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Post orthodontic care - keeping your teeth straight

Imagine spending all that time and money on straightening your teeth only to have them move back into their original crooked position. Here at Beachside Orthodontics, we couldn’t think of anything worse. So we make sure it doesn’t happen.

When you come to our practice for orthodontic treatment, part of your treatment journey is the retention phase. This happens at the very end of treatment and ensures your beautifully straight smile remains with you for life.

Post orthodontic care - keeping your teeth straight

The retention phase

What is the retention phase? Many people think that once your braces or aligners have been removed and you have those straight teeth you have always dreamed of, that your orthodontic treatment journey is over.

Close, but not quite.

Rather, the most important phase of your treatment journey is about to start. This is when we issue you with a retainer.

The retention phase

Types of retainers

At Beachside Orthodontics, we offer two different types of retainer and will recommend the best one for you.
On most patients we use both types of retainers, fixed and removable.

Removable Retainers

These look just like a mini mouthguard or an Invisalign® aligner. Custom-made to your teeth, they slot over your newly straightened teeth to keep them in position. They’re clear, so no-one will be able to tell you’re wearing them, and because they’re custom-made, they won’t affect your speech or cause you any discomfort. You’ll need to wear your retainer every night for the first 12 months, then after that you will wear them 3-5 nights a week for the next 12 months. Longer wear of the retainers might be more crucial for certain patients after treatment, the orthodontist will advise if special instructions are required.

Fixed Retainers

These retainers consist of a thin wire, much like an archwire that connects brackets in traditional metal braces, which is fitted to the back of your teeth. It keeps your teeth in their newly straightened position and prevents them from moving. This retainer is fixed permanently to your teeth but doesn’t stop you from eating, brushing or flossing.

Retainers are a vital part of your treatment. After your teeth have moved into position, they need time to settle. Retainers helps to keep your teeth in place during this time.

Cost of retainers

The retention phase of treatment is included in the overall cost of your treatment. There is no additional charge, although if you lose your removable retainer you will need to purchase another one, so look after them carefully.

If you want to find out more about retainers, give the friendly team at Beachside Orthodontics a call today.


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Cost of retainers