Once your braces come off, you’ll usually go home with one of two kinds of retainers: the first is a fixed retainer, a thin wire glued behind your teeth that stays put around the clock and the second is a clear removable one, a custom-made tray you pop out and back in.
Some people get one type, some get both, and your dentist will recommend whatever suits your teeth best.
The fixed kind is the easy option if you’d rather not think about it, since there’s nothing to remember. With a removable retainer, you’ll need to wear it as advised and look after it when it’s not in your mouth.
Why bother at all? Because teeth have a habit of drifting back to where they started once the braces are gone and the retainer is what holds your new smile in place.
Which retainer is right for me?
It depends on your teeth and your daily habits; your dentist can talk you through the options and help you pick.
What if I lose or crack my removable retainer?
Call us as soon as you can; the sooner it’s replaced, the less chance your teeth have to shift.
Do I really need to wear one after braces?
Yes. Wearing your retainer as advised is the single best thing you can do to protect the result you’ve worked for.
Just finished your braces and unsure which retainer to go for?
Get in touch with YOR Dental at Unit 1 Digital Park, Pacific Way, MediaCity, Manchester (M50 1DR), or call us on 0161 503 0915.
The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face to face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.
