Once orthodontic treatment is complete and your teeth have moved into their new position, we must “train” them to stay put or they may move. To do this, we will provide you with a “retainer”. Your retainer will likely come in the form of one or a combination of the following:
A thin, comfortable and discrete wire that will be custom fitted and permanently attached to the back of your upper or lower front teeth
A custom-fitted clear plastic removable plate (like a firmer Invisalign aligner) for your top or bottom teeth.
The most suitable form of retainer for you will be determined by Dr David Austin and recommended in your consultation.
There is always a risk that teeth can move, even without having had orthodontic treatment. However, if teeth have been intentionally moved (as with orthodontic treatment), there is a higher risk of “relapse” or movement. To prevent this, you will be recommended and made a retainer. Retainers are maintenance of the result you have achieved from treatment. For more information, see Retainers and maintenance.
Once you have completed your orthodontic treatment, you will be fitted for a retainer or set of retainers that will hold your teeth in their new position. During this post-treatment phase, we like to see you to check your retainers and the alignment of your teeth. This is about every three months for approximately a year.