Retainers in Northtown 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 | 0 within 5 miles, 4 within 10, 5 within 20 |
| Area type (ONS) | Remote Rural |
| Deprivation | Around the Scotland average |
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 Northtown listing retainers
On our practice register: None within 5 miles of Northtown; 4 practices within 10 and 5 practices within 20. The closest is THE BALFOUR in Kirkwall, 7.5 miles north. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE BALFOURKirkwall | 7.5 miles north | – | – | – | – |
| ORKNEY DENTALKirkwall | 7.9 miles north | – | – | – | – |
| DAISYBANK CLINICKirkwall | 8.0 miles north | – | – | – | – |
| KIRKWALL DENTAL PRACTICEKirkwall | 8.0 miles north | – | – | – | – |
| ORKNEY DENTALStromness | 15.6 miles north-west | – | – | – | – |
| BRIDGEND HEALTH CARE CENTREThurso | 29.4 miles south-west | – | – | – | – |
✓ listed in the practice's own information; – not mentioned, which doesn't mean not offered. Straight-line distances.
Nearest places to Northtown with orthodontic practices
The closest town with orthodontic practices is Kirkwall, 7.5 miles north; the next are Stromness (15.6 miles north-west) and Thurso (29.4 miles south-west).
| Place | Practices | Nearest |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkwall | 4 | 7.5 miles north |
| Stromness | 1 | 15.6 miles north-west |
| Thurso | 2 | 29.4 miles south-west |
| Wick | 1 | 29.5 miles south |
Counted from the practices on our register around this place, nearest first. Straight-line distances.
Retainers near Northtown
None of the 8 practices nearest Northtown 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 THE BALFOUR, Kirkwall, 7.5 miles away, and a call or its website will say what it offers.
Retainers are the final — and permanent — phase of any orthodontic treatment. Relapse begins quickly once active treatment stops, which is why retention never truly ends. Practices across Northtown usually supply both a fixed wire and a removable tray for belt-and-braces protection.
The Retainer Wear Schedule
The current standard is to keep wearing removable retainers indefinitely, tapering from full-time to nights only. Abandoning them after a couple of years — once routine advice — is now recognised as a leading cause of relapse.
Fixed bonded retainers stay in place permanently unless they break, needing no daily decision — which makes them the most reliable long-term method.
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.
Which Retainer Is Right for You in Northtown?
Fixed (bonded) retainers are thin wires bonded behind the front teeth — usually the lower six, sometimes the upper too. They're permanent, invisible from the front, and need no daily effort, though they require careful cleaning with floss threaders to keep the gum healthy.
Essix retainers are clear thermoplastic trays much like aligners, removed for eating and cleaning. They're discreet and comfortable but can warp with heat and typically need replacing every 1–3 years.
Hawley retainers are the traditional acrylic-plate-and-wire design. They're more durable than Essix trays, adjustable if minor movement occurs, and can last many years — but they're more visible when worn.
Many orthodontists in Northtown 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 Northtown
Treatment range and appointment slots differ between the practices covering Northtown — comparing a couple is worthwhile. Classified by ONS as remote Rural, Northtown sits within NHS Orkney for NHS dental commissioning. Northtown has no orthodontic practice within five miles on our register, and the closest is roughly 8 miles away. By national deprivation ranking, Northtown is roughly mid-table for Scotland. See local practice availability in Northtown → They typically offer retainer fitting, replacement, and emergency repair appointments.
As a guide, private replacement Essix retainers (per arch) in Northtown usually ranges from £80 to £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 Northtown can usually provide replacement retainers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Retainers in Northtown
Where is the nearest orthodontist to Northtown?
On our register, the nearest orthodontic practice to Northtown is THE BALFOUR in Kirkwall, about 7.5 miles to the north. The next closest are ORKNEY DENTAL (7.9 miles) and DAISYBANK CLINIC (8.0 miles).
How many orthodontic practices are near Northtown?
Our register has 0 practices within 5 miles of Northtown, 4 practices within 10 miles and 5 practices within 20 miles. None is inside 5 miles; the closest is in Kirkwall, 7.5 miles away.
Where can I get a retainer near Northtown?
None of the practices within 30 miles lists retainers in its published information. Most orthodontic practices supply them, so ask the nearest ones directly.
Who commissions NHS dentistry in Northtown?
NHS dentistry here is commissioned by NHS Orkney.
Is Northtown rural or urban?
ONS classifies Northtown as remote Rural.
How deprived is Northtown compared with the rest of Scotland?
By the national deprivation index, Northtown is close to the Scotland average for deprivation. It doesn't affect NHS orthodontic eligibility, which is decided on clinical need alone.
Which towns are close to Northtown?
Nether Button, Saint Mary's, Foubister are within easy reach of Northtown.
Do fixed retainers cause tartar build-up?
A bonded retainer can collect plaque and tartar if it isn't cleaned around carefully, since it makes flossing the lower front teeth harder. Using a floss threader or interdental brush daily, plus regular hygienist visits, keeps the area healthy. Most people manage this easily once shown the technique.
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 Orkney Islands
Explore retainers information for other towns and cities in Orkney Islands — all with dedicated local pages and online assessment access: