A retainer is a dental appliance that helps prevent the shifting of your teeth, usually after orthodontic treatment. There are two main kinds of orthodontic post-treatment retainers, which are fixed and removable. The type of retainer that your dentist or orthodontist will recommend will be based on your treatment, specific needs, and preferences.
When orthodontic treatment is complete, your teeth will require some form of stability to keep them in position or risk shifting back into their old spots. This is due to something we call the periodontal ligament. These ligaments are attached to the teeth and the surrounding bone and stretch when teeth are shifted into position. The ligaments tend to pull the teeth back into their original place after treatment, making retention a critical phase of orthodontic treatment.
What is a Limited Retainer?
A fixed retainer is a thin metal wire that typically gets bonded to the back-side of your front 4-6 teeth, on the bottom and the top. Because the wire is bonded on, it is not removable and will stay in place for many years to come. The benefit of a fixed retainer is that, as a patient, you don’t have to remember or think about taking out and putting in a retainer at night. The downside to a fixed retainer is that they are more challenging to clean, adding extra crevices where bacteria can accumulate and lead to gum inflammation if not properly cared for. There is a special tool to help you floss your fixed retainer, which allows you to floss underneath the wire at the gum line. Your dentist or orthodontist may recommend a combination of fixed and removable retainers.
What is a Removable Retainer?
A removable retainer is a clear tray that goes over your teeth and can be put in and taken out at any time. It is usually recommended to wear a removable retainer for most hours of the day after completing orthodontic treatment, then just at night after a few months, they every few nights after a year. Without the removable retainer, you can risk having your teeth shift. The most positive part of using a removable retainer is that your teeth are easier to brush and floss. Still, this retainer requires total patient compliance to prevent shifting, meaning you have to wear it for it to work!
If you have any questions about fixed versus removable retainers, we encourage you to contact the office today to schedule an appointment.