Essix Retainers
These keep your teeth in their new corrected position after treatment i.e. after braces are removed. These may be worn just at night after removing the braces but occasionally we may ask you to wear them full time for two weeks if we feel that a any slight movement has started to occur between removing braces and fitting the retainer.
Normally after 6 months the number of these nights can be reduced slightly. We never advise patients to stop wearing retainers as teeth can start to move again at any stage.
Replacing a single lost removable retainer costs at least £60.
Fixed Retainers (private only)
These are very flexible gold or stainless steel wires placed behind adult’s front teeth to prevent the return of specific orthodontic conditions like severe twists and large gaps.
A removable retainer is needed as well as this fixed retainer as a ‘belts & braces' approach.
Expensive to fit, but in combination with a removable retainer they provide an even more rigid means of retention. Ideally, fixed retainers should be on for atleast a year.
Replacing a lost Fixed Retainer usually costs £60-£180.
