What general dentists do

General dentists are brilliant at what they do:

• Regular check-ups
• Fillings, root treatments, extractions
• Gum health and prevention
• Restorative work like crowns and bridges

They receive only a basic introduction to orthodontics during dental school. Some dentists may go on short courses to provide simple aligner treatments, but this doesn’t make them orthodontic specialists.

What Specialist Orthodontists do

Orthodontists take things much further.

After qualifying as dentists and working in general dentistry, they complete an additional 3 years of full-time specialist orthodontic training in hospital and university settings. At the end of this, they earn a Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth) and are listed on the General Dental Council’s Specialist Register.

This specialist training means orthodontists can:

• Accurately diagnose and treat complex alignment and bite problems — not just the simple, cosmetic cases
• Move teeth safely and in a controlled way using a wide range of braces and advanced aligner systems
• Support healthy jaw development in growing children, helping prevent bigger issues later in life
• Coordinate care for challenging cases, including those needing jaw surgery or other dental specialists

A simple way to see the difference:

• All orthodontists are dentists
• But not all dentists are orthodontists

Your dentist focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy — and will refer you to an orthodontist when you need specialist care to straighten your teeth or improve your bite.

So, if you’re thinking about orthodontic treatment, seeing a registered specialist gives you peace of mind that your smile is in the hands of someone who does this day in, day out — with the highest level of training available.

What do retainers do, and how long do I need to wear them?

After your teeth have been straightened with braces or Invisalign®, they need a little help staying in their new positions — and that’s exactly what retainers are for.

Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back towards where they started, especially in the first year after treatment. A retainer gently holds them in place while the bone and gums around them settle and strengthen. It’s a small step that protects all the time, care, and investment you’ve put into your smile.

The two main types of retainers

• Removable retainers — usually clear and worn mainly at night once the initial settling period is complete
• Fixed retainers — a slim wire secured behind the front teeth for long-term support

So, how long do you need to wear a retainer?

The simple answer: for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight.

Here’s what most people experience:

Right after treatment

You’ll usually wear your retainers full-time for a short period (often a few months), removing them only for eating, brushing, and cleaning.

Later on

Once everything has stabilised, switching to nighttime wear is normally all that’s needed — an easy way to keep your smile in shape while you sleep.

Why long-term wear matters

Teeth can shift naturally throughout life — just like other parts of our body change over time. Retainers help keep your smile exactly the way you love it.

And if you’re ever unsure about how or when to wear your retainer, your orthodontic team is always here to guide you and keep your smile looking its very best.

What happens if you stop wearing retainers?

If retainers aren’t worn as advised, teeth can slowly begin to move again — a process known as relapse. At first, the changes might be small, like a tiny gap or a slight twist returning.

But over time, misalignment can become more noticeable and may even affect your bite or make cleaning more difficult.

In some cases, further orthodontic treatment may be needed to get your teeth straight again — something no one wants after already completing treatment.

How to clean your retainer

Keeping your retainer clean is just as important as wearing it. A clean retainer helps protect your teeth and gums, keeps it fresh, and makes sure it lasts as long as possible.

Daily cleaning

• Rinse your retainer with lukewarm water every time you remove it
• Brush it gently using a soft toothbrush (not the same one you use for your teeth if possible)
• Use non-abrasive soap or a retainer-safe cleaning product — not toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface
• Soak your retainer in a recommended cleaning solution, such as Retainer Brite or Retainer Clean
• Follow the instructions on the packet carefully

If you have a fixed retainer

• Take extra care when brushing and flossing around the wire
• Water flossers and interdental brushes can help keep the area clean and plaque-free

What to avoid

• Hot water — it can melt the retainer
• Toothpaste or harsh scrubbing — can scratch or weaken it
• Wrapping in a tissue — it’s the quickest way for it to end up in the bin

Top tip

Always store your removable retainer in its case when you’re not wearing it — if it’s in your mouth or in its case, it’s safe!