Retainer Aftercare Instructions

Initially, full-time wear of your retainers is critical because the bone and muscles are adjusting to the new positions of your teeth. You must wear your retainers essentially for 24 hours a day for the first 6 months and only remove them for eating, drinking and cleaning. Then you would have to wear them every night for another 6 months.

In the long term, it is advisable that you continue to wear your retainers for at least 2 nights or more a week forever! If you do not follow this instruction, there is no guarantee that your teeth will remain beautifully straight. The responsibility is yours!

Once you have been given your retainers, it is best to buy a retainer box to keep them in when you are not using them. Never wrap them up in tissue, as they could potentially get lost! If you have a pet dog, you must place them out of reach as, believe it or not, they like the smell of them and tend to chew it! When cleaning your retainers at night, you must clean them gently with a small soft toothbrush and cold water! Or, you could buy a retainer brite product available at reception.

(Small wires glued to inner surfaces of the upper/lower anterior teeth). These retainers are normally prescribed by your orthodontist and can be fixed onto the teeth forever. If, however, you would like them removed, please book an appointment with the orthodontist to remove them. They must be kept clean, and a hygienist visit is recommended to keep them well-maintained to prevent tartar buildup.

Please be aware, as written in your contract of treatment, that there will be a charge of £71.11 for pre-appliance for broken and lost retainers. Please also note that after being discharged by the orthodontist a year after the NHS retention, £100 will have to be paid for repairs or replacements of removable retainers. To replace the fixed retainers, they are £200 each.

If you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the practice.