Retainers in Didsbury
Keep your smile straight for life with custom-made retainers at R&G Dental.
Treatment benefits
Keep your smile perfectly straight with custom retainers designed for comfort and long-term results.
Maintain your results
Retainers keep teeth in their new position after braces or aligners.
Comfortable options
Choose from fixed or removable retainers designed to suit your lifestyle.
Long-term benefits
With consistent wear, your straight smile can last a lifetime.
A simple introduction to
Retainers
Retainers are custom-made devices that help keep your teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment. Whether you’ve had braces or clear aligners, wearing a retainer is a vital step to ensure your smile stays straight and stable for years to come.
At R&G Dental in West Didsbury, Manchester, we provide both fixed and removable retainers, designed for comfort and long-term effectiveness. Each retainer is tailored to your teeth, making it easy to wear and maintain as part of your daily routine.
Patients choose retainers because they protect the results of orthodontic treatment, are simple to care for, and can be made to suit individual preferences. With the right retainer and regular check-ups at our West Didsbury practice, you can enjoy the lasting benefits of your new smile.
Here's How Simple the Process is
A discreet, flexible way to straighten your teeth and boost your confidence.
End of orthodontic treatment
We assess your results and recommend the right type of retainer.
Custom-made retainers
Your retainers are designed to fit your teeth comfortably.
Long-term care
We monitor your progress and provide replacements if needed.
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If you’re looking for a dental practice in Manchester where every member of staff is committed to quality patient care, this is the dentist for you...
Frequently asked Questions
We’ve answered some of the most common questions about this treatment to help you feel informed and confident. If you have a question that isn’t covered here, please get in touch with our team.
What are dental retainers and why are they so important after orthodontic treatment?
Dental retainers are custom-made orthodontic appliances, typically made of plastic or wires, designed to hold your teeth in their new, straightened position after braces or aligners have been removed. They are crucial because, without them, your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions, a process known as relapse. Consistent retainer use ensures your smile remains straight and stable for the long term.
What are the different types of retainers?
There are two main types of retainers:
- Removable Retainers: These are typically worn only at night or for a prescribed number of hours each day. There are two subtypes:
- Hawley Retainers: Made of a metal wire that wraps around the teeth and is embedded in a plastic or acrylic plate that sits on the roof of the mouth or along the tongue-side of the lower teeth.
- Essix Retainers: These are clear, vacuum-formed plastic trays that fit snugly over the entire arch of the teeth, similar to invisible aligners. They are very discreet.
- Fixed (or Permanent) Retainers: These consist of a thin wire that is bonded to the back of the front teeth, usually from canine to canine. They are "fixed" in place and are not removable by the patient.
How should I care for my retainers?
Proper care is essential for both your retainers and your oral health. You should:
- Clean them daily: For removable retainers, brush them gently with a toothbrush and cool water after taking them out. You can also use a non-abrasive cleanser or a special retainer cleaning tablet. Never use toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and scratch the surface.
- Store them properly: When not in your mouth, always keep your removable retainers in their case to prevent them from getting lost, damaged, or gathering bacteria.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before putting your retainers in. For fixed retainers, pay extra attention to flossing around the wire to prevent plaque buildup and tartar.
- Avoid heat: Never expose your retainers to hot water or direct heat, as this can cause them to warp and no longer fit correctly.
