Retention & care
Orthodontic treatment is a journey, and retention is what helps your results last. At Lucan Orthodontics, we see it as the final step in keeping your smile confident, healthy and naturally balanced for the long term.
Why retention matters?
Once braces or aligners come off, your teeth and gums need time to settle into their new positions. Without retainers, teeth can slowly drift over time. Wearing your retainer as advised protects all the time and effort you have already put in.
What are retainers
Retainers are custom made appliances that help keep your teeth in their new position after treatment. Some are fixed, bonded discreetly behind the teeth. Others are removable, usually clear, and worn mostly at night.
We will recommend the right option for your smile, then make it using precise digital design so it fits comfortably and reliably.
Wearing your retainers
For the first week, you will usually wear your retainer full time, taking it out for meals and hot drinks. After that, night wear becomes the routine, long term.
Teeth can naturally move over the years, so consistent night wear is what keeps everything looking just as planned. If your retainer ever feels loose, uncomfortable or looks distorted, get in touch and we will guide you.
Retainers are not suitable for contact sports and we always recommend that you use a proper mouthguard instead.
How to clean and care for your retainers
A few minutes of care each day keeps retainers fresh, comfortable, and doing their job properly. Good care also helps prevent staining, odours, and plaque build up.
Daily brush
Use a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Skip toothpaste to avoid scratching.
Weekly clean
Use specific retainer or aligner cleaning tablets once or twice a week to remove bacteria and keep them fresh.
Avoid heat
No hot water, boiling water, or leaving it near a radiator. This can distort the shape and affect how they fit.
Handle gently
Put retainers in and take them out carefully, using both hands to avoid bending. or cracking.
Case storage
Keep them in their protective case, not wrapped in tissue or a napkin.
Pet safe
Keep retainers out of reach. Dogs especially love to chew them.
Fixed cleaning
Clean under the wire daily with floss threaders or interdental brushes, and brush carefully around it.
Lost or broken
Contact us as soon as possible. If you have an older retainer, wear that while you wait. Do not try to repair it yourself. We will advise if we can remake it from digital records or if a new scan is needed.
Explore related pages
Treatment prices
We offer flexible and interest-free financing options
Becoming a patient
Personalised orthodontic care tailored to individual needs
Treatments offered
Braces, aligners and specialist appliances for all ages.