Specialist Orthodontic Services in Glasgow and West Dumbartonshire
Retainers
Retainers help keep teeth straight after orthodontic treatment. At Milngavie Orthodontics, we provide solutions tailored to each person’s needs.
What are retainers?
Retainers are devices made to hold your teeth in their new position after braces or aligners. They can be fixed in place or removable, depending on what is best for you.
What are retainers used for?
Retainers are mostly given after orthodontic treatment to keep your teeth from moving back. You might need a retainer in these situations:
Fixed vs removable retainers
Both types of retainers hold teeth straight, but they work a bit differently. It's not uncommon for them to be used together too for the best result.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers are thin metal wires fitted behind your teeth. They are not seen when you smile. Fixed retainers stay in place all the time and work well for long-term stability. Extra focus on cleaning is needed around these wires. You must still wear a clear retainer over the wire to prevent tooth movement. These types of fixed retainers are suitable for people with spaces or rotated teeth.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are clear devices you take out for eating or cleaning. They are worn mainly at night. These are transparent and usually less visible. Removable retainers work best when you follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing them.
Why patients choose Milngavie Orthodontics for retainers
Families in west Scotland trust Milngavie Orthodontics for retainers because of our specialist experience and personal care. We only offer custom retainers, taking the time to find what suits your mouth and lifestyle best. Patients get reliable follow-up and clear advice, with support from a team that’s here for the long term.
Our patients benefit from
Common questions about retainers
Wearing retainers is a big part of keeping your new smile. Here are answers to the questions we hear most in our practice.
Retainers are the key to holding on to your straight smile. If you have questions or need support, Milngavie Orthodontics is ready to help you keep your results for the long term.
Yes. If you want your teeth to stay straight, it is important to wear your retainers as your orthodontist tells you. Most people wear retainers full-time at first, then switch to nighttime use.
At our practice, we offer two main types. Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded behind your teeth. Removable retainers are transparent and can be taken out for eating and cleaning.
For removable retainers, gently brush them with a toothbrush and rinse under cool water. Do not use hot water as it may warp them. Keep them in their case when not in use. For fixed retainers, take special care to brush behind the wire and use interdental brushes to clean around it.
Always remove your retainer for eating, drinking anything except water, brushing, or swimming. Keep it in the case when you’re not wearing it so it does not get lost or damaged.
Most people will need a retainer for as long as they want to keep their teeth straight. The first months after orthodontic treatment are most important but lifelong wear at night is usually recommended.
If you skip wear for a day or two, your teeth may start to move. If the retainer feels tight or doesn’t fit, call your orthodontist as soon as possible.
Yes. Contact us right away so we can arrange a replacement retainer for you and help keep your teeth in place.
Most people speak normally with braces. You may have a slight lisp for a few days, but this usually passes.
Retainers should not cause pain. You might feel a bit of pressure at first, but this settles after a few days.
Request your Smile Evaluation
Have you ever thought about straightening your teeth but unsure how it would look?
At Milngavie Orthodontics, you can see how Invisalign would change your smile before you commit to treatment.