Retainers: The Key to Maintaining Your Perfect Smile After Braces

The final phase of orthodontic treatment is called retention. This is fitted when your brace is removed. The purpose of retention is to maintain the correct alignment of your teeth.

During the process of wearing your brace, your gums and bone tissue around your teeth move or remodel to their new position. Sometimes, the teeth may align more quickly than the soft tissues around them do. Therefore, the teeth may appear to be straight, but once your braces are removed, teeth generally relapse quickly back to their original misalignment.

Retainers are used to keep the teeth in their new alignment and allow time for the soft and hard tissues around the teeth to remodel.

Because human bodies are constantly changing, many patients will need retainers throughout the rest of their lives. The only method to maintain your new alignment is the consistent use of retainers.

Types of Retainers:

1. Removable Vacuform ‘invisible’ Retainer: Covers all the teeth with clear plastic. It is called a vacuum-form retainer because, when it is made, a vacuum is used to suck the plastic onto the mould of your aligned teeth. It is an excellent retainer for holding spaces closed and a good cosmetic retainer option. It needs to be worn every night. Due to its thin, aesthetic plastic, this retainer deteriorates at a faster rate than other retainers and therefore may need to be replaced more frequently.
2. Fixed/Permanent Retainers: Customised wires are bonded onto the back of the aligned front teeth. Excellent for maintaining the position of the front incisor teeth only after orthodontic treatment. Extra care must be taken to brush and clean between the teeth to prevent further dental problems. This type of retainer is susceptible to breakage and therefore may frequently need repair.

Ready To Protect Your Beautiful New Smile For Life?

At our trusted private dental clinic in Belfast, we offer expert orthodontic retention solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you need a discreet removable retainer or a secure fixed option, our team is here to ensure your teeth stay perfectly aligned for years to come. Don’t leave your results to chance—contact your experienced private dentist in Belfast today to discuss your retention plan and keep your smile looking its best.