Which Is Best, Permanent or Removable Retainers?

September 13, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

Patients are always excited to reach the “finish line” of their orthodontic treatment when they get their braces off, but this isn’t exactly the end of the treatment process. While this fact is often discouraging to patients who have been eagerly waiting for their braces to come off, wearing a retainer is a small price to pay for having teeth that stay straight. When you do get your braces removed, you may get either a permanent retainer or a removable retainer. 

What Is a Permanent Retainer?

Don’t let the word “permanent” scare you off here. Permanent bonded retainers have this distinction because they aren’t removable by the wearer. Instead, this type of retainer is glued to the back of the front teeth to keep the teeth in place after braces have been removed. 

The main advantage of this type of retainer is the wearer doesn’t have to worry about keeping track of the amount of time they keep their retainer in their mouth. Unlike other types of retainers, permanent bonded retainers are worn 24/7, even during meals. This way you can’t skip out on wearing your retainer, guaranteeing your teeth won’t move out of place. 

You won’t have to worry about possibly losing your retainer since it will always be in your mouth. Plus, this type of retainer is completely hidden behind the front teeth, keeping your smile looking clean and bright. 

This type of retainer does have its drawbacks, however. The metal can become a bit irritating at times and you’ll have to be careful about what you eat. Cleaning your teeth, particularly flossing, can be a little more challenging. You can make flossing easier by using a floss threader to get around the retainer.

What Are Removable Retainers?

You may have a permanent bonded retainer for about six months to a year before being switched to a removable retainer. Or you could start out with a removable retainer without ever having a permanent one, depending on your case. There are generally two types of removable retainers:

  • Hawley Retainer: this type of retainer uses wires attached to an acrylic mold that fits to the roof of your mouth. This type of retainer is reliable and effective, but you’ll need to keep track of how long you keep it in and be sure not to lose it. While this type of retainer allows you to bite down naturally, it will also be visible on your teeth. 
  • Clear Retainer: a clear retainer fits around your teeth to keep them in place when your treatment with braces is complete. This type of retainer affords you an uncluttered smile the whole time you wear it, but some wearers may not appreciate biting down on the plastic instead of having a natural bite. 

No matter which retainer option you end up with, keeping up with wearing it the prescribed time will allow you to keep your straight new smile. While you may have to wear it for a substantial amount of time at first, this requirement will decrease to only having to wear your retainer overnight. 

To learn more about what you can expect before, during, and after orthodontic treatment, contact Austin Orthodontics to schedule a free consultation today. 

Posted in RetainersTagged , , , , ,

How to Take Care of Your Retainer

June 13, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

Once your braces are removed and you get to see the amazing results of months, or possibly years, of hard work, you want to make sure you maintain your healthy new smile. That’s why it’s important to wear your retainer for the time your orthodontist prescribes. Of course, this also means taking good care of your retainer.

Keeping Removable Retainers Safe

There are several different types of retainers you might get from your orthodontist, and the length of time you need to wear your retainer depends on your specific needs. Sometimes, you may be required to wear your retainer for most of the day soon after you get your braces out. If your retainer is removable, you’ll want to be careful to take it out for meals to avoid damage. Be sure to store your retainer in a distinct case while you eat instead of on a napkin, especially if you are at a restaurant. This will ensure servers don’t accidentally toss it in the trash with your napkin.

If you only have to wear your retainer for part of the day, which is often done at night for convenience, your retainer will be stored much of the time. You’ll want to pick a safe spot away from kids or pets but that’s still easy for you to access so your retainer doesn’t get damaged and you still remember to wear it.

Keeping Your Retainer Clean

After meals, brush your teeth thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and do the same with your retainer separately. This will prevent food from getting trapped underneath your retainer and causing tooth decay.

When your retainer spends a large portion of the day in its case, you run the risk of bacteria growing on it, which can lead to plaque buildup. Needless to say, this can become very problematic for your teeth. One strategy to prevent plaque buildup is to store your retainer in a case that has small holes near the top for air circulation. It also helps to keep it on a shelf or counter rather than inside a closet or cabinet where there is no airflow.

Another problem that can come up with retainers is calcium buildup, which can interfere with the bite. You can keep your retainer soaked in a denture solution or in water with baking soda to prevent this buildup. Just be sure to avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach or mouthwash, when you soak your retainer.

Any time you might need to bring your retainer along with you, such as for road trips or if you simply need to get more hours in during the day, be careful about subjecting your retainer to heat. It can be easy to forget about your retainer if you have it in a bag in your car. Summers can get pretty hot in Austin, and the heat can warp your retainer.

If you have any other questions about how to store your retainer, feel free to contact Austin Orthodontics.

Posted in RetainersTagged , , , , , , ,

Do I Have to Wear a Retainer Forever?

May 10, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

The day your braces come off is an exciting time. After all of the hard work you’ve put into your orthodontic treatment, you’re now able to see the results from your efforts. There won’t be any more adjustment appointments or food restrictions, and you’re finally able to enjoy your perfect smile for life. However your work isn’t done. You have perfect teeth now, but if you want them to stay that way, wearing your retainer is is essential. So if you’re asking yourself, “Do I have to wear a retainer forever?” The answer is yes!

A Retainer’s Job

Once braces come off or Invisalign treatment is complete, your teeth are at great risk of shifting, and that’s where retainers come in to save the day. Retainers are used to prevent the shifting of your teeth, helping them to stay in their correct positions. Your teeth continuously shift all through life, not just after you finish treatment so wearing your retainer is a must!

There are two types of retainers that are generally used following treatment, fixed and removable. Fixed retainers are typically attached to the backs of the teeth and cannot be taken out. Removable retainers can be taken in and out at any time. Fixed retainers may be used on teeth your orthodontist feels may need a little extra help staying in place.

Wearing Your Retainer

Now that we know how retainers work, what’s your part in all of this? Wearing your retainer after braces have been removed is crucial, especially right away as your teeth have the greatest risk for shifting in the first year after treatment. Your orthodontist may recommend the following instructions for wearing your retainer:

  • 12-22 hours every day for the first year
  • Remove only to eat and drink for the first year
  • 3-5 times per week after year one

Although this may seem like quite the responsibility, abiding by these instructions will help you to maintain your beautiful smile for life.

The Importance of Proper Retainer Wear

Since our teeth shift, wearing your retainer properly is essential to the success of your treatment. Remember, your treatment doesn’t end once your braces have been removed. It’s up to you to do your part in maintaining your perfect smile for the rest of your life. Failure to wear your retainer properly may result in your teeth shifting back to their original positions. When this happens, you can end up needing another round of orthodontic treatment, which can mean more time and more money spent on something that could have been avoided.

So, if you’re thinking of ditching your retainer after treatment, think again. It’s not worth the risk of having all of your hard work be for nothing. Listen to your orthodontist’s instructions and take care of your smile. After all, you only get one!

At Austin Orthodontics, our team is here to help you through every step of your orthodontic journey. Call (512) 331-7900 to get started!

Posted in RetainersTagged , , , , , ,