Instructions
for Retainers
Retainers
are required to hold teeth firmly in position while bone reforms around them to
the teeth more firmly in position. If
not worn the teeth will quickly start to move to their original position.
Wear
The
retainers need to be worn all the time for the first two to three days. They
should only be removed for cleaning and if taking part in violent sports. Clear
plastic retainers should be taken out when eating, as you will otherwise chew
through them. Please be careful not to lose them e.g. being thrown away in a tissue or
left on a table!! An NHS fee is payable for a replacement. The fee is currently
£59.40 per retainer.
Night-Time
Wear
After
two to three days wear retainers at night only. If you miss a night it may be
necessary to wear full time for a day or two. The rule is, if it feels tight putting in your retainer it needs to be worn more.
Review
The
retainers and teeth will be checked after 2-3 months. However if there are any
problems or concerns before then please contact the practice.
End
of Treatment
After
a period of night-time wear, if there is no movement, then treatment will be
completed. However we cannot guarantee that the teeth will not move in the
future, the only way to help prevent this would be to continue to wear the
retainers at least weekly. Again the rule is, if it feels tight putting in
your retainer, it needs to be worn more.
Fixed
Retainers
Sometimes it is
necessary to permanently hold the teeth in place. In this case a different type
of retainer is
stuck on behind the teeth. This will need to be worn for a number of years.

© 1999 - January, 2010
Station House Dental Practice