What type of retainer is best after braces?

If appearance is a priority, your best options are a clear or permanent retainer. Clear retainers are virtually invisible, which means you could wear them at any time and they barely will be noticed. The same goes for permanent retainers because the wire is positioned along the back of your front teeth.

What kind of retainer do you get after braces?

The first type is called a bonded retainer. It's attached to your teeth after your braces are removed to keep them in place for the first few months after treatment. A bonded retainer is recommended if you need to wear your retainer at all times as a follow-up to orthodontic treatment.

Which retainer is most effective?

By molding the retainer to fit each tooth perfectly, the clear retainer does the best job at preventing the shifting of teeth.

Are clear or metal retainers better?

A metal retainer is just as effective as a clear retainer is. They are durable and can last for decades. However, one of the challenges patients have with them is that they can be uncomfortable and make it very difficult to speak.

Do you choose your retainer after braces?

Many of our patients ask us “Will I need a retainer after I get my braces off?” The answer to that is almost always yes. Nearly everyone will need to wear some kind of retainer after braces. Think of permanent retainers as an insurance policy for your new smile.

Which Retainers are Better? A comparison of all retainers available after Braces or Invisalign!

Are clear or wire retainers better?

A clear plastic retainer has the following advantages: It's virtually invisible, so you're more likely to wear it. That means relapse is less likely. It's less bulky and may be more comfortable than a Hawley retainer.

How do I choose the right retainer?

The amount of time you'll need to wear a retainer will depend on the severity of your orthodontic issue. Typically, orthodontic specialists will recommend wearing removable retainers 24 hours a day for the first three months or so. Other types of retainers may need to be worn for longer.

Do plastic or metal retainers work better?

Metal retainers have various advantages that make them more desirable compared to plastic ones. These benefits include: They are less costly. They are more durable.

Are permanent retainers more expensive?

The price for a permanent retainer is a bit high, but considering that it will ultimately be less than removable retainers, which are more easily lost and damaged, permanent retainer prices are very reasonable considering their lifespan is upwards of 20 years!

Can you eat with metal retainers?

NEVER eat anything while wearing your retainers. It's OK to drink water while wearing the retainers, but remove them if you drink other beverages. If you forget to wear your retainer, wear the retainer full-time for few days to re-align your teeth. Your teeth may be sore while they re-align.

Can I get a top permanent retainer?

But recent surveys of practicing orthodontists show that permanent retainers are becoming increasingly popular. Removable retainers are typically used for the top teeth and permanent retainers on the lower teeth, but retainer use depends on what is best for your teeth.

What is a permanent retainer?

A permanent retainer is a single wire made of metal or strong fiber fixed to your teeth using a special bonding agent. This wire keeps your teeth in a fixed position. Permanent retainers are more common on lower teeth and usually only impact your front four to six teeth.

Are bonded retainers good?

Although the bonded retainers are the best way to keep teeth in place, they are also the most challenging to keep clean. Regular dental cleanings is a great way to maintain hygiene around bonded retainers and is a great solution for most patients.

How often should you replace retainers?

A retainer is in the mouth for 6-8 hours nightly. Therefore, we recommend you replace your retainer as often as your toothbrush. Retainer Club offers plans to replace your retainers every 4,6, or 12 months. For the best performance and cleanliness, you should replace your retainers as often as your toothbrush.

How long does a permanent retainer last?

Wearing Permanent Retainers

You only wear braces for 1-2 years. However, permanent retainers stay put for years, sometimes even decades. Some people have even been able to wear their permanent retainers for up to 20 years.

How long do plastic retainers last?

These removable acrylic retainers are often replaced around 8 years. Essix retainers (removable clear retainers, similar to Invisalign®) typically last about 3 years before they need to be replaced.

Can you bite into an apple with a permanent retainer?

ARE THERE ANY EATING RESTRICTIONS WITH THESE RETAINERS? Yes! Since the reatiners are bonded, or glued, to your teeth exactly like braces it is imperative that you do not bite into anything hard or you will dislodge your retainer (ie. apples, pears, candy bars, frozen foods etc...).

Can your teeth still shift with permanent retainers?

While the natural settling process may still cause you to notice a slight degree of tooth shifting even if you wear your retainer, using a retainer is the best way to keep shifting to a minimum and preserve your bite.

Do permanent retainers affect kissing?

Answer: You are good to go. Permanent bonded retainers should not be an issue for the activities you describe. When the retainers are placed they should feel smooth to your tongue.

Which is better Hawley or essix retainer?

As new plastic material becomes available, essix retainers have become stronger over the years. Hawley Retainers are more sturdy and last longer than essix retainers but can still break. When they do crack or break it can be very costly to repair.

Why did my orthodontist give me a plastic retainer?

Compared to other retainers it is easier to clean and lasts longer before needing to be replaced. It also allows the teeth to touch in a natural way. Another benefit of this type of retainer is that it is adjustable, so your orthodontist can make minor changes to your alignment after braces.

Why did my orthodontist give me a metal retainer?

Once you have had your braces removed, a retainer is fitted to make sure that your teeth do not return to their original positions, undoing all of the work that the braces have done. In this sense, retainers are just as important as braces — and maybe more!

What are the types of retainers?

What does a Hawley retainer do?

The retainer protects the results of your orthodontic care and prevents your teeth from sliding back into their previous positions. The Hawley retainer must be worn nightly for life, so your healthy smile is maintained for as long as possible.