Retainers - Protecting your new smile in Newcastle

For the best long-term results, we recommend wearing retainers indefinitely. Typically, this means full-time wear (20-22 hours daily) for the first 3-6 months, then transitioning to nighttime wear only. Your teeth will always have a tendency to shift throughout your life, so continued retainer wear is the best way to maintain your ideal smile. Our specialists at our Alnwick, Ashington, and Newcastle practices will create a personalised retention plan for your specific needs.

Contact us immediately if your retainer is lost or damaged. The sooner you get a replacement, the less likely your teeth will shift. We can fabricate a new removable retainer based on your current tooth positions. There may be a fee for replacement retainers, so it's important to care for them properly and keep them in their case when not in use.

Yes, at NEO Orthodontics, your initial set of retainers and 12 months of retention follow-up appointments are included in your treatment costs. This comprehensive approach ensures a smooth transition from active treatment to long-term retention across all our locations in Newcastle and Northumberland.

You should remove your retainers before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Food can damage your retainers, and beverages (especially hot, coloured, or sugary drinks) can cause staining and increase the risk of tooth decay if trapped between your retainer and teeth.

For removable retainers, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water daily. Avoid using toothpaste as it can be abrasive and scratch the retainer surface, making them more visible. You can also use retainer cleaning tablets once or twice a week. For fixed retainers, use interdental brushes and floss threaders to clean thoroughly around and under the wire.

If you haven't worn your removable retainer for a period and it feels tight, this indicates your teeth have begun to shift. If you can still insert the retainer completely, wear it as much as possible for several days until it feels comfortable again. If you cannot insert it fully, contact our team at any of our practices in Newcastle or Northumberland immediately for an appointment.

Without retainers, teeth naturally drift back toward their original positions – a process called orthodontic relapse. This occurs because the fibres that connect your teeth to your jawbone (periodontal ligaments) have a "memory" and pull teeth back to where they started. Only consistent retainer wear can prevent this natural process and maintain your treatment results long-term.

Yes, even if it's been years since you completed your orthodontic treatment, we can provide new retainers. We'll need to evaluate your current tooth positions and may recommend a brief period of alignment treatment if significant shifting has occurred. Contact any of our locations to schedule a retention consultation.