Retainers at Bedford Specialist Orthodontic Practice
You’ve done the hard work – your teeth are straighter, your smile is brighter, and the treatment is complete. But there’s one final (and crucial) step to protect all that progress: your retainers.
Why Retainers Matter
At Bedford Specialist Orthodontic Practice, we believe the end of treatment should be just as supported as the beginning. That’s why we take retainers seriously – because keeping your smile in place is just as important as getting it there in the first place.
- Once your braces or aligners come off, your teeth still need time to settle. Without a retainer, they can start to move back – especially in the months just after treatment.
- Wearing your retainers as instructed is the best way to make sure your results last a lifetime.
- Even small movements can undo months (or years) of careful orthodontic work.
- Retainers help prevent this by gently holding your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and gums adjust.
Types of Retainers we offer
We provide two main types of retainers – removable and bonded.
Your orthodontist will recommend the best option for your smile, and often it’s a combination of both.
Removable Retainers
These are clear, custom-moulded trays that look a bit like Invisalign aligners. They’re worn at night and can be taken out for cleaning.
- Clear and discreet
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to clean and care for
You’ll typically wear them every night at first, gradually reducing wear over time – but some level of night-time wear is recommended long-term. This type of retainer is offered to NHS patients after treatment and is monitored for one year.
Bonded Retainers
A thin wire that’s fixed discreetly to the back of your front teeth (usually lower teeth), so it’s not visible when you smile or talk.
- Always in place, always working
- No need to remember to put it in
- Useful for preventing relapse in teeth
They’re completely passive – you won’t feel them once you’re used to them – but they’re doing an essential job 24/7.
How to Look After Your Retainers
Removable Retainers:
- Clean daily with a toothbrush and cool water (never hot, it can warp the plastic)
- Store in the case when not wearing to avoid damage or loss
- Avoid eating or drinking while wearing them
Bonded Retainers:
- Brush carefully around the wire to keep your gums healthy
- Use interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between teeth
- Attend regular check-ups so we can monitor and maintain the retainer
If your retainer feels loose or damaged, let us know – small issues are easy to fix if caught early.
Long-Term Smile Care
Everyone’s teeth continue to shift throughout life, it’s a natural process. That’s why retainers are a lifelong commitment, even if it’s just a few nights a week. Many of our adult patients tell us they wish they’d had retainers sooner or kept wearing them longer.
Get an Additional Set of Retainers for just £140
As part of your NHS treatment, you’ll receive one free set of retainers, and we’ll continue to monitor your progress for the next 12 months to ensure everything stays on track.
However, we know how easy it can be (especially for teens!) to misplace a retainer. Unfortunately, if that happens, the NHS will charge for a replacement and the current NHS fee is £98 per retainer, £196 for both top and bottom retainer – a cost that can come as a surprise.
That’s why we’re offering you something better
– an extra set of retainers for just £140
If you buy an extra set at the same time your braces are removed, you receive your free NHS set, you’ll only pay £140 (£70 for each) for an additional set. This is a saving of £56 compared to the NHS replacement cost.
It’s peace of mind at a great price – an affordable way to avoid delays, protect your results, and ensure you never go without a retainer.
Why Consider a Spare Set?
- Backup if one is lost, broken, or left behind
- Avoid emergency costs and treatment setbacks
- Save over 25% compared to future NHS replacement fees
Just let us know at your brace removal appointment to take advantage of this one-time offer.
Please call 01234 357570 or email: info@bedfordorthodontics.co.uk for more information on this offer.
We’re here to support you long after your main treatment ends.
If you need replacement retainers, advice on wear time, or simply want to check that everything is still on track, just get in touch.
Got questions about retainers?
We’re always happy to answer your questions – whether you’re finishing treatment or had braces years ago and want to protect your smile now.
Contact our Team or ask at your next appointment.