Dr Gareth Hargreaves Dentist

A lifelong retention program is needed to maintain the result.

“Relapse” is when the teeth, following straightening, return to the original position. Even with retainers there would likely be a very small amount of relapse but retainers help minimise this and reduce the risk. Relapse is a risk of all teeth straightening, regardless of the brace system used or who completed your treatment and you would need to wear retainers. Additionally, even teeth that have had no tooth straightening can begin to move and become crowded due to age changes.

A lifelong retention protocol to help reduce relapse risk would generally include a fixed bonded wire with a clear removable plastic retainer over the top for night time wear and as back up should the wire break. The clear removable plastic retainers should be worn every night, any updating or maintenance will be an ongoing financial commitment.