After completing orthodontic treatment, keeping your teeth in their new position is just as important as the treatment itself. That’s where retainers come in.
Retainers are specialized dental appliances created to keep your teeth in alignment and stop them from moving back.
It might be difficult to determine which retainer type best meets your needs because there are many different types of retainers available, each with certain advantages.
This article will describe what retainers are, why they are necessary, how frequently they should be worn, and the main differences between permanent and removable retainers.
By the end, you’ll be able to decide with confidence which choice is best for your smile.
Table of Contents
What Are Retainers?
Retainers are custom-made equipment that keep teeth in their right positions after orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, preventing them from shifting back.
There are two main types of retainers: fixed retainers, which are permanent wires connected to the back of teeth, and removable retainers, which can be transparent plastic or contain wires and acrylic.
Why Are Retainers Necessary?
Retainers are essential, especially if you want to avoid getting braces in the future. Our staff at Davinci can use braces to straighten your teeth and move them into their proper positions, but once your braces are taken off, you’ll still need something to hold all of your hard-earned work in place.
Over time, any tiny force can result in tiny alignment and placement changes, which can then create larger changes and make your teeth go back into their original place. After braces are taken off, retainers can help stop these changes.
How Often Do You Have to Wear A Retainer?
After having your braces taken off, you are usually advised to wear your retainer day and night for two months. After that, it is advised that you wear the retainer each night.
Keep in mind that wearing your retainer as directed is the only way to keep your teeth in place. Remember to wear your retainer if you want to avoid having to undergo extensive orthodontic treatment again.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers come in different types, including:
Hawley’s retainers
These removable retainers, also known as wire retainers, are designed to suit the inside of your lower teeth or the roof of your mouth and are composed of thin metal wire and plastic or acrylic. To keep your teeth in alignment, the metal wire that is connected passes over the exterior of your teeth.
Clear plastic retainers
These are removable retainers that are precisely shaped to match your teeth’s new position. Another name for them is molded retainers. They are known technically as vacuum-formed or thermoplastic retainers.
This kind of retainer is made by creating a mold of the teeth. After that, a very thin layer of polyurethane or plastic is heated and drawn down around the mold.
Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers are made of a solid or braided wire that is bent to match the shape of your freshly straightened teeth.
To prevent them from shifting, the wire is cemented, or bonded, to the inside of your front teeth. They are most frequently used on lower teeth. Only your dentist or orthodontist is able to remove them.
They are often used when an orthodontist believes that the patient (such as a small kid) will not adhere to the directions for using a removable retainer or when the teeth are extremely likely to relapse.
Comparison Between The Different Types of Retainers
| Type | Fixed Retainers (lingual wire, fixed, or bonded) | Hawley Retainers | Clear Plastic Retainers |
| Material | Wire metal is mainly made of copper, nickel, titanium, or a combination. | Plastic or acrylic with metal wire. | Plastic or polyurethane |
| Lifespan | Indefinitely | 1–20 years | 6–12+ months |
| Pros | – No instructions needed. – Not visible to others. – Easy to talk with it. – Cannot be lost or misplaced. – Resistant to harm. It can last for years. | – Adjustable. – You can personalize it by choosing its color. – Resistant to staining. – Lasts for years. – Simply taken off for meals and dental care. | – Helps teeth stay in place. – Thinner and possibly more comfortable. – Transparent, making them “invisible.” – Simply taken off for meals and dental care. |
| Cons | – Makes it challenging to practice good dental hygiene, particularly when it comes to flossing. – It cannot be removed, allowing plaque and tartar to accumulate, which can eventually cause gum disease. – The metal wire may cause discomfort to the tongue. – Over time, tooth shifting remains a possibility. | – The metal wire in front of the teeth is visible. – Can be broken or lost. – Might result in excessive salivation. – Could contain bacteria. | – Could require annual replacement. – Retainers and fresh impressions can be required for extensive dental treatment. – More easily damaged or lost. – Might result in excessive salivation. – It can contain bacteria. |
Read More: Average Cost of Braces.
Conclusion
Choosing the right retainer is just as important as finishing your orthodontic treatment since it guarantees that your teeth will stay in their new, straightened position throughout time.
With the different types of retainers available, you can choose one that best suits your dental requirements and lifestyle.
The ideal retainer is ultimately the one you will wear regularly and take good care of, guaranteeing that your smile remains straight, healthy, and attractive for many years to come.
Read More: Invisible Braces Near Me.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of retainer is best?
Because permanent retainers require little more than maintaining proper dental hygiene and routine upkeep, they can be far more practical. Clear and Hawley retainers don't get in the way of brushing and flossing, but they must be taken in and out and cleaned on a regular basis.
Can I eat with my clear retainer in?
Always take your clear aligner or retainer out of your mouth before consuming any food. Your retainer will be less likely to get stained or damaged if you take it out for meals and snacks.
What is the most expensive type of retainer?
The most expensive choices are often lingual wire, fixed, or bonded permanent retainers, which are composed of metal wire. Because they are positioned behind your teeth, these retainers are invisible and made to endure for many years.
