Retainers – long term care

Though we have been supervising your retention up to now, we would like to explain how you can take over this responsibility and look after the retainers yourself.

The important thing to remember is that teeth move continually throughout life, so the only way to ensure that they remain straight is to wear the retainers indefinitely.  Some patients have more stable teeth than others, but it is quite easy for you to monitor your own progress.

If the retainers have not been worn for a few nights and then feel a little tight when you put them in, this is because the teeth have moved a little.  It is best, therefore, to wear them more often.

If the retainers do not feel tight, having been left out for a few nights, you can assume the teeth have hardly moved.  In this case you could try reducing the number of nights they are worn.  Keeping to a regular pattern, such as one specific night a week, will help you to remember to wear them.

If these instructions are not followed, the teeth may move too much for the retainers to fit and then the only way to straighten the teeth again is to put the braces back on!  Re-treatments are generally not possible on the NHS and may only be available privately.

It is obviously important to make sure the retainers are well fitting and in good condition.  Just wear them at bedtime, do not eat with them in and do not wash them in hot water.  The best cleaner is Retainer Brite, toothpaste is best avoided as is too abrasive.

If you have any problems contact the Practice immediately on 01992 560 456.  Sooner or later the retainers may need replacing.  The cost of retainers is currently about £60 each.