Straightening your teeth is only half the job — keeping them straight is the other half. Teeth drift back towards their old positions for the rest of your life, and a well-made retainer is what protects the smile you invested in. At Gartside Street Dental Lounge in Spinningfields, we make custom retainers for patients finishing treatment with us or anywhere else.
Why Retention Matters
The ligaments that hold your teeth have memory. After Invisalign or fixed braces, they spend months trying to pull teeth back to where they started — and without retention, they usually succeed. Relapse is the most common (and most avoidable) reason people pay for orthodontic treatment twice. A retainer worn as prescribed makes your result permanent.
Your Retainer Options and Prices
Essix retainers (£150 per arch) are the clear, removable trays most patients choose — slim, virtually invisible and worn at night. Hawley retainers (£195 per arch) are the traditional wire-and-acrylic style: bulkier, but adjustable and very durable. A fixed retainer (£250 per arch) is a discreet wire bonded behind your front teeth — zero compliance required, ideal if you know you will forget a removable one. Many patients combine a fixed wire with a night-time Essix for belt-and-braces security. All prices are on our Manchester fee guide.
How We Make Yours
We take a precise digital scan of your teeth — no goopy impressions — and your retainer is custom-made to fit snugly. Fitting takes a single short visit, and we show you exactly how to wear, clean and store it. If a retainer is lost or cracks, we keep your scan on file so a replacement is quick to arrange.
Already Noticed Your Teeth Moving?
If it has been a while since your braces came off and things have shifted slightly, do not wait — small relapses can often be corrected quickly with a short course of clear aligners before a new retainer locks in the result. Larger movements may need fuller treatment; we will give you an honest assessment either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
Most patients need to wear their retainer every night for the first year after orthodontic treatment, then a few nights per week thereafter. Your dentist will give you a schedule based on your individual case.
How do I clean my clear retainer?
Rinse your retainer with lukewarm water after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water, which can warp the retainer. You can also use retainer cleaning tablets for a deeper clean.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Teeth naturally tend to shift back towards their original position over time. If you stop wearing your retainer, you may notice your teeth moving, which could require further orthodontic treatment to correct.
How often should I replace my retainer?
Clear retainers typically last 1 to 3 years with proper care. If your retainer becomes cracked, warped, or no longer fits snugly, contact us for a replacement.
Can I eat and drink with my retainer in?
You should remove your retainer before eating and drinking anything other than water. Food and beverages can stain or damage the retainer and trap bacteria against your teeth.
Are clear retainers comfortable to wear?
Clear retainers are custom-made from smooth, lightweight material to fit your teeth precisely. Most patients find them very comfortable, though it may take a few nights to adjust to wearing them.
Why Choose Gartside Street Dental for Your Retainer?
Retainers are simple — but a retainer that fits poorly does not get worn, and a retainer that is not worn does not work. We scan digitally for an exact fit, explain a realistic wear schedule rather than an idealised one, and keep your records so replacements are easy. Two minutes from Deansgate-Castlefield, with appointments that fit around the working day.
