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Dr Vikas PrinjaTheLondonDentistThe London Dentist

Instructions

Retainer care

Retainers hold the result of orthodontic treatment. Teeth continue to move throughout life, so retention is long-term — wear your retainers as instructed and have fixed retainers checked at every review.

Call the practice if

  • A removable retainer no longer seats
  • A fixed retainer feels loose, sharp or has debonded
  • You have lost a retainer — replacement should be arranged quickly
Contact the practice

Removable retainers

  • Follow the wear schedule you were given; it usually reduces over the first year and then continues at night indefinitely.
  • Rinse in cool water after wear and brush gently with a soft brush and soap.
  • Never use hot water, and never leave a retainer near a radiator or in a car.
  • Store in the case, not in a napkin — most lost retainers are thrown away with food.

Fixed retainers

  • Clean underneath the wire daily with superfloss, an interdental brush or a floss threader.
  • Have the bond checked at every routine visit — a detached section can allow a single tooth to move.
  • Report any loose, sharp or lifted section promptly.

If a retainer stops fitting

A retainer that suddenly feels tight usually means teeth have started to move. Wear it and contact the practice. Forcing a retainer that does not seat can damage the teeth or the retainer.

General guidance from Dr Vikas Prinja, GDC No. 265374. It does not replace the specific instructions given for your own treatment.

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