What is a Retainer and Do I Need One?

Orthodontic retainers have been used for many years as a follow on from orthodontic treatment. Retainers come in a variety of forms and are matched to both the needs of your teeth and your lifestyle requirements. Modern orthodontic retainers look like small clear plastic mouth guards

Retainers are made by making a mould of the teeth; this mould is then used to create a plaster replica of the teeth. Using this replica the retainer can be made and then fitted once produced.

Another form of retainer is a fixed or bonded retainer where a wire is glued to the inside of the top or bottom teeth.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ORTHODONTIC RETAINERS:

• Every orthodontic case needs retainers
• Different types or retainers are available
• Some types are more suited to certain problems than others
• If correctly work retainers will prevent excessive relapse or undesirable change in the treated case
• Retainers should be worn for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight
• Failure to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment will result in tooth movement.

Find out more about retainers or contact us