Retainers in London

After aligning your teeth, you will naturally want to prevent them from getting crowded again. Retainers help you to achieve precisely this. You can read up on the exact procedure below. We will also gladly provide you with more details in person. We are looking forward to your visit.

Treatment Duration

30 minutes

Price

From £300

Team Experience

50+ years

Recovery Time

None

Google Rating

★★★★★ (4.9)

Written by: Dr Sanjana Sudarshan

Clinically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa

Table of Contents
    Home » Treatments » Retainers

    Retainers in dentistry are orthodontic devices used after completing orthodontic treatment, such as braces. Their purpose is to help maintain the newly achieved position of the teeth. Retainers are typically custom-made from plastic or a combination of plastic and metal wires. They serve several important functions, including stabilizing the teeth, preventing relapse or shifting, and guiding jaw growth if necessary.

    Retainers are usually worn full-time initially, gradually transitioning to nighttime use. Regular check-ups and proper care are essential to ensure their effectiveness in maintaining the desired results of orthodontic treatment.

    Meet your award-winning Retainers dentist and team…

    • We have over 75+ years of combined dentistry experience across our specialist team.
    • 10,000+ treatments performed and counting.
    • We are leaders in the dental industry – we regularly teach, lecture and publish our research work internationally.

    Retainers costs

    Fixed retainer

    Per arch
    From £300

    Repair of fixed retainer

    Per arch
    From £150

    Removable retainer

    Per arch
    From £200

    Invisalign Vivera retainers – 3 sets

    Per arch
    From £600

    Our Expertise

    The clinical purpose of a teeth retainer is to protect the new alignment of the teeth once braces are removed upon successful completion of this initial orthodontic treatment. This purpose is best served by a perfect fit which we are delighted to achieve for our patients through the use of our state-of-the-art technology suite and dental laboratory facilities available to us in-house here at our central London dental practice. We pride ourselves on the delivery of premium multi-disciplinary treatments offered by all of the dentist and orthodontist team who is either registered specialist in their field or hold an in-depth special interest in the treatments they perform.

    The specialist field of orthodontics, including the manufacture of your custom-made teeth retainers for teeth straightening, is another area of dental expertise where we excel in our orthodontist team.

    We provide an integrated treatment plan for all our patients with routine dental appointments, dental hygiene care and the latest advice on saving teeth, replacing teeth, orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, resulting in the highest standards of excellence in treatment outcomes using evidence-based dentistry with a person-centred approach.

    Retainers Before & Afters

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    Retainers reviews

    Find out more about our patients, their treatment and why they chose Wimpole Street Dental Clinic.

    HELEN LI

    Wimpole Street Dental has the highest most ethical standard of work, personable approach, clear and safe procedures, top notch excellence and reliability in treatment provided with utmost professionalism from crème de la crème world class specialists all under one roof.

    Who is suitable for retainers?

    Retainers are suitable for individuals who have completed orthodontic treatment, such as braces, and want to maintain the new alignment of their teeth. They are typically recommended for both teenagers and adults who have undergone orthodontic correction.

    Specifically, retainers are suitable for: Individuals who have had braces or other orthodontic appliances to align their teeth. Those who have achieved the desired position of their teeth and want to prevent relapse or shifting. Patients who have completed jaw growth and reached a stable bite.

    It’s important to consult with an orthodontist to determine the most appropriate type of retainer and the recommended duration of usage based on individual orthodontic needs. Retainers are custom-made to fit each person’s mouth, ensuring optimal effectiveness and comfort.

    What happens during Removeable Retainer Treatment?

    After an initial consultation, we accurately take all the measurements we need for our dental technicians at our in-house dental laboratory to manufacture a custom-made plated appliance often made of plastic with special holding elements attached to it.

    Once the removable retainer is ready to be applied, we will explain exactly how to use it on a daily basis and provide you with all the aftercare information and advice you may need.

    We agree together a schedule of check-ups for you to attend so we can check the fit and monitor how the jawbones and gums stabilise themselves in relation to this new orthodontics device and how it protects the new position of the teeth to prevent significant movement.

    NB: Please note that the overall duration of orthodontic treatment with a retainer varies on an individual case basis but we often recommend using a retainer for as long as you used your braces

    What happens during Fixed Retainer Treatment?

    After an initial consultation, we accurately take all the measurements we need (such as with a teeth impression kit to create a plaster model) for our dental technicians at our in-house dental laboratory to manufacture a custom-made plated appliance for you.

    Fixed teeth stabilisers are attached to the inner sides of the front teeth.

    After a pre-treatment, we attach the wire so it does not exert any pressure.

    We agree together on a schedule of check-ups for you to attend so we can check the fit and monitor how the jawbones and gums stabilise themselves in relation to this new fixed retainer and how it protects the new position of the teeth to prevent significant movement. 

    NB: If the retainers start to exert pressure or to loosen, please book an appointment with us at your earliest opportunity so we can preserve both the form and function of the retainers for you to restore both your comfort and confidence in their daily use.

    Retainers at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic London

    What does a teeth retainer look like?

    Retainers are custom-made removable or fixed dental appliances made of clear plastic or metal used in the specialist field of dentistry called Orthodontics. They can be visible or invisible to you depending on the method of manufacture. They are in essence a moulded apparatus operating like a frame within the mouth designed to protect the new alignment of your teeth and your new smile after the successful completion of braces treatment.

    How long do you wear an orthodontic retainer?

    The duration of wearing an orthodontic retainer can vary depending on the recommendation of the orthodontist and the individual’s specific orthodontic needs. In general, it is advisable to wear a retainer for an extended period to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment.

    Initially, after completing orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist may recommend wearing the retainer full-time, except when eating or cleaning, for a few months. This period allows the teeth and supporting structures to stabilize in their new positions.

    After the initial phase, the orthodontist may modify the retainer wear schedule, typically transitioning to wearing it only at night. This nighttime wear may continue for several more months to a few years, depending on the individual case and the orthodontist’s recommendation.

    It’s important to follow the orthodontist’s guidance regarding the duration and schedule of retainer wear. Failure to wear the retainer as instructed can lead to teeth shifting back towards their original positions, potentially reversing the progress achieved through orthodontic treatment.

    What does a teeth retainer look like?

    Retainers are custom-made removable or fixed dental appliances made of clear plastic or metal used in the specialist field of dentistry called Orthodontics. They can be visible or invisible to you depending on the method of manufacture. They are in essence a moulded apparatus operating like a frame within the mouth designed to protect the new alignment of your teeth and your new smile after the successful completion of braces treatment.

    Why does a retainer hurt my teeth?

    There are a few reasons why a retainer might cause discomfort or pain in the teeth. When you first start wearing a retainer or when it’s adjusted, there may be an initial adjustment period during which your teeth and surrounding tissues need time to adapt. This can result in temporary discomfort that usually subsides within a few days.

    If the retainer feels tight or exerts pressure on the teeth, it can cause discomfort, but this should diminish as you continue to wear it consistently. Incorrect fit or irregularities in the retainer can also lead to discomfort, so it’s important to ensure proper fabrication and adjustment.

    Additionally, if there have been shifts in your teeth or changes in your bite since orthodontic treatment, wearing a retainer may cause temporary discomfort as it helps realign the teeth or correct the bite. If you experience significant or prolonged discomfort, it’s best to consult with your orthodontist. Please book an appointment with us at our dental practice so we can advise and recommend to you the best course of action.

    What is the best teeth retainer?

    The best teeth retainer is the one which offers you the best fit and is fit for your purpose. In addition to your comfort, if they are as aesthetically pleasing as possible then you can rest assured you have chosen the best option for yourself.

    At Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, our orthodontic team offer Vivera and Wire retainer choices for you to consider with your dentist.

    What is a retainer?

    Retainers are a custom-made removable or fixed dental appliance made of clear plastic or metal used in the specialist field of dentistry called Orthodontics. They are the next natural step after braces treatment is complete when the teeth are now straightened in order to preserve the new alignment of the teeth and to guard against potential misalignment in the future. Literally a retainer helps retain the shape of the teeth now treated to restore your beautiful smile.

    Wimpole St Dental Clinic has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

    • Kartal Y, Kaya B. Fixed Orthodontic Retainers: A Review. Turk J Orthod. 2019 Jun;32(2):110-114. doi: 10.5152/TurkJOrthod.2019.18080. Epub 2019 Jun 1. PMID: 31294414; PMCID: PMC6605884.
    • Al-Moghrabi D, Pandis N, Fleming PS. The effects of fixed and removable orthodontic retainers: a systematic review. Prog Orthod. 2016 Dec;17(1):24. doi: 10.1186/s40510-016-0137-x. Epub 2016 Jul 26. PMID: 27459974; PMCID: PMC4961661.
    • Alassiry AM. Orthodontic Retainers: A Contemporary Overview. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2019 Jul 1;20(7):857-862. PMID: 31597809.
    • Dogramaci EJ, Littlewood SJ. Removable orthodontic retainers: practical considerations. Br Dent J. 2021 Jun;230(11):723-730. doi: 10.1038/s41415-021-2893-3. Epub 2021 Jun 11. PMID: 34117427.
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