Even after braces or teeth aligners have done their job, your teeth and surrounding bone continue to adapt. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually drift or crowd again, especially in the first months after treatment and as part of normal ageing.

Using a retainer allows the bone and gums to stabilise and prevents the teeth moving back toward their original positions. Wearing your retainer exactly as recommended is critical to protecting the investment you’ve made in your smile.

For the first 6 months after treatment, retainers are typically worn full-time. Do not change your wearing schedule unless instructed by your orthodontist.

Most patients are provided with:
- A clear retainer for daytime wear
- A plate retainer to be worn at night

Your individual treatment may vary, so it’s important to follow your specific instructions carefully. Always bring your retainers to every appointment so we can check the fit and adjust them if needed.

Clear Retainer (Daytime Wear)
Remove your retainer when eating, drinking hot beverages, swimming, playing sport, and brushing your teeth.
Avoid flicking the retainer in and out with your tongue, as this can damage or break it.

Clean daily using:

• A soft toothbrush or cotton buds
• Plain soap
• Cool or warm water (never hot water, as it can distort the retainer)

Do not use toothpaste, as it may scratch the plastic.
Soak your retainer 10–15 minutes a few times a week in Retainer Brite, Polident, or Steradent to keep it fresh.

Always store your retainer in its protective case when not in use. Never wrap it in a tissue or place it loosely in a pocket — retainers are commonly lost or damaged this way.

Clean once daily with a soft toothbrush. Toothpaste may be used for this retainer.
Hold the plate by the pink acrylic, not the wire.
Soak regularly in a denture-cleaning solution if needed.

When not worn, always store it in its case. Night retainers are easily lost, sat on, or damaged, and yes, pets love them too. If you don’t have time to clean it in the morning, leave it in water and brush it later to prevent tartar build-up.

Your upper and/or lower front teeth may also be supported by a bonded retainer, a wire glued behind the teeth. This is an important and highly effective way to maintain alignment long-term.

Daily cleaning is essential and includes:

• Brushing carefully behind the front teeth
• Flossing around the wire (you’ll be shown how)
• Using an inter-dental brush (inter-brush) at gum level
• Optional use of floss threaders

If your bonded retainer feels loose, rough, or different in any way, contact us immediately. Early repairs are usually simple; delaying can cause unwanted tooth movement.