Most people understand what braces are for and why they are important, but how much do you know about retainers? In order to make sure teeth remain straight and healthy, retainers in the UK are essential tools.

Read on to find out more.

Why are they needed?

According to the NHS, a third of children require some form of orthodontic treatment, whether to straighten their teeth, improve their bite or enhance their smile.

There are several reasons why dentists might fit retainers, including to keep teeth in place after braces are removed.

However, they are also used to help a tooth move; to close a gap between teeth; to re-train tongue thrusts; and to reduce teeth grinding.

What are retainers?

Retainers are typically made out of wire or plastic, and can be removable or fixed. The former can be put in and taken out every day, whereas the latter is custom-fitted and cannot be removed by the wearer.

How long do I have to wear them?

The length of time you have to wear retainers depends on what they are aiming to fix and how severe the problem is. Typically, orthodontic treatment lasts between 18 months and two years, but it is essential the dentist is happy teeth are not continuing to move out of place before you can get rid of your retainer.

How old do I have to be?

The best age to wear braces is during early adolescence, after baby teeth have fallen out but the mouth and jaw are still growing.

While it is harder to alter a grown-up’s teeth, it is still possible, and adult orthodontic treatment is becoming increasingly popular. According to the British Dental Nurses’ Journal, 80 per cent of practices recorded an increase in adult patients following the pandemic.