NEWS : Practice manager of the year

Orthodontics
Appliance choices
    Steel S.W.A. fixed appliance
    Self-ligating appliance
    Tip-Edge fixed appliance
    Ceramic fixed appliances
    Lingual fixed appliance
    Simple fixed appliances
    Invisalign appliances
    Removable appliances
    Functional appliances
    Head-gear
    Removable retainer
    Fixed retainer
NHS Treatment
Private Treatment

Removable Retainers

Once the active phase of every orthodontic treatment is completed, retainers must be used to hold the newly straightened teeth in position whilst the surrounding gums and bones settle.  The retainers may be fixed or removable depending on each patient's treatment, i.e. which type of tooth movement is being retained.

There are two main types of removable retainer:

Bristol Orthodontics - Practices dedicated to Orthodontics
 
Bristol Orthodontics - Practices dedicated to Orthodontics
Vacuum Formed Retainer

This is made from thin plastic and used to retain tooth alignment. It is usually worn full-time for the first week and then just at night-time.

Click here to see how this appliance is made.

 

Hawley Retainer

A removable retainer made from wire and acrylic used to retain tooth alignment and arch expansion.

This is normally worn full-time for the first 3-6 months and then just at night-time.

Click here to see how this appliance is made.