Keeping your teeth straight after treatment

Retainers are for life. Irrespective of your chosen treatment option, you will need to wear retainers at the end of treatment. Keeping your teeth straight is a very important part of your orthodontic treatment, and retainers are designed to keep your teeth in their new straighter positions for the long term. All our patients will finish treatment with a removable or fixed retainer, and it is vital you wear them as instructed or your teeth may move.

Which type of retainer is suitable for me?

If your gums are healthy and not puffy at the end of your treatment, you will be given the choice of a clear retainer or a Hawley retainer.

Clear retainers

Virtually invisible clear retainers are a popular choice for their aesthetic benefits. They are also thin, comfortable and fitted exactly to your teeth. The retainers can be easily removed for eating and brushing your teeth, but this does make them easier to lose or break.

Clear retainers should be worn all the time for the first two days, apart from eating, drinking and brushing, and then worn every night after this.

Hawley retainers

Removable Hawley retainers are adjustable and durable, lasting for many years. They are made of plastic with a metal wire and can be personalised with a variety of colours. The retainer is more noticeable than the clear option, with the metal wire visible on the front of your teeth.

Hawley retainers should be worn all the time for the first four months, only being removed for eating, drinking and brushing your teeth. They can then be worn overnight while you sleep.

Retainer care

Please ensure you look after your retainer. When it is out of your mouth, it should be stored safely in a hard container for maximum protection, rather than wrapped in tissue or put in your pocket where it can be easily lost or broken.

The only way to keep your newly straight teeth in their new positions permanently is to wear your retainer every night for life. If you do not wear it correctly, or stop wearing it, your teeth can gradually move back to their original place.

If your retainer is broken or lost, you can order a new retainer by calling the practice on 01784 273880.

Patient testimonials

Absolutely incredible, at every appointment the orthodontists were lovely and the building has such a nice atmosphere. The results for my daughter were life changing!

I have recently finished having my Invisalign braces course. I am really pleased with the outcome and love to smile now. Trevor and his team give you a personal experience and I would recommend. Thank you!

Absolutely incredible, at every appointment the orthodontists were lovely and the building has such a nice atmosphere. The results for my daughter were life changing

Both my children had braces fitted and have now moved on to retainers. We are more than pleased with the outcome and the brilliant work done by the team at Cygnet.