Orthodontic Retention
Regulations and advice
The following advice has been provided by the MCN Chair in Greater Manchester.
NHS orthodontists supervise retention for 1 year. The patient has the choice whether to access a private orthodontist to replace retainers (and this doesn’t have to be the person who has treated them). Alternatively if the GDP is willing to take private impressions these may be sent to an orthodontic lab for a private fee to construct Essix retainers that can then be posted out. The GDP is under no obligation to supervise retention or deal with relapse.
Recently the guidance has changed around replacement of retainers in the longer term and advice to patients is now that they contact either their GDP or an Orthodontist in Primary Care to replace retainers on a
private basis. I enclose a copy of the Lab that we use who are able to construct Essix retainers if alginate impressions are sent on to them. I should be grateful if you would carry this out if you feel that you wish to on a private basis or to direct the patient towards a private orthodontic provider in the future if they wish to replace retainers.
You can find all the primary care orthodontic providers in your area on your Directory of Services, at the main website
Please do contact us if you need anything further.