Retainers

Helping you to preserve your smile

All orthodontic treatments end with the retention phase. Once orthodontic treatment is complete, teeth tend to move naturally – this is called relapse. When you remove your braces, it is extremely important to understand what to do to prevent relapse. To make sure that your teeth will look as good in years to come as they do on the day your braces are removed, this is crucial.

12-month retention and aftercare

Our private patients are offered a 12-month custom retention program that consists of removable clear retainers for use with or without fixed wires behind the front teeth. After braces are removed, these retention appliances hold the teeth in place and are very easy to wear and maintain.

What types of retainers are available?

We strive to offer as many options as we can to our valued patients. We currently offer the following:

• Vacuum Formed Retainers
• Fixed Bonded Retainers
• Vivera® Retainers

Vacuum Formed Retainers

This removable retainer is made of a clear, thin plastic that is very discreet. During the first four weeks after your braces have been removed, it is necessary to wear your removable retainers 24 hours a day (removing them only to eat and clean). You will then be instructed to wear your retainer at night indefinitely on a reducing schedule we will explain to you.

Fixed Bonded Retainers

Fixed bonded retainers consist of a very fine wire attached to the inside of the upper and/or lower front teeth. Wires like this one are not visible and can reduce the risk of movement and relapse in the tooth position. It is usually placed immediately after braces have been removed and can feel bulky to the tongue for the first few days. It is important to take care when cleaning bonding retainers and biting into hard foods with the front teeth to avoid dislodging the wire.

As a general rule, these wires should remain in place indefinitely or until they need to be removed for maintenance. Wires need to be checked by a dental professional for as long as they remain in place (we do this for the first 12 months after treatment).

Vivera® Retainers

These retainers are similar to vacuum-formed retainers and are made in conjunction with invisalign® treatments. These removable clear retainers are 30% more durable than standard vacuum-formed retainers, with the added benefit of receiving three sets of retainers rather than one.