Fixed retainer care · London
Fixed Bonded Retainers
Assessment, repair, replacement and long-term retention advice in London.
Fixed retainers are a discreet way of helping maintain tooth position after orthodontic treatment. They can remain in place for many years, but they still need monitoring, good oral hygiene and occasional repair or replacement.
Sarah Macdonald is an Orthodontic Therapist with extensive experience in fixed bonded retainers and orthodontic retention.
Understanding retention
What is a fixed
bonded retainer?
A fixed bonded retainer is a thin wire attached to the inside surface of selected teeth using dental composite. Because it remains in place continuously, it does not rely on you remembering to put it in each night.
The exact design varies depending on the teeth, bite and treatment history. A fixed retainer only retains the teeth to which it is bonded, which is why many patients are also advised to continue using a removable retainer.
When to book
When you may need
an appointment.
Your retainer wire has broken ↗
A bonding point feels rough or has detached ↗
You think one or more teeth are moving ↗
You would like an assessment of an existing retainer ↗
The wire has come loose from one or more teeth ↗
Your retainer feels sharp or distorted ↗
Your current retainer needs replacing ↗
You have finished orthodontic treatment and want advice about retention ↗
Broken or loose fixed retainer?
A small change deserves
a closer look.
A retainer does not need to fall out completely to stop working properly. If one bonding point has failed, the affected tooth may no longer be fully retained.
Avoid pulling, bending or cutting the wire yourself. If a sharp edge is irritating your tongue, orthodontic wax may help temporarily. Arrange an assessment as soon as practical so the retainer and tooth positions can be checked.
Your treatment options
Repair or replacement?
Not every failed retainer needs to be replaced. If the wire remains intact, sits passively and the teeth have not moved, a local repair may be possible.
If the wire is distorted, fractured, repeatedly failing or no longer fitting the teeth correctly, replacement may be more appropriate. The safest option can only be decided after assessment.
Your retention plan
Do I still need a
removable retainer?
Often, yes. A fixed retainer usually controls only the bonded teeth, whereas a removable retainer can help maintain the wider arch form and other tooth positions.
Always follow the retention plan prescribed for you. If an old removable retainer no longer fits, do not force it into place.
Everyday care
Cleaning around
a fixed retainer.
Good oral hygiene is essential around any bonded retainer. Brush carefully around the wire and gumline and clean between the teeth every day using a method suitable for your retainer design, such as floss threaders or appropriately sized interdental brushes.
Your dentist, hygienist or orthodontic professional can demonstrate the most suitable cleaning method for you.
Long-term retention
How long do
fixed retainers last?
There is no single lifespan that applies to everyone. Some remain serviceable for many years, while others need repair or replacement sooner.
What matters is that the retainer remains secure, passive, hygienic and appropriate for the current tooth positions and bite.
Common questions
Fixed retainer
FAQs.
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Many patients can. Suitability depends on the final tooth positions, bite, oral hygiene and overall retention plan.
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Not necessarily. Many patients are advised to use both because they provide different forms of retention.
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It is not usually a medical emergency, but it should be assessed promptly because tooth movement can occur once retention is reduced.
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Existing retainers can be assessed regardless of where the original orthodontic treatment was carried out. Whether repair or replacement is appropriate depends on the clinical findings.
Book an assessment
Let’s check your retainer.
If your fixed retainer has broken, become loose or simply needs checking, book an assessment.