Protect your new smile – keep your teeth straight and your dental work safe for life. At Marton Dental Practice, we know that orthodontic treatment is just the beginning of your smile journey. Retainers are essential for maintaining the results of braces or aligner treatment – making sure your teeth stay beautifully straight for years to come. We offer both fixed and removable retainers, custom-made using the latest digital scanning technology, for patients in Middlesbrough, Teesside, and beyond.
What are teeth retainers?
Retainers are custom devices designed to keep your teeth in their new, straight position after orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign®. After your teeth have been moved, it takes time for the surrounding bone and gums to stabilise. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually drift back to their original positions – a process called orthodontic relapse.
Retainers don’t move teeth; they simply hold them in place while your smile settles and for long-term stability. For patients who have completed orthodontic treatment, retainers are a lifelong commitment – wearing them consistently is the only way to maintain your results for the long term.
More than just straight teeth: protecting your dental work
Retainers aren’t just for holding teeth after orthodontics – they also play a vital role in protecting dental and cosmetic work. Wearing a retainer at night can help reduce the risk of chipping, cracking, or wearing down veneers, crowns, bonding, and other restorations. This added protection helps preserve your investment and keeps your smile looking its best.
Impression-free, digital retainers - with permanent records
At Marton Dental Practice, every retainer is made using advanced 3D digital scanning – no messy, uncomfortable putty impressions. This means:
Perfect fit: Digital scans are more accurate and comfortable.
Easy reordering: We securely keep your digital scan on file, so if you ever lose or break your retainer, we can quickly produce a replacement without needing a new scan.
Efficient appointments: Your visit is faster and more comfortable.
We offer a full range of retainer types – fixed, removable, or a combination – to suit your unique needs. At your assessment, we’ll discuss your dental history, lifestyle, and goals to recommend the best option for you.
For added convenience and value, we also offer packages for multiple retainers (for example, upper and lower arches, or spare retainers) so you’re never left without protection for your smile.
A fixed (or permanent) retainer is a thin, custom wire that’s bonded to the back of your front teeth. It’s completely hidden when you smile and provides round-the-clock protection against unwanted tooth movement.
Benefits of fixed retainers:
Always working – no risk of forgetting to wear it.
Long-lasting (with proper care, can last many years).
Invisible from the front.
Ideal for busy lifestyles or those prone to forgetting removable retainers.
Considerations:
Requires careful brushing and flossing to keep clean.
Can be damaged by hard or sticky foods (e.g. toffees, nuts).
Only removable by a dentist.
Removable retainers
Removable retainers are clear, custom-fit trays (similar to Invisalign® aligners) that you wear over your teeth, usually at night. They’re made from high-quality, transparent plastic for a discreet appearance.
Benefits of Removable Retainers:
Nearly invisible when worn.
Easy to remove for eating, brushing, and special occasions.
Simple to clean.
No dietary restrictions.
Considerations:
Must be worn as advised (usually nightly for life) to prevent relapse.
Can be misplaced or forgotten.
Less durable than fixed retainers and may need replacing over time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who needs a retainer?
Anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment (braces, aligners, or other teeth straightening).
Patients who want to prevent teeth from shifting after cosmetic or restorative dental work.
Anyone seeking to maintain a straight, confident smile for life.
You do not need to be a registered patient at Marton Dental Practice to get a retainer with us. We welcome patients who have had their orthodontic treatment elsewhere and are looking for new or replacement retainers.
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
For fixed retainers, you’ll wear it all the time. For removable retainers: nightly wear is usually recommended for life, but your dentist will advise based on your case.
Do retainers protect veneers, bonding, or crowns?
Yes! Wearing a retainer, especially at night, helps reduce the risk of chipping or wearing down dental restorations.
What if my removable retainer doesn’t fit anymore?
Don’t force it – this can damage your teeth. Book an appointment to be assessed and fitted for a new retainer.
How much do retainers cost?
Fees depend on the type (fixed or removable), whether you need a single or both arches, and if you choose a package. Please contact us for current pricing.
What happens if I don’t wear my removable retainer?
Teeth can shift back towards their pre-treatment position. Consistent wear is key to maintaining your results.
Are retainers really necessary after braces or aligners?
Yes! Retainers are essential to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions, especially in the first year after treatment. For best results, retainers should be worn nightly for life.
How do I clean my retainer?
Removable: Gently brush with a soft toothbrush and rinse with cool water. Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals.
Fixed: Brush and floss carefully, using floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean around the wire.
What if I lose or break my retainer?
Contact us as soon as possible. With your digital scan on file, we can quickly make a replacement without a new impression.
Can I get a retainer if I had braces or Invisalign® elsewhere?
Absolutely! We’re happy to provide retainers for anyone, no matter where you had your orthodontic treatment.
How long do retainers last?
A typical retainer, if looked after properly, can last up to 3–4 years. Over time, retainers may need to be replaced due to wear or accidental damage.
PATIENT Feedback
Highest rated on Google in Middlesbrough
The treatment was fully explained
Efficiently, and pleasantly carried out and also painlessly. Thank you Mr Jones.
Patricia H
It was a good experience
Mr Jones makes you feel very relaxed and comfortable. Great dentist.
John M
Excellent service
Friendly, really gentle and professional treatment from young Andrew and Neeve. Thanks again.
Lance B
As always, the practice provides great service
An excellent experience from start to finish. Would recommend this dentist.
David W
Love my new smile
Brilliant service from start to finish. Jody & Omar are amazing. Made to feel relaxed each visit. Got the result I was looking for. I hadn’t realised my teeth were so wonky.
Fabulous experience from start to finish! All staff were lovely and welcoming & the dentist himself was amazing. Listened exactly to what I wanted and asked for, made it very personal to me and made the whole service very relaxed. Nothing was to much (I am very particular). The subtle change I had has made a massive impact to myself and confidence!
I phoned this morning for an emergency appointment following dental pain overnight which was escalating.From start to finish I received brilliant care.The receptionist was very helpful, sympathetic & listened to my issue. I was allocated an appointment the same day.Friendly, professional, reception environment.Seen promptly by Omar & dental nurse.My problem was assessed, fully explained, & I received excellent care.Outstanding ( as always).I am hugely grateful.
Delayed review but I just want to say thank you so much to Marton Dental Suite for giving me my dream smile. Special thanks to Jodie & Omar who were both so friendly and welcoming throughout the whole process. My new smile turned out better than I would’ve ever imagined. Thank you so much again and I would 100% recommend ☺️
I changed my dentist to Marton Dental Practice after being with another dentist for a very long time.I was nervous and Lucy put me and my children at ease straight away.I needed to have some treatment and in-between treatment something else cropped up. My teeth were certainly not giving me a break.Lucy is a fantastic dentist and they are certainly not enough star's above.Lucy makes you feel so calm and her dentistry skills are amazing.
Had the best experience at Marton dental for Invisalign and composite bonding. The reception team are great and Jody the treatment coordinator was amazing and could answer any question around the process, treatment and aftercare. Omar is exceptional and really friendly and gave me exactly what I wanted with my bonding. The whole process has been flawless and I would recommend Marton Dental 110% to anyone wanting cosmetic treatment.
Always a super positive experience at this dental surgery. Been going to Marton Dental for over 10 years. A very thorough dentist who actively listens and a hygienist giving sparkly clean teeth. Thank you Marton Dental!
Everyone is lovely at this practice.. Had an appointment with Sophie who was amazing. She kept me informed from start to finish when I had my filling so I knew what to expect. She was caring and very friendly. Her assistant also called Sophie was also lovely.. I would highly recommend this practice for all your dental care. Especially sophie that made my day actually enjoyable instead of my usual nerves appearing!!
After being recommended Marton Dental Practice, myself and my partner were eager to get booked in for various treatments (including Invisalign with whitening and edge bonding for myself) and WOW the experience was completely faultless! All of the staff are incredibly welcoming but my hat goes off to Omar and Jody for their care and professionalism with a laid back feel. We can’t thank you enough for giving us the smiles of our dreams in the space of just 12 weeks.
My Invisalign treatment has been positive from start to finish. I am so pleased with the results. Absolutely no pain throughout, and really quick! Omar and Jody have been fantastic, putting me at ease and answering all my questions. I wish I’d done it years ago. Thank you!
Amazing service from Omar and the team, i am so happy with my new teeth - everything i wanted and more for my new smile. After initially feeling really nervous about the process i felt at ease instantly after speaking to Jodie and Omar so happy!
I can’t recommend Omar enough! I am so happy with my teeth. They are exactly what I asked for. Couldn’t be happier with my new smile. Omar and team were all so lovely and made me feel at ease and I felt listened to.Thank you so much 🥰
I always get an excellent service here, and could not recommend them enough. Friendly, helpful staff throughout the practice, and I always feel comfortable, which is great, because I hated dentists as a kid!!
Omar & Jodi have been fantastic support throughout my Invisalign journey, on hand with both expert knowledge and aftercare. The greatest change has been my confidence alongside my new smile. Would highly recommend their service!! Thank you both!
Myself and my children attend this dental practice and see Omar, I couldn’t recommend him more. The reception team are always friendly and welcoming, and the hygienist Rachael is fantastic. We always feel well looked after and wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.
Not sure where to start with this review other than to say my expectations were exceeded from the second I walked in and had my consultation with the lovely Jodie to my final fitting with the lovely Omah. As nervous as I was these were put to ease straight away. My own insecurities were quickly put aside when I was reassured every step of the way by not been made to feel anything other than deserving to be receiving the best possible service, I honestly give every step of the process a 10 out of 10 and have not one bad word to say! The treatment and customer service has been life changing and would urge anyone no matter how nervous to go for it! You won’t regret it I promise x
Fantastic customer service from the whole team - welcoming and helpful reception staff. My consultation with Jody was excellent, she is super knowledgeable and explains all options fully; pricing is transparent prior to all treatments - all of which really helps in making an informed decision on the right course of treatment. Omar came highly recommended and I can fully endorse this; I would not hesitate to recommend him. He is warm, friendly and highly skilled. Thank you
Couldn’t be happier with my new teeth after Invisalign and edge bonding, they look so natural! Thankyou so much to Jody and Omar for being so friendly and attentive from start to finish.
Such a welcoming practice. Mr Jones takes great care and is very informative explaining treatments throughout sprinkled with some lovely humour to lighten the mood.The hygienist is very thorough and easy to talk to about how best to care for your teeth between appointments.I highly recommend Marton Dental practice.I am a Denplan patient.
Omar and the team have helped me to be able to achieve my goal of having composite bonding, giving me advice throughout to ensure the best possible results including having Invisalign as part of my treatment. I have felt comfortable throughout to share any concerns or worries and Omar always makes me feel at ease. Really happy with the results and a lot more confident in my smile!
I couldn’t be happier with my Invisalign and edge bonding treatment at Marton Dental! The results have been amazing, thank you to Omar and Jody for their expertise and care throughout the entire process. From start to finish, they made me feel comfortable, informed, and supported every step of the way. The Invisalign treatment was so much easier than I expected! Omar and Jody kept their professionalism and skills throughout. The staff are always friendly, polite and really helpful couldn’t recommend marton dental practice enough.
I'm absolutely delighted with my composite veneers and the service that I got from Marton Dental. my first interaction was with Jody who went through all my treatment options and had gave one-to-one support via WhatsApp which I found really productive and friendly. I have been wanting this treatment for years. I wish I'd have done it sooner. I would not hesitate to recommend Marton Dental to anybody thinking of improving their smile. It has changed the way I feel about my smile in a really positive way. I couldn't thank you enough Omar. What a fantastic professional how he has created two tiny teeth over my two baby teeth is magical and he could not have put me at ease or if you tried, thank you so much ❤️
Thank you so much Omar for my New Teeth. I feel so much more confident and I was a little anxious to how they would look. Don’t want them being too thick too noticeable. They are perfect and I look natural. Thanks again
Highly recommend all the staff are super friendly and are always there to help (especially Jodie and Omar). Couldn’t be more happier how Omar has done my teeth they are so natural and perfect exactly how I wanted them thankyou !!!
My husband and I and our two daughters came for our 6 monthly check up today. Reception were very welcoming and friendly. The practice was very clean and tidy. Andrew was great. In-depth check ups and everything explained. Friendly and knowledgeable.I also had a scale a polish from Rachael which was pain free and my teeth now look and feel amazingThank you
Unbelievable result and unbelievable people. From chatting to the co-ordinator Jody to the final result by Omar, I cannot fault anything. Amazing customer service to even better results. I'm soo grateful to you both. Thank you xx