Dental Treatment

Orthodontic Retainers

Your braces got your teeth straight—your retainer keeps them that way.

Orthodontic retainers are custom-made appliances used to maintain the position of your teeth after braces or clear aligner treatment. Once teeth have been straightened, retainers help to prevent relapse, where teeth gradually shift back to their original positions.

At a glance

Treatment time

15 minutes

Key benefit

Maintain a straighter smile

Downtime

None

Anaesthetic

None

Geans Clinic - At A Glance Dental Treatments

Geans Clinic - About Orthodontic Retainers

About this treatment

After orthodontic treatment, the surrounding bone and tissues need time to stabilise. Teeth have a natural tendency to move over time—especially in adults. Retainers hold your results in place, protecting the time and investment you’ve made.

Depending on the type of treatment you have had done, our consultant orthodontist, Dr Stacey Tsang, will recommend one or more of the following types of retainer:

1. Removable Retainers

Clear Plastic Retainers (e.g. Essix Retainers)

Discreet, transparent trays similar to clear aligners
Comfortable and nearly invisible
Require gentle care to avoid cracking

Fixed (Bonded) Retainers

A thin wire bonded behind the front teeth (usually lower or upper front teeth)
Stays in place long-term
Excellent for maintaining alignment of the most likely-to-move teeth
Must be cleaned carefully to avoid plaque buildup

Geans Clinic - Orthodontics Patient After

Geans Clinic - Orthodontics Patient Before

Geans Clinic - Orthodontics Patients Before

Before & after

Thank you to our patients for allowing us to share their amazing outcomes at Geans Clinic.

FAQs

How long do I need to wear a retainer?

At Geans Clinic, our consultant orthodontist, Dr Stacey Tsang will recommend your retention schedule, however typically, initially retainers will need to be worn full-time for several months after treatment (except when eating or brushing). Long-term, removable retainers are required to be worn at night-time indefinitely.

How do I care for my retainer?

removable retainers should be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush and cool water (avoid hot water). Using retainer cleaning tablets can be helpful to remove a build up of harmful bacteria and fungi. Store your retainer in a case when not in use and avoid leaving it in hot environments (e.g., cars, near radiators). Keep retainers away from pets — they love to chew them!

Fixed retainers need to be carefully brushed and flossed everyday as they will easily attract plaque build up. It is advised to see our hygienists at Geans Clinic regularly to keep them cleaned and serviced and prevent long term gum issues if not properly maintained.

What if I stop wearing my retainer or I lose them?

Your teeth can shift out of alignment, especially in the first year after brace treatment. You may need further orthodontic treatment to correct relapse.

Wearing retainers as advised keeps your results stable and smile straight for the long term. If you lose your retainer or they break contact us as soon as possible so we can arrange replacements for you.

Price from

Following your consultation, you will be provided with a written estimate of costs for treatment. This is based on the materials or products to be used, and complexity of the procedure. You will always be given clear transparent costs and there will never be any hidden costs or surprise bills!

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Price from

£186

Specialist team

Dr Stacey Tsang

BDS, MJDF, PGDip, MScD, MOrth RCSEd, PGCert MedEd, FDS(Orth) RCSEd

GDC Number: 191758

Consultant Orthodontist

Meet Dr Stacey Tsang

concerns

Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth aren’t just a cosmetic issue, they can impact your overall oral health.

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concerns

Chipped teeth

A chipped tooth occurs when a small piece of a tooth breaks off, usually from the edge or corner.

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The following associated conditions may be related to either the treatment or condition your viewing. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have so please get in touch.

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Our dedicated team

Everyone on our team, from our practice manager to our hygienists, works towards making your visit comfortable, caring and personal.

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Patient Testimonials

We as a family have been coming to this dentist since it opened. I cannot stress how professional and caring they all are. I myself am a nervous patient and they put me at ease every single time. My son has unfortunately had to have root canal treatment not something anyone likes to endure but they were so careful, gentle and professional that my son wasn’t worried, scared or in pain (he fell asleep). I love this dentist, and recommend you to everyone. Sabrina is AMAZING, such a lovely person.

Anonymous patient

Thank you Sabrina for not hurting me and making me feel at ease! I’m scared to death of the dentist!

Anonymous patient

Both my wife and I have been in to see you for a few different treatments and on every single occasion we have left feeling happy and confident with the work you have done. My wife was extremely nervous about having any work done but after having the first consultation with you she came away and immediately felt relaxed about seeing you again to begin the treatments. After the experience we’ve had with you I no longer dread having to book in for a check up!

Anonymous patient

I have trusted my dental health to Geans Dental or over 5 years now. Every visit and treatment has been undertaken by a very professional clinical team assisted by a caring and incredibly supportive team. 5 star treatment from a 5 star organisation

Ian H

Always friendly, helpful and a pleasure to visit. I have been a customer/patient for many years along with my wife. I recommend Geans Dental as an excellent choice if you want 1st class dentistry.

Anonymous patient

A beyond excellent service every step of the way. Completely fantastic.

Anonymous patient

In recent months I have seen the dentist and visiting dental surgeon as well as the dental hygienist. I would like to say that I always find their care and professional skills are exemplary, putting me at ease and providing excellent dental care and advice – Thank you all!

Anonymous patient

A very positive experience. Came away with real confidence and trust in the quality of care and advice received. Thank you.

Anonymous patient

A very positive experience. Came away with real confidence and trust in the quality of care and advice received. Thank you.

Anonymous patient

Will you please pass my thanks to Shrina Nathwani for her wonderful, professional care when I had a tooth extracted… I had been dreading the procedure but Shrina made me feel so relaxed and I must say I felt no discomfort. Shrina and the dental nurse who assisted her are a definite asset to your practice.

Anon 1, October 2018

I had excellent service from Shrina, not even any swelling or bleeding after the extraction last week. It’s just such a relief to have this sorted. Thank you for your prompt action.

Anon 2, December 2018

Discover what other patients have to say about their experiences with Geans Clinic…

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