Retainers play a crucial role once orthodontic treatment is finished. Due to the natural memory of your teeth, they may try to shift back to their original position unless they are given time to settle and the surrounding bone becomes denser. At Lux Dental, we provide a range of retainer options upon completing orthodontic treatment. In this discussion, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of Fixed and Removable retainers.
What is the Significance of Retainers?
Retainers are essential after orthodontic treatment to prevent teeth from shifting. Failing to wear retainers can undo the progress made in creating your beautiful smile. Protect your investment by wearing retainers.
Fixed Retainers
A fixed retainer, also referred to as a bonded or permanent retainer, is a stainless steel wire attached to the back of the front teeth on the tongue side. It is custom-made for each patient to be discreetly positioned, ensuring it is not visible during speech or smiling. Typically, fixed retainers are placed on the first 4-6 teeth, as these teeth are prone to shifting back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment. These retainers are designed to remain in place permanently.
Advantages of Fixed Retainer
A fixed retainer remains on your teeth 24/7, ensuring that your front teeth do not shift once orthodontic treatment is finished, with permanent and long-lasting effects.
A fixed retainer is aesthetically pleasing since it is bonded to the back of the teeth, making it invisible when speaking or smiling!
Compliance is not a concern, as a fixed retainer can only be removed by a dentist or orthodontist.
Disadvantages of a Fixed Retainer
Flossing can be difficult with fixed retainers due to the wire connecting your teeth, requiring the use of specialized flossing tools such as floss threaders or a water flosser.
Maintaining the cleanliness of fixed retainers can be challenging as they tend to accumulate food debris, leading to increased buildup. Failure to clean them adequately may result in gum or bone diseases.
When wearing fixed wires, it is important to be cautious while consuming hard or crunchy foods, as they may lead to wire breakage or glue detachment.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are designed to be easily inserted and removed from your mouth. While traditional (Hawley) retainers feature a wire component attached to plastic (or acrylic), clear retainers (Essix) are solely made of plastic without any wires. Both types are individually crafted to suit the shape of your teeth.
Advantages of Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are designed to fit over all your teeth to prevent any shifting once orthodontic treatment has finished.
By using a removable retainer, you can maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine without the need for any additional tools, apart from your toothbrush and regular flossing.
Clear and aesthetically pleasing, removable retainers are discreet enough that they often go unnoticed by most individuals!
Disadvantages of Removable retainers
Great responsibility comes with using removable retainers - failure to wear them as instructed by your orthodontist can lead to teeth shifting.
If you are not cautious about where you place your removable retainers once removed from your mouth, they can be easily misplaced and discarded.
It is important to brush and clean removable retainers daily to prevent them from developing unpleasant odors and accumulating calcium buildup.
Removable retainers should be replaced when they show signs of wear. The rate at which they wear down varies from person to person, with teeth grinding potentially accelerating this process.
Aftercare of Retainers
Regardless of the option you select, it is essential to consistently maintain your retainers. If you have a fixed retainer, you may need more frequent dental cleanings to prevent the accumulation of plaque and potential gum or bone issues resulting from inadequate cleaning. Removable retainers should be replaced every few years as they naturally degrade and must be cleaned thoroughly on a daily basis.
Next Steps
Just remember that over time and as you age, your teeth will always want to move back. Retainers are a lifelong commitment to keeping your smile as perfect as the day you had your braces/Invisalign removed. If you’re unsure of which retainer will be best for you, contact us today at Lux Dental for a consultation and assessment, so we can get you the right retainer to fit for you.
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