Retainers
Cost £80.00
Are retainers permanent?
The role of retainers is simple, they are used to hold your teeth in position following a treatment. They are crucial as they reduce the risk of teeth becoming crooked or overcrowded again. You must wear them on a long term basis so to achieve the best long-term results since teeth move throughout life.
Why do teeth move after braces?
When you are undergoing orthodontic treatment your teeth are firmly held into position by your braces, however when they are removed your teeth try to go back to their original position which is called an orthodontic relapse. This occurs when the fibres within your gums have become stretched and they try to pull the teeth back into the original position prior to treatment.
The continued growth of jaws can also move the teeth after your treatment but both fixed and removable retainers provided by Oldham Orthodontics can prevent this from happening. Removable retainers are provided for all of our patients at the end of treatment but fixed retainers are only suited to certain people.
We always recommend that you continue wearing your retainers for the foreseeable future after treatment and don’t stop wearing your retainers after a few months. This is so we can guarantee that your teeth will stay in the position they were in on completion of brace treatment.
Both of our fixed and removable retainers are comfortable and discreet. This allows you to keep your teeth retained throughout the day and night with no risk of movement.
What is the difference between a fixed retainer and a removable retainer?
Removable retainers are a thin, clear plastic retainer which are fitted over your teeth perfectly to maintain their position. They are made to be comfortable in your mouth so there is no need to feel concerned about them fitting in with your teeth, gum line and your tongue.
Fixed retainers consist of a thin stainless steel wire which is permanently fitted behind the front teeth prior to the consultation of getting your removable retainers fitted.
If you would like to hear from one of our team of orthodontist’s regarding retainers please don’t hesitate to email us at info@oldhamorthodontics.co.uk or call us on 0161 768 0931
Caring for your braces
How do you take care of your teeth with braces on?
You will need to take extra care of your teeth while wearing braces. This includes being careful about what you eat and following the correct daily oral healthcare routine.
It is vital that you follow our advice on these issues to avoid damaging your teeth and to ensure that we can complete your orthodontic treatment.
Brace care
Damaged braces means an extra appointment to see us and can affect the length of your treatment. The best way to care for your braces is to be careful what you eat and make sure you do not bite too hard.
Avoid particularly hard and chewy foods such as toffee. You can still eat crunchy foods such as apples or carrots, but cut them into small pieces so that you don’t need to bite into them. You should also avoid chewing on fingernails, pens, etc.
If you take part in contact sports such as rugby or martial arts, you must protect your teeth and braces with an orthodontic mouthguard – please ask us for more details.
Cleaning
Taking proper care of your teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment is absolutely vital to avoid problems such as decay and gum disease.
After every meal, you need to clean your teeth carefully using a fluoride toothpaste.
You need to brush around the braces, in between your teeth and where your teeth meet your gums. We will be able to supply you with special brushes to make cleaning easier and more effective. You should also use a fluoride mouthwash after brushing.
Discomfort
It is normal to have tender teeth and/or a sore mouth in the first week or so of wearing braces. This will wear off and can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers.
Pain caused by rubbing can be minimised by using orthodontic wax. If the pain persists, please consult the orthodontist.
Brace repairs
If you have a broken wire, a loose bracket or part of the brace is missing, you need to see us ASAP. Even if you are due to see us, it would be advisable to contact the practice for advice as there may not be time to make repairs during a routine check-up.
If you fail to follow our advice about brace care, you may be charged for repairs or replacement if your brace is damaged excessively or frequently.
Your diet
Your teeth are more vulnerable to problems such as decay during orthodontic treatment. You should avoid sweet and/or sticky foods, and acidic drinks such as fizzy drinks and fruit juices. You particularly need to avoid snacking between meals.
Each time you eat or drink, your teeth are attacked by acids for around 40 minutes, which leads to decay. Your saliva washes this acid away and re-mineralises your teeth, but it needs time to do this. If you snack frequently the acid is never washed away and your teeth become damaged.