Retainers in Howgate at a Glance
| Nearest practice listing retainers | None within 30 miles on our register |
|---|---|
| Nearest practice with emergency care | None within 30 miles on our register |
| Nearest practice open evenings or weekends | None within 30 miles on our register |
| Practices on our register | 4 within 5 miles, 94 within 10, 196 within 20 |
| Area type (ONS) | Accessible Rural |
| Deprivation | Less deprived than most of Scotland |
Sources: Census 2021 (NOMIS), DfE Get Information About Schools, ONS geography, UK NHS dental charge schedules and our orthodontic practice register. Distances are straight-line.
Practices near Howgate listing retainers
On our practice register: 4 practices within 5 miles of Howgate, 94 practices within 10 and 196 practices within 20. The closest is 16 BRIDGE STREET in Penicuik, 1.3 miles north-west. Few practices near here list retainers in their published information, so this lists the nearest of any kind.
| Practice | Distance | Retainers | Emergency care | Evenings or weekends | Google rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 BRIDGE STREETPenicuik | 1.3 miles north-west | – | – | – | – |
| PENICUIK DENTAL CENTREPenicuik | 1.4 miles north-west | – | – | – | – |
| 91A JOHN STREETPenicuik | 1.6 miles north-west | – | – | – | – |
| 6 MAIN STREETRoslin | 3.5 miles north-east | – | – | – | – |
| 50 FOUNTAIN PLACELoanhead | 5.2 miles north | – | – | – | – |
| BONNYRIGG DENTAL CAREBonnyrigg | 5.4 miles north-east | – | – | – | – |
✓ listed in the practice's own information; – not mentioned, which doesn't mean not offered. Straight-line distances.
Nearest places to Howgate with orthodontic practices
The closest town with orthodontic practices is Penicuik, 1.3 miles north-west; the next are Roslin (3.5 miles north-east) and Loanhead (5.2 miles north).
| Place | Practices | Nearest |
|---|---|---|
| Penicuik | 3 | 1.3 miles north-west |
| Roslin | 1 | 3.5 miles north-east |
| Loanhead | 2 | 5.2 miles north |
| Bonnyrigg | 3 | 5.4 miles north-east |
| Gorebridge | 1 | 6.3 miles east |
| Colinton | 6 | 6.4 miles north |
Counted from the practices on our register around this place, nearest first. Straight-line distances.
Retainers near Howgate
None of the 30 practices nearest Howgate on our register mentions the treatments or services in its own published information, so this page cannot say which of them offers what. The nearest practice of any kind is 16 BRIDGE STREET, Penicuik, 1.3 miles away, and a call or its website will say what it offers.
The result you paid for is only as durable as your commitment to retainers. Relapse begins quickly once active treatment stops, which is why retention never truly ends. Orthodontists in Howgate typically fit them the same day braces come off.
Types of Retainer Available in Howgate
Fixed (bonded) retainers sit permanently behind the front teeth as a discreet bonded wire, holding the result with zero patient effort. The trade-off is cleaning: floss threaders or interdental brushes are needed to keep the area healthy.
Essix retainers are the transparent tray-style retainer worn over the teeth — nearly invisible and comfortable, though the plastic warps if exposed to heat and usually lasts one to three years.
Hawley retainers use an acrylic plate with a wire across the front teeth. Sturdier and repairable, they last far longer than clear trays at the cost of being more noticeable.
Many orthodontists in Howgate now provide both a fixed wire for continuous protection and a removable Essix tray for overnight use, combining the strengths of each.
Retainer Services in Howgate
Appointment availability and the range of treatments on offer both vary practice to practice around Howgate. Howgate — accessible Rural by ONS classification — is covered by NHS Lothian for NHS dentistry. Howgate has 4 orthodontic practices within five miles, more than 68% of towns in Scotland. By national deprivation ranking, Howgate sits among the less deprived areas of Scotland. See local practice availability in Howgate → They typically offer retainer fitting, replacement, and emergency repair appointments.
Expect private replacement Essix retainers (per arch) costs in Howgate to fall roughly between £80 and £150. Most practices can fabricate a replacement from a new scan or impression within a few working days. If you have moved away from your original treating practice, any orthodontic or dental practice in Howgate can usually provide replacement retainers.
The Retainer Wear Schedule
Modern practice is lifelong retention for removable retainers — daily wear at first, easing to nights only long-term. Stopping entirely, even years later, remains the commonest cause of teeth drifting back.
Because a fixed retainer removes the compliance question entirely, it's the surest safeguard against long-term drift.
A retainer that no longer seats is a warning sign — get it checked promptly. Catching movement early usually means a fresh retainer, not a full course of retreatment.
After Your Braces Come Off in Howgate
Post-treatment aftercare is arguably the most important phase of orthodontic treatment in Howgate. The best clinical outcome can be lost within months if retention is neglected. Below we walk through the de-bond, retainers, whitening timing and long-term check-ups.
Long-Term Retention in Howgate
Retention is lifelong. Teeth experience continuous biological pressure to drift throughout life. Removable retainers should be worn full-time for the first 3-6 months, then nights only indefinitely. The previous guidance of stopping after 2 years has been updated — consistent long-term wear is what prevents relapse.
Frequently Asked Questions — Retainers in Howgate
Where is the nearest orthodontist to Howgate?
On our register, the nearest orthodontic practice to Howgate is 16 BRIDGE STREET in Penicuik, about 1.3 miles to the north-west. The next closest are PENICUIK DENTAL CENTRE (1.4 miles) and 91A JOHN STREET (1.6 miles).
How many orthodontic practices are near Howgate?
Our register has 4 practices within 5 miles of Howgate, 94 practices within 10 miles and 196 practices within 20 miles.
Where can I get a retainer near Howgate?
None of the practices within 30 miles lists retainers in its published information. Most orthodontic practices supply them, so ask the nearest ones directly.
What NHS area is Howgate in for dental services?
NHS dentistry here is commissioned by NHS Lothian.
Is Howgate rural or urban?
By ONS classification, Howgate falls under accessible Rural.
How deprived is Howgate compared with the rest of Scotland?
By the national deprivation index, Howgate is less deprived than most of Scotland. It doesn't affect NHS orthodontic eligibility, which is decided on clinical need alone.
Which towns are close to Howgate?
Loanburn, Penicuik, Loanstone are within easy reach of Howgate.
How do I clean my retainer?
Rinse with cold water every time you take it out, and brush gently with a soft toothbrush — skip toothpaste, it's too abrasive. Cleaning tablets once or twice a week help with calculus, and hot water or the dishwasher are both off-limits.
Last updated: October 2026, compiled by the Virtual Consultant Online editorial team from our practice register and public data. Information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice; it is not reviewed by a clinician. Sources: NHS, General Dental Council. How we compile our information.
Retainers Across Midlothian
Explore retainers information for other towns and cities in Midlothian — all with dedicated local pages and online assessment access: