BONDED RETAINER ADVICE

What is a bonded retainer?

• A bonded retainer is a thin metal wire that is permanently bonded behind your front teeth to hold them in their new position. They’re sometimes known as fixed retainers or permanent retainers.
• A bonded retainer may be behind your front 2, 4 or 6 teeth.

Why have I been provided with a bonded retainer?

• In certain cases (spacing or rotations) a bonded retainer may have been recommended or beneficial to your orthodontic treatment/ retention

How do I clean my bonded retainer?

• It is essential to keep your bonded retainer clean using:
  • Superfloss: to clean underneath the wire between the tooth and gum-line
  • Air/water flosser: this method removes plaque between teeth and wire using air and water
• We recommend that you continue to see your dentist or hygienist to main good oral health every 6 months

Diet advice

• You should avoid biting into hard, crunchy, sticky food with the teeth that your bonded retainer is attached to as this may damage the wire, cause it to distort/break and allow teeth to move

What should I do if my bonded retainer is broken?

• Please contact the practice immediately on 02887784827 to book an appointment if you notice any change to your teeth or if the bonded retainer has broken
• Please wear your removable retainer full time over the broken bonded retainer(except eating and drinking) until you attend the appointment, to minimise the risk of relapse/tooth movement
• The orthodontist will assess at the appointment if it is able to be repaired
• The will be a charge for repairing the bonded retainer

Do I still have to wear my removable retainer along with the bonded retainer?

• Yes – we recommend that you continue to wear your removable retainer on a nightly basis as instructed by your orthodontist to prevent relapse
• The bonded retainer will only hold the teeth in place that it is attached to; therefore you need to continue wearing the removable retainer to keep the other teeth aligned

Do I have to attend for check-ups?

• Yes – after the first year you will be given the option to either remove the bonded retainer and use your removable retainers or keep the bonded retainer on and attend annually for check-ups on a private basis

What are the risks associated with bonded retainers?

• Unintended tooth movement: If the wire debonds from a tooth or is distorted it can become active, moving teeth in the wrong direction
• Plaque and calculus buildup: the wire creates a ledge behind your teeth that easily traps food, significantly increasing tartar accumulation; therefore, if it essential to follow instructions to keep the bonded retainer clean
• Gum disease, tooth decay and gum recession: chronic inflammation from trapped plaque can lead to gingivitis, bleeding, gum recession and increased risk of developing cavities on your teeth
• Potential discomfort: You may feel irritation if your tongue rubs against the wire, or if the wire becomes loose or breaks
• Risk of inhalation/digestion if the wire is broken
• Eating restrictions: You will need to be more cautious with hard or chewy food to avoid damage to the bonded retainer

If you are unsure of any instructions, have any problem or wish to get your bonded retainer removed please call the practice on 02887784827 for advice