Orthodontic retainers at Orthosmile

Name: OrthoSmile
Telephone: 020 7602 2200

Applicable to existing patients at Orthosmile only*

Once we remove your appliance and unveil your stunning new smile, the most important part of orthodontic treatment is just beginning: the retention phase. Our team will provide you with a custom retainer so you can enjoy your new smile for years to come.

Why do I need to wear a retainer?

Retainers prevent your teeth from moving back to their pretreatment positions. If you want to keep your beautiful smile results, it’s important to follow the instructions of your Specialist Orthodontist closely and wear your retainer as directed.

You will usually start with full-time wear and then switch to nighttime-only wear when your Specialist Orthodontist thinks your smile is ready.

Types of retainers we offer

We offer a few types of custom fixed and removable retainers for our patients at Orthosmile. These include:

Hawley retainers

These are clear, plastic plates that can be removed for contact sports and other activities. They clip in behind your teeth with a thin metal wire across the front of your smile. They are what most people picture when they think of retainers.

Invisible retainers

These are clear trays that look about like Invisalign® clear aligners. They are barely noticeable when worn, and can be removed for meals and regular oral hygiene. At Orthosmile, we offer both Trutain and Essix invisible retainers.

Fixed retainers

This is a thin wire that is fixed to the back surface of your teeth. A fixed retainer is completely hidden from view, and you don’t need to worry about losing it. That being said, you need to pay special attention to cleaning your retainer to prevent plaque buildup.

How to care for your retainer

If you have a fixed retainer, our team will show you how to clean around it properly. If you have a removable container, you have a few more things to consider when taking care of your appliance. To ensure your removable retainer lasts you as long as possible, you should:

Remove it for mealtimes
Always place your retainer in its special case when removed
Never put your retainer in a napkin (it’s too easy to throw away)
Keep your retainer away from hot places (sunny windowsill, hot water, laundry machine etc.)
Keep your retainer away from pets
Wash your retainer every time you brush your teeth - using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Alert our team immediately if your retainer is lost or damaged

Ready to take the next step?

In order to receive your custom retainer, you need to finish orthodontic treatment first! Book a consultation with our specialist team in Kensington, Earl’s Court or Hounslow to get started.

Book a consultation