After treatment

Retainers

The last part of any orthodontic plan, and the piece that stops your teeth creeping back.

A girl holding a clear removable retainer

Retainers explained

Teeth have a memory. After braces or aligners come off, the fibres around them tend to pull them back towards where they started. A retainer holds everything steady while the teeth settle, and wearing it as instructed matters as much as the treatment itself.

There are two main types. A bonded retainer is a fine wire fixed behind the front teeth. A removable retainer is a clear tray you put in, often at night. Your orthodontist will suggest one, or a mix of both, depending on your teeth.

You do not need to have been treated with us to get a retainer here. We take a detailed scan, have your retainer made to fit, and show you how to wear and clean it.

What it offers you

Reasons patients choose it

01

Keeps teeth still

Stops straightened teeth drifting back towards their old position.

02

Bonded or removable

A hidden wire, a clear tray, or both, chosen for your teeth.

03

Accurate fit

Made from a detailed digital scan so it sits comfortably and securely.

04

Support over time

Advice on wear, checks and replacements for years to come.

Step by step

How treatment unfolds

A Specialist Orthodontist oversees each stage, from the first scan to your retainers.

  1. 1

    Scan

    A detailed scan of your teeth is used to make a retainer that fits closely.

  2. 2

    Fit and routine

    We fit your retainer and set out a clear wearing routine.

  3. 3

    Checks and replacements

    Return for reviews, and for a new retainer if yours wears or breaks.

A woman smiling as she holds her clear retainer
Your questions

Questions we are often asked

Is a retainer for life?

For lasting results, most people keep wearing a retainer long-term, often just at night. Your orthodontist will set out a routine for you.

I have lost my retainer. What should I do?

Contact us promptly. Teeth can start to shift quite quickly without one, so a fast replacement gives you the best chance of keeping your result.

Should I choose a bonded or a removable retainer?

Each has its strengths, and plenty of patients wear both. We will recommend what suits your teeth and lifestyle.

Book your consultation

Protect the work your teeth have done

Arrange a retainer appointment in Sevenoaks, whether you need a first retainer or a replacement. We will recommend the best type for your teeth.