Retainers · Fixed
Fixed retainers: cost, pros and cons, and what to do when one breaks
Toothi London, Edgware · Last reviewed 16 October 2026
A fixed retainer (also called a permanent or bonded retainer) is a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth to stop them moving after braces or Invisalign. At Toothi London a fixed wire retainer is £250 per arch, and one is included in every Invisalign package.
“Permanent” is a slightly generous name. A fixed retainer stays in for years, often many, but the bond on one tooth can come loose and the wire itself can bend or snap. This page covers who it suits, what it costs, how to keep it clean, and what to do when it fails. For most people it will, eventually.
What It Is
How a fixed retainer works
The wire is shaped to the inside of your front teeth, most often the lower canine to canine, sometimes the upper too, and bonded to each tooth with a small amount of tooth-coloured composite. It sits on the tongue side, so you can’t see it from the front. Because it’s always in place, it holds the teeth most prone to relapse (the lower front teeth) without relying on you to remember a removable retainer every night.
Fitting takes one short appointment and needs no injections: the enamel is cleaned and prepared, the wire is positioned, and the composite is set with a light. Your tongue will notice it for a few days, then you forget it’s there.
Side By Side
Pros and cons
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Nothing to remember, lose or forget on holiday | Plaque and tartar collect around the wire, so cleaning takes more effort |
| Invisible from the front | Flossing needs a floss threader or interdental brushes |
| Holds the lower front teeth, the most relapse-prone area, every hour of the day | A section can debond without you noticing, and the tooth can move before you spot it |
| Lasts years with normal care | Only covers the teeth it’s bonded to; back teeth and bite aren’t held |
| Can be combined with a clear retainer at night for full coverage | Hard or sticky foods on the front teeth can bend or break the wire |
For most adults after Invisalign we suggest both: a fixed wire on the lower front teeth and a clear removable retainer over the top at night. The wire looks after the teeth most likely to move. The clear retainer covers everything else, and it’s your backup if a section of wire comes loose.
Cost
Fixed retainer cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Fixed wire retainer, new or replacement, per arch | £250 |
| Clear removable retainer: one arch · both arches | £150 · £250 |
| With an Invisalign package: fixed and removable retainers | Included |
Prices are fixed and taken from our fees page. If a section of an existing fixed retainer has come loose, we look at it first and tell you whether it can be re-bonded or needs replacing before anything is done.
When It Fails
What to do if your fixed retainer breaks or comes loose
- ✓ Don’t leave it. A loose end can scratch your tongue, and the tooth it’s come off will start to move within weeks. Book an appointment as soon as you notice.
- ✓ Wear your removable retainer every night in the meantime if you have one. If it no longer fits, say so when you book and we’ll scan you for a new one at the same visit.
- ✓ Don’t try to glue it or pull it off. Superglue isn’t safe in the mouth, and pulling can take enamel with it. If a sharp end is bothering you, a little orthodontic wax over it will keep you comfortable until your appointment.
- ✓ Bring the wire if it’s come off completely. Sometimes it can be re-bonded; if not, a replacement is £250.
Daily Care
Keeping a fixed retainer clean
The wire creates small spaces where plaque and tartar build up, and over time that’s what causes gum inflammation and staining around the lower front teeth. Three habits help:
- ✓ Interdental brushes or a floss threader once a day, passing under the wire between each pair of teeth.
- ✓ Angle your toothbrush down behind the lower front teeth so the bristles reach the wire, not just the tooth surface above it.
- ✓ Regular hygiene appointments. Tartar behind a fixed retainer is almost impossible to remove at home; our hygiene appointments include a careful clean around the wire, and your hygienist will check the bond on each tooth while they’re there.
Still deciding on treatment? Our Invisalign in Edgware page explains the packages and how fixed and removable retainers are included.
Invisalign results from our patients
A few of the smiles we’ve straightened at Toothi in Edgware.
Photos of our own patients, shared with their consent. Individual results vary.
Common Questions
Fixed retainer FAQs
How much does a fixed retainer cost in the UK?
At Toothi London a fixed wire retainer is £250 per arch, whether it’s your first one or a replacement, and one is included in every Invisalign package.
How long does a fixed retainer last?
Years, often many years, with normal care, but it isn’t truly permanent. The bond on an individual tooth can fail and the wire can bend or break, usually on hard or sticky food. Most people need at least one repair or replacement over the life of the retainer.
Is a fixed retainer better than a removable one?
Neither is better in every case. Fixed retainers remove the risk of forgetting; removable retainers are easier to clean around and cover all the teeth, not just the front ones. For most adults after Invisalign we recommend both.
Can you get a fixed retainer if you had your braces somewhere else?
Yes. Book a retainer appointment online and we’ll check the position of your teeth, scan if needed and fit the wire. You don’t need to be an existing Toothi patient.
Does a fixed retainer stop all tooth movement?
It holds the teeth it’s bonded to, usually the six front teeth. Teeth further back, and your bite, aren’t held by it, which is why a removable retainer at night is still worth wearing.
Can I get a fixed retainer on the top teeth?
Sometimes. It depends on how your upper and lower teeth meet; if the lower teeth bite onto the wire it will keep breaking. We check this before recommending one.
Broken wire, loose bond or never had a retainer after braces? Book online, or message us and we’ll tell you what you need.
Call 020 3148 2444 or WhatsApp us · 1 Handel Parade, Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, HA8 6LD · Open seven days.
All treatment is subject to clinical assessment. Prices correct as of October 2026.
