After treatment

Once your braces or aligners have been removed, the final stage of treatment can begin. This is known as retention. It's possibly the most important phase of treatment as this is when your orthodontist wants to make sure your teeth don't slip back into their original position. 

During the retention phase you'll be fitted with a retainer. There are two types of retainers:

• Removable retainers: these look like thin sports mouthguards which fit over your teeth. They need to be worn 24 hours a day for the first three months, then at night thereafter. You can remove them for eating and cleaning your teeth, but to ensure your teeth stay in their newly straightened position, it's vital you wear them as instructed. 
• Fixed retainers: these consist of a very thin metal wire which is attached to the back surface of your teeth. It is permanently fastened so can only be removed by your orthodontist but it won't interfere with your lifestyle or your diet. By sitting on the tongue side of your teeth, no-one can see it but it does the job of keeping your teeth straight. 

Follow up care

Your treatment plan will include two follow up visits once your braces have been removed. This enables us to check that your teeth have stayed in alignment and gives you an opportunity to ask any questions. At the Straight Smile Centre™, our team works together to provide you with the best treatment so you can have straight teeth and a beautiful smile for life.