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Retainers Cambridge

Keep your straight smile for life

Protects your investment in orthodontic treatment
Fixed and removable options to suit your lifestyle
Custom-made for a precise, comfortable fit
Discreet: fixed retainers are invisible from the front

Retainers are essential after orthodontic treatment to maintain your newly straightened teeth. Without them, teeth naturally want to drift back to their original positions. We offer various retainer options to suit your lifestyle.

This treatment is ideal if you

  • Anyone who has completed Invisalign® or braces treatment
  • Patients who want a permanent, hassle-free retention option
  • Those looking to replace a lost or worn retainer
  • Patients whose teeth have shifted and who want to stabilise them

How it works

01

Consultation

We discuss your retention needs and recommend the most suitable type (fixed, removable, or a combination of both), based on your treatment history and lifestyle.

02

Impressions

Precise impressions or a digital scan of your teeth are taken to ensure your retainer fits perfectly and holds your teeth in their corrected positions.

03

Fitting

Your retainer is fitted and any adjustments are made to ensure comfort. We also explain exactly how and how often to wear it for best results.

Keep your straight smile for life

Why Retainers Matter

After braces or aligners, the bone and tissues around your teeth need time to stabilize in their new positions. Retainers hold teeth in place during this period and beyond, protecting your orthodontic investment.

Types of Retainers

We offer removable retainers (worn at night), fixed retainers (bonded behind your teeth for 24/7 retention), and clear retainer options. We'll recommend the best type based on your treatment and lifestyle.

Wearing Your Retainer

Most patients wear retainers full-time initially, then transition to night-time wear. Long-term, we recommend continued night-time wear several nights a week. Consistency is key to maintaining your results.

Retainer Care

Clean removable retainers daily with a soft brush and appropriate cleaner. Store them in their case when not wearing them. For fixed retainers, careful flossing around the wire is essential. Bring retainers to check-ups so we can monitor their condition.

Common questions

How long do I need to wear a retainer?+
Initially, most patients wear retainers full-time, transitioning to night-time wear after a few months. Long-term, we recommend continued night-time wear to prevent relapse. The longer you wear it, the more stable your result.
What happens if I lose my retainer?+
Contact us as soon as possible. Teeth can shift relatively quickly without retention, particularly in the weeks after treatment. We can make a replacement retainer from your records.
Fixed or removable: which is better?+
Both have advantages. Fixed retainers require no compliance but need careful cleaning. Removable retainers are easier to maintain but rely on you actually wearing them. Many patients use a combination of both.
Can I get a retainer without having had braces?+
Yes. If you're concerned about teeth shifting or have mild movement you'd like to stabilise, a retainer can help. We'll assess your teeth and advise on whether a retainer alone is appropriate.

Why choose Form Dental

Independent and unhurried

We're a private, family-run practice, not a corporate chain. Every appointment is given the time and attention it deserves.

Opening 20th April 2026

Book your first appointment at our brand-new practice in Stapleford, South Cambridgeshire.

Led by a local dentist

Dr Lara Phillips grew up in the area and founded Form Dental to offer the kind of care she believes every patient deserves.

Protect your straight smile

We'll fit you with the right retainer to protect your straight smile for years to come.