If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment at the moment, it’s highly likely that your dentist will talk to you about retainers as the completion date of your current treatment approaches. Retainers are orthodontic appliances, which play an integral role in the success of orthodontic therapy.

What exactly is a retainer and why is it so important?

A retainer is an orthodontic appliance, which is used after your braces have been removed. The aim of the retainer is to hold the teeth in their new position. Without a retainer, there’s a risk that the teeth will continue to move, undoing the good work achieved by your braces over the last few weeks, months or years. Retainers are discreet and they will prolong the results of your treatment. Retainers are incredibly important because they prevent relapse. If you wore braces for a long period of time, took them off and then carried on with life as normal without wearing a retainer, there’s every chance that your teeth would move, and that beautiful new smile may not look as perfect as it did when your braces were taken off. Using a retainer preserves the look of the smile, and it reduces the risk of having to undergo repeat treatment.

Retainers can be fixed or removable. In the case of fixed retainers, they are usually applied to the back of the teeth so that they cannot be seen when you smile.

When you have braces, your dentist will talk to you about retainers, discuss your options, and tell you all about why it’s so crucial to use this appliance after treatment. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Retainers can make the difference between beautiful straight smiles, and results that don’t last. If you’d like more information about retainers, or you’re keen to get advice about looking after your smile after braces, we’ll be happy to help.