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Retainers
Why Retainers Matter
Retainers are custom-made appliances that hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions after orthodontic treatment. Once your braces or aligners come off, without retainers, your teeth can gradually shift back to their original positions, a process known as orthodontic relapse. Retainers prevent this by keeping everything in place.
At IQ Braces & Faces, we offer two types of retainers, bonded retainers and removable retainers.
Bonded or Fixed Retainers
A thin, discreet wire bonded to the back of your six front teeth, on the top and the bottom. Often referred to as the ‘social six’ as they are the teeth most in view when you smile, so continuous protection is paramount. A bonded retainer offers constant protection against tooth movement.
- A bonded retainer cannot be seen
- It’s permanently attached to the back of the teeth
- No compliance needed, always working, but keep it clean
- Ideal for lower front teeth and high-risk cases
Removable Retainers
These are clear or acrylic appliances worn overnight or as prescribed. They are easy to clean, comfortable, and ideal for protecting against your teeth moving and undoing all your hard work during treatment. Maintain results long-term when worn according to instructions.
- Clear (Essix) retainers or acrylic (Hawley) options
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to remove for cleaning and eating
- Must be worn as instructed, often nightly
How to wear Retainers
Retainers Work Together
A bonded retainer works together with your removable retainer – remember the bonded is not a replacement for your removable appliance. Your bonded retainer provides continuous support for your front six teeth, while your removable retainer helps keep all your teeth in the correct position. Wearing both retainers helps your smile stay beautifully aligned for life.
Wear Them Straight Away
A removable aligner style retainer works in tandem with your bonded retainer and must be worn as instructed by your orthodontist. Straight after finishing treatment, you will need to wear your removable retainer for more extended periods, while your bone and gums stabilise around the new positions.
Needed Indefinitely
As your teeth settle you will not need to wear the removable retainer so often, but please note that to keep your perfect smile, you will need some form of retention indefinitely. Your orthodontist will give you clear instructions as to when to wear your removable retainer and how to look after it.
Keep Them Clean
Bonded or fixed retainers are permanently in place, so you need not worry about remembering to wear it. However, you must keep it clean by brushing thoroughly twice a day as food can become trapped. Always use interdental brushes as part of your hygiene routine, especially around the bonded retainer.
How to Brush Retainers
To clean your removable retainer, gently brush it daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. For a deeper clean, soak the retainer weekly in a special retainer cleaner. Always avoid hot water, toothpaste, and strong chemicals, as these can harm the retainer’s material and alter its shape.
Loss or Breakage
If you lose your removable retainer, or your fixed retainer comes loose, please tell us immediately so we can arrange for a repair or replacement (chargeable). This is very important as if you delay getting a repair or replacement your teeth can move quite quickly. We are always here to help.
Retainers FAQs
How long do I need to wear a retainer after braces or Invisalign?
Most people need to wear a retainer indefinitely at night to maintain results. Your orthodontist will provide a personalised plan.
What’s the difference between fixed and removable retainers?
Fixed retainers are bonded behind the teeth and work 24/7. Removable retainers can be taken out, usually worn at night. Each has its own benefits.
Do retainers hurt?
Retainers may feel snug at first, but they shouldn’t cause pain. Any discomfort usually subsides within a day or two.
How do I clean my removable retainer?
Clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and cool water. Avoid hot water or harsh chemicals. You can also use retainer cleaning tablets.
Can I eat with my removable retainer in?
No, removable retainers should be taken out when eating to avoid damage. Fixed retainers don’t interfere with eating but require extra care with cleaning.
How often should I replace my retainer?
Removable retainers may last 1-5 years depending on care. Fixed retainers can last many years but may need repair or re-bonding if damaged.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Your teeth may start shifting, especially in the first few months after treatment. Long-term, this can undo your orthodontic results.
Can I get a new retainer if I lose mine?
Yes. Contact us as soon as possible to prevent tooth movement, and we’ll arrange a replacement quickly.
Is a fixed retainer visible?
No, it’s bonded to the back of your teeth and completely hidden from view.
What is the difference between chairside vs laboratory made bonded retainers?
The key difference lies in how they are made: ‘chairside’ retainers are created directly in the orthodontic practice, often using a floss-and-composite method with a pre-formed wire. In contrast, ‘laboratory-made’ retainers are crafted in a specialised dental lab using impressions or 3D scans of the patient’s teeth for a highly accurate fit.
Both types of bonded retainers work well, but for maximum precision, comfort, and lasting reassurance, we recommend a laboratory-made bonded retainer. Designed specifically for your teeth and using specialised materials and pre-production heat-treated wires, it offers exceptional stability and durability, and may offer improved long-term stability, helping to preserve your beautifully straight smile.
How much do retainers cost?
Costs vary depending on the type and whether it’s a replacement. We offer transparent pricing and we’ll discuss the cost of retention during your appointment.
Protect Your Smile Investment
A beautifully straight smile deserves long-term care. With the right retainer and expert guidance from our trusted team, you can preserve your results for years to come.
Whether you’re just finishing orthodontic treatment, need a replacement retainer, or want advice on long-term retention, we’re here to help.
Contact Us Today
We’re proud to transform smiles and boost confidence for patients across Woking, Guildford, West Byfleet, Weybridge, and the wider Surrey area.
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