Dental Retainers South Croydon

Retainers are essential in almost all orthodontic cases to help prevent the teeth moving once the braces are moved.

Teeth tend to want to move back towards their original positions (relapse). Also as we get older our teeth move unpredictably, often showing increase in crowding. The longer you wear your retainers the longer you keep your teeth straight. Retainers can either be fixed or removable.

• Clear removable retainers are usually worn 20 hours a day.
• You must not eat or drink with the retainer in place.
• These retainers need replacing after a few months as they lose their tightness.

A fixed (bonded) retainer is stuck onto the back surfaces of your teeth, so it is hidden. You do not need to remember to wear this type of retainer, but you need to spend extra time cleaning it and should it get loose, you should seek advice.