Retainers

Retainer wear will minimize movement and help keep that beautiful smile.

Wearing a retainer - what to expect

Fitting your retainer

You will require two appointments on the day your braces are removed. One to remove the braces. a second appointment will be needed at least 3 hours later to fit the retainers.

We ask that you wear them full-time for the first six weeks, and then every night after that.

In some cases, you may also have a fixed wire placed on the back of your lower front teeth (lingual wire), and occasionally, we may place a wire on the back of your upper front teeth.

Gradual Shifts

The retainers you have been given retain / hold the result you have achieved, that new smile with straight, correctly positioned teeth.

Until today, your teeth have been moving as the appliances repositioned them. After appliances are removed, the teeth are mobile because they have not been in one position long enough for any new bone to form around the roots.

Your retainer holds your teeth still so that new bone can form around the roots and the teeth then stabilize in the correct positions.

Lost or damaged retainers

If you've lost or damaged your retainer -

Please visit the practice and hand in your original models (given to you on the day your braces were removed) of your teeth at reception.
Be sure to let us know whether you need an upper or lower retainer.
Once the retainers have been produced by the laboratory (normally 3-5 days), you will receive a phone call or text to advise you that they are ready for collection.

If you no longer have your original model, you’ll need to contact the practice to book a scan of your teeth so we can produce a new retainer. Please note: there is a fee for both the scan and the retainer production.

Once the retainers have been produced (normally 3-5 days), you will receive a call or text to advise you they are ready for collection.

Retainer allowance

As part of your treatment, you will be entitled to three sets of retainers and up to one year after treatment ends.

Any additional retainers beyond this allowance will incur a fee.

Getting the most from your retainers

Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years!

Place retainers into a clean mouth.
Wear your retainer at all times, until your Orthodontist instructs otherwise.
Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors.
When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew on them!
Initially, you may find it difficult to speak.
Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it faster.

Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.
If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or you believe it needs adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
Bring your retainer to ALL appointments.
Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
Remember, if retainers are not worn as advised, re-treatment may be needed. In this situation a further fee is chargeable!

You're in safe hands at Galway Braces

Over 40 years experience

Treatment & Expertise

We utilize cutting-edge technology and take pride in staying at the forefront of advancements in orthodontics by regularly attending conferences and training courses.

Smiling teenage girl pointing to her braces

Convenient Payment Plans

Interest free payment plans

Interest free payment plans over the course of treatment.
Family discounts available for more than 1 family member in treatment.