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Permanent Retainer
- Lifetime Smile with Permanent Retainer
- What is Permanent Retainer?
- How Does A Fixed Retainer Work?
- Pros & Cons Of Permanent Retainer
- Reasons For Getting A Permanent Retainer
- Permanent Vs. Removable Retainer
- Cleaning And Maintenance Of Permanent Retainer
- Cost Of A Permanent Retainer
- Shifts With Permanent Retainer
- FAQ
Get A Lifetime of Smiles with A Permanent Retainer
Once you are done with your braces treatment, your orthodontist at Orthodontic Experts may place a Permanent Retainer in your mouth. Our retainer is made of high-quality, durable materials that are designed to last a lifetime. It stays in place 24/7 and is virtually invisible, allowing you to enjoy your natural smile without any interruption. Plus, our retainer is custom-fitted to your unique dental structure, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. Never worry about teeth shifting again – our Permanent Retainer will provide the long-lasting results you desire. Trust us to help you achieve a permanent, picture-perfect smile that you can be proud of for years to come.
What is a Permanent Retainer?
After undergoing orthodontic treatment, you finally get your perfectly straight smile; however, in order to maintain it, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in that position consistently. One way of retaining that beautiful smile is using a Permanent Retainer.
A Permanent Retainer, also known as a bonded or fixed retainer, is a device used to hold your teeth in their proper position after undergoing orthodontic treatment. This retention device consists of a thin wire or metal bar that is bonded to the back of your teeth using composite resin.
At Orthodontic Experts, we understand that maintaining your teeth alignment is the ultimate goal after orthodontic treatment. That’s why we offer a range of retention options, including a fixed retainer, as it provides the most effective retention for those who are unwilling or unable to wear removable retainers.
How Does a Fixed Retainer Work?
A Fixed Retainer is designed to keep your teeth in their proper position by preventing them from moving over time. During the bonding process, our orthodontists will clean the surface of your teeth to ensure that the composite resin bonds properly.
Once the bonding material is in place, a thin wire or a metal bar is bonded to your teeth using the composite resin to hold your teeth in place. Usually, lower teeth are more prone to shifting due to their smaller roots, so a Rixed Retainer is typically bonded to the inside of the lower front teeth. This is done to prevent crowding or gapping between your teeth.
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Pros & Cons of Permanent Retainer
Maintaining straight teeth and a correct bite is a lifelong journey, and it can be challenging to keep teeth in their ideal position without the help of orthodontic appliances. After months or years spent wearing braces, some patients choose to cement a Permanent Retainer. But are they the right choice for everyone? Here we’re breaking down the pros and cons of fixed retainers.
Pros of Permanent Retainers
- No Compliance Required
Unlike removable retainers, which must be worn for a certain number of hours per day, Permanent Retainers don’t require any daily maintenance or compliance. Once it’s in place, patients won’t need to worry about forgetting to wear their retainer, losing their retainer, or swallowing their retainer.
- Long-Lasting Results
Because a Permanent Retainer is always in place, it provides consistent pressure and keeps teeth in the same alignment over a long period of time. This means that patients who choose to cement a Permanent Retainer are often less likely to experience post-treatment shifts or relapses.
- Minimal Disruption
A Permanent Retainer blends with the natural part of the teeth, and it doesn’t require any daily adjustment. After the initial placement, patients won’t need to disrupt their day-to-day life in any way.
Cons of Permanent Retainers
- Oral Hygiene Challenges
Maintaining good oral hygiene with a Permanent Retainer can be difficult, and many patients struggle to remove plaque and food particles from the nooks and crannies that the wire creates. It’s especially important for patients with Permanent Retainers to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine to avoid problems like gum disease or tooth decay.
- Risk of Damage
If a Permanent Retainer is not cared for properly, it can break or come loose. This can cause discomfort, shifting, or complete loss of teeth alignment. Patients with Permanent Retainers need to be careful when chewing sticky, hard, or crunchy foods and may need to avoid certain activities altogether.
- Need for Professional Maintenance
Patients with Permanent Retainers need to visit their orthodontist regularly for checkups, wire adjustments, and repairs. This requires a long-term commitment to maintaining teeth alignment and can be inconvenient for patients who prefer a more hands-off approach to their orthodontic maintenance.
Reasons for Getting a Permanent Retainer
Orthodontic Experts recommend getting a Permanent Retainer to ensure that your teeth remain straight and healthy for a lifetime. Here are some reasons for getting a Permanent Retainer:
Maintain Teeth Alignment
It is a simple but effective way to ensure that your teeth stay in their correct positions after orthodontic treatment. Unlike removable retainers, Fixed Retainers cannot be lost, misplaced or forgotten, so you can rest easy knowing that your teeth will retain their desired position.
Convenience
Once your orthodontist places a Fixed Retainer, you will not need to remove it for cleaning, so you can enjoy the convenience of not having to worry about it. Brushing, flossing, and maintaining good oral hygiene are easy with a Permanent Retainer. You only need to brush behind the wire with a special flossing tool or brush to keep plaque and debris from accumulating.
Cost-Effective
Although Permanent Retainers can be more expensive than removable ones, they can be more cost-effective in the long run. You do not need to replace them or buy additional sets, making them a worthy investment.
Protect Teeth from Shifting
A Fixed Retainer not only maintains alignment but also protects teeth from shifting or moving back to their original positions. By preventing teeth from shifting, the retainer minimizes the risk of bite problems, malocclusion, and other dental issues that can occur when teeth are out of alignment.
Avoid Future Treatments
Orthodontic treatments, whether braces or aligners, are an investment in your oral health. Getting a Permanent Retainer can save you the expense and hassle of needing additional treatment.
Permanent Vs.
Removable Retainers
FactorsVisibility |
Permanent RetainersNot Visible |
Removable RetainersThey are usually visible, but clear retainers are the best option for look conscious individuals. |
| Compliance | They are always in place, which means you don't have to worry about forgetting to wear them. | They must be worn consistently to be effective, which means you have to remember to wear them. |
| Cost | High | Low |
| Maintenance | They can be difficult to clean, as food particles and bacteria can get trapped in between the wire and the teeth. | They are easier to clean, as they can be removed and washed. |
| Comfort | Permanent Retainers can feel bulky, and some people may find the wire irritating or rubbing against their tongue or cheeks. | Removable retainers are comfortable to wear because they can be taken out during meals and adjusted as needed for a better fit. |
| Losing retainers | No chances of losing retainers as they are fixed in place. | It’s easy to misplace or lose removable retainers. |
Cleaning and Maintenance of Permanent Retainers
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for the effectiveness and longevity of your Fixed Retainer. The following tips mentioned below will help you to keep your Permanent Retainer and teeth clean and healthy, reducing the risk of complications.
Brush Your Teeth and Retainers
Thoroughly Brushing your teeth and retainers properly is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, focusing on the gum line and areas around your retainer. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as hard bristles can damage your retainer.
Use Floss and Interdental Brushes
Flossing and using interdental brushes will help to remove any trapped food particles or bacteria from the wire and around your teeth. You can use a floss threader to clean around the retainer wire, as it can be difficult to floss around it otherwise.
Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help to kill any bacteria that are present in your mouth, reducing the risk of gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash for 30 seconds, twice a day.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are necessary to monitor the health of your teeth and gums, and to ensure that your retainer is working properly. Your dentist can also perform professional cleaning to remove any build-up of tartar or plaque.
Cost of a Permanent Retainer
Orthodontic Experts is a leading provider of Permanent Retainers for patients who have undergone orthodontic treatment. The cost of a Permanent Retainer varies based on factors such as the type of retainer, and whether or not insurance covers the cost. Generally, Permanent Retainers are more expensive than removable retainers since they are designed to be worn for a longer period of time. However, Permanent Retainers also provide the convenience of not needing to remove them for eating or cleaning. Orthodontic Experts offers affordable payment plans for those who may not be able to pay the full cost upfront. Get in touch with Orthodontic Experts to learn more about the cost of a Permanent Retainer and available payment options.
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Say Goodbye to Teeth Shifts with Orthodontic Experts’ Permanent Retainers
Orthodontic Experts’ Permanent Retainers are the ideal solution for those who want to say goodbye to teeth shifts. These retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly and are bonded to the back of your teeth, ensuring that they remain in place. Unlike removable retainers, Permanent Retainers require no maintenance or daily care, making them a hassle-free alternative. Not only do they keep your teeth in place, but they also require minimal adjustment over time, ensuring long-term effectiveness. If you want to keep your straight smile for years to come, trust Orthodontic Experts to do the job.
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frequently asked questions
How do you maintain a Permanent Retainer?
First and foremost, you should brush your Permanent Retainer every time you brush your teeth. Be gentle while brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, make sure to clean the wire and the back of your teeth thoroughly. Flossing is another important step in maintaining your Permanent Retainer. Use floss threaders to clean between your teeth and under the wire. It is also advisable to use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing.
Does a Permanent Retainer straighten your teeth?
No, a Permanent Retainer does not straighten your teeth. A retainer is an orthodontic device that is used to hold your teeth in their corrected position after completing orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners.
Are retainers used forever?
Yes, Permanent Retainers are designed to be worn indefinitely, as they help to keep your teeth in their new position. They are typically made of a small wire that is bonded to the back of your teeth.
How can you floss with a Permanent Retainer?
Flossing with a Permanent Retainer can be tricky, but it’s essential for maintaining good dental hygiene. One way to floss is by using a floss threader. Another option is to use a water flosser or interdental brush.
What happens if I don’t wear my Permanent Retainer?
If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth may move back into their original position. Wearing your Permanent Retainer as recommended by your orthodontist is crucial to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment. If you are concerned about wearing a Permanent Retainer or feel uncomfortable, talk to your orthodontist.
Can Permanent Retainers move teeth back?
No, Permanent Retainers cannot move teeth back. When you wear a retainer, it helps to keep your teeth in the right position and prevents them from moving back to their original position. However, if you don’t wear your retainer regularly, your teeth may start to shift, and you may need to undergo orthodontic treatment again.
