You've worked hard for your beautiful smile; keep it that way!
Finally, your braces have been removed and your smile is beautiful, straight, and best of all, metal-free! However, your orthodontic journey isn't quite completed. To keep your smile looking its best, you'll have to wear a retainer to preserve and stabilize your results. Retainers are needed to control or limit potential changes in tooth position. They are used after braces treatment to hold teeth in their correct alignment while the surrounding gums, bone, and muscle adjust to the new positioning of your teeth.
Types of Retainers
Retainers are custom-made and can be removable or fixed.
- Traditional removable retainers, often referred to as Hawley retainers, are a choice for maintaining dental alignment after orthodontic treatment. These retainers are composed of a sturdy metal wire that arches across the front teeth, keeping them in their newly adjusted positions. This wire is anchored to an acrylic base that snugly fits against the palate, providing stability and comfort.
- Aligner-style retainers, commonly known as Essix® retainers, have gained popularity for their aesthetic appeal compared to traditional wire retainers. Made from clear, durable plastic, they provide a discreet way to maintain the alignment of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. These retainers are fabricated using a precise mold or a scan of your teeth, ensuring a snug fit that helps prevent any shifting.
- Fixed retainers, often known as bonded or permanent retainers, play a crucial role in maintaining the alignment of teeth following orthodontic treatment. These retainers consist of a thin wire that is discreetly bonded to the back of the teeth, typically the lower or upper front teeth, providing constant support against shifting. The permanent nature of fixed retainers offers a convenient solution for those who may struggle with the discipline required for removable retainers, ensuring that the time and effort invested in orthodontic treatment yield lasting results.
Pros and Cons
- Removable retainers can be taken out for eating and hygiene routines.
- Removable retainers can get lost easily, so remember to keep yours in the case whenever you remove it to eat or brush.
- A fixed retainer is great if you don't want to keep track of it, or if you don't want to worry about how many hours per day it must be worn.
- Teeth with fixed retainers require a little extra attention to remove tartar while flossing. Patients with fixed retainers often must use floss threaders to pass dental floss through the small spaces between the retainer and the teeth.
