Bonded retainers

A bonded retainer, also known as a fixed retainer, is a thin wire stuck to the back of your front teeth. Hidden from view, it keeps your teeth straight after braces or aligners all day and night – with nothing to remember to put in.

Bonded retainer prices

Download the bonded retainers leaflet (PDF) with prices and aftercare.

Bonded retainers can often be provided by any dentist or orthodontic clinic, so you are welcome to contact other providers if you prefer. Costs vary.

Why bonded retainers break over time

On each tooth, the wire is held in place with a small amount of composite (tooth-coloured filling material). This material gradually wears down each time you bite and chew. In time it can come away from a tooth, or the wire can snap. This is ordinary wear and tear, not a sign that anything was done wrongly. Bonded retainers need checking and repairing now and again.

Keeping it clean

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Tilt the brush behind your front teeth and brush up and down across the wire, paying attention to where the teeth meet the gums.
• Clean under the wire daily. Ordinary floss will not go between teeth joined by a wire, so use a floss threader (or floss with a stiffened end) to feed the floss under the wire, then clean the sides of each tooth.
• Interdental brushes work well instead. Pick a size that fits snugly between your teeth under the wire.
• Plaque and tartar collect easily around the wire, which can cause gum problems and decay. Keep up your visits to your regular dentist and hygienist for check-ups, and they can check your retainer at the same time.

Eating and drinking

• Do not bite hard foods with your front teeth, for example apples, raw carrots, crusty bread and hard sweets. Cut them into small pieces and chew on your back teeth.
• Steer clear of sticky and chewy foods such as toffees and chewing gum.
• Avoid biting your nails, pens or anything else.
• Keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes to protect the teeth around the wire.

If it comes loose or breaks

• If you think your bonded retainer has broken, contact your regular dentist first. In most cases they can repair it. If they feel it needs us, they can refer you to us, or you can refer yourself.
• Carry on wearing your removable retainer each night (or as advised) until the bonded retainer has been repaired.
• Never bend, cut or glue the wire yourself.
• Is something sharp or rubbing? Press a small piece of orthodontic wax over it for relief, and try your regular dentist first. If they are unable to help, you can contact us, but costs will apply for treatment.

Removable retainer lost or broken? Have a look at our Lost or broken retainer page.

Questions? Ask your clinician during your appointment, or call us on 028 3870 2623.