your teeth as normal to make sure they stay clean.
Removable retainers can easily be taken out by the patient. The removable retainer functions in the same way as bonded retainers but they are not as discrete.
We recommend that you wear your retainer for 20-22 hours a day, and that you only take it out to eat, drink and brush your teeth.
Your local London dentist will discuss your need for retainers, and advise how long you should wear these each day (for removable retainers). Should you have any other questions, please get in touch on 020 7935 2249.
Removable retainers can easily be taken out by the patient. The removable retainer functions in the same way as bonded retainers but they are not as discrete.
We recommend that you wear your retainer for 20-22 hours a day, and that you only take it out to eat, drink and brush your teeth.
Your local London dentist will discuss your need for retainers, and advise how long you should wear these each day (for removable retainers). Should you have any other questions, please get in touch on 020 7935 2249.
Orthodontics
What is a retainer?
Retainers are fitted at the end of orthodontic treatment after the braces are removed. Retainers are designed to minimise unwanted movement of teeth after orthodontic alignment ie. relapse. Retainers normally need to be worn indefinitely, as long as you want your teeth to remain straight. Retainers can be either removable or fixed onto the teeth and there are different types of retainers. The choice of retainer is affected by a number of different factors and your orthodontist will explain which retainer is best for you. Sometimes you will be recommended to wear more than one type of retainer to reduce the chances of relapse.
Will my teeth get marked or discoloured during orthodontic treatment?
If a patient does not take proper care food and plaque can build up around braces and cause tooth decay, gum disease and/or white or brown marks (decalcification) on the surface of the teeth. These marks are permanent and cannot be removed later! To prevent these from happening it is essential to brush the teeth carefully, avoid foods and drinks with a high sugar content and use a fluoride mouthwash daily. The brace itself does not cause the marking on the tooth surface.
If you're ready to book a consultation with an orthodontist in Harley Street, get in touch today.
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