A retainer is a device used to help maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment. Many people who have braces or other orthodontic treatments are fitted with a permanent retainer after their teeth have been straightened. Permanent retainers are generally very effective. If you have a permanent retainer, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to avoid any potential problems.
What is a Permanent Retainer?
What is a permanent retainer? A retainer is a custom-made fixed appliance that helps teeth retain their new position after braces have been removed. Permanent retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth with special dental cement and can only be removed by a dentist. They are usually used in combination with removable retainers.
Permanent retainers are generally used on the lower teeth because they tend to shift more than upper teeth after orthodontic treatment. It is important to keep your permanent retainer clean by brushing it with a toothbrush and toothpaste at least once a day. If you have an orthodontist permanent retainer on your lower teeth, be sure to brush your tongue as well to keep bad breath at bay! Rinsing with water after meals is also helpful. It is normal for your tongue to feel “prickly” when you first get a permanent retainer, but this sensation will go away within a few days. You can opt for a replacement retainer if the one you use is broken.
What does a permanent retainer look like? It is basically a wire. It consists of a metal or wire bar that is attached to the back of the teeth and extends down into the gum. The bar is usually made of stainless steel, but it can also be made of gold or titanium.
Reasons for Getting a Permanent Retainer
Most people who have braces will need to wear a retainer for some period of time after the braces are removed. While wearing a retainer may not be appealing, there are good reasons to do so. You can choose between permanent and removable retainers, however, in the case of removable retainers once you lost your retainer you will have to pay for a new one.
- Retainers help to keep teeth in their new, straight position. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift back to their original position.
- Retainers can help to improve the fit of dental prosthetics, such as dentures or bridges.
- Retainers can help to prevent gum disease by keeping food and bacteria from accumulating around the teeth.
Pros and Cons of Permanent Retainer
Whether you had metal braces or Invisalign, you probably can’t wait to finally be rid of your orthodontic appliance. But once your treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. But despite their more comfortable design, retainers still have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages.
- Help to keep your teeth aligned after treatment
- Reduce the risk of developing gum disease
- Reduce the risk of tooth decay
- Are invisible
- Permanent retainers are affordable
- Require accurate care
- You may need to get used to retainers: may be annoying at first
- They can cause difficulty speaking at first
How Much Do Permanent Retainers Cost?
Permanent retainers after braces are the most advised option. Permanent bottom retainer is quite popular. The permanent retainer top teeth option is less popular. If you’re considering getting a permanent retainer, you may be wondering how much it will cost. The good news is that permanent retainer cost is quite affordable, especially when compared to other types of orthodontic treatment. Permanent retainer cost with insurance depends a lot on the country and type of insurance. In most cases, it is not covered. However, if the retainer is for a child in many countries, you can get it free or at a reasonable cost.
Thus, how much are permanent retainers? In general, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a permanent retainer. Of course, the exact cost will depend on a number of factors, including the type of retainer you choose and the orthodontist you visit. However, even at the upper end of the price range, a permanent retainer is a wise investment that can help you maintain your beautiful smile for years to come.
| Type of retainer | Price | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent | $200- $500 | Wire |
| Essix | $100- $250 | Clear plastic |
| Vivera (Invisalign) | $400- $1000 (a set price) | Clear plastic |
Tips for Flossing With a Permanent Retainer
Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene, but it can be difficult to floss properly if you have braces or retainers. In the case of removable retainers, flossing is easier. You can opt for a natural retainer cleaner as well.
Since a toothbrush can’t reach underneath the wire, and you can’t physically slide the floss down between your teeth, you need to know how to use floss threaders. Floss threaders are thin pieces of flexible nylon or plastic that allow you to thread the floss under the wire and between your teeth.
If you have no idea how to floss with permanent retainer, find some tips for flossing here:
- Insert the looped end over the wire, then slide the floss through the loop
- Move the floss up and down between the adjusted teeth
- Rinse the floss threader after each use
Permanent vs Removable Retainers
There are two main types of retainers: permanent and removable. As the name suggests, permanent retainers are fixed in place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Removable retainers, on the other hand, can be taken out and put back in by the patient. Both types of retainers have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Permanent Retainers
- Are more effective at preventing relapses
- Better long-term results
- Affordable
- Invisible
- Require special care
- Difficult to clean
Removable Retainers
- Less effective at preventing relapses
- More expensive in long-term use
- Good short-term results
- Affordable
- Invisible
- Easy to clean
When to Replace Your Permanent Retainer?
Some orthodontists may recommend a permanent retainer. This type of retainer is bonded to the back of the teeth and cannot be removed, which means it needs to be replaced if it ever breaks or becomes damaged. When should you replace your permanent retainer?
If your retainer is cracked or chipped, then it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Permanent retainers are made from a strong material, but they are not indestructible. If you accidentally drop your retainer or bite down on something hard, it can easily crack or chip. If this happens, bring it to your orthodontist right away and get your replacement retainer.
You should also replace your permanent retainer if it starts to come loose. If your retainers don’t fit anymore it is not a problem. Over time, the material that bonds the retainer to your teeth can start to break down, causing the retainer to become loose. If you notice that your permanent retainer is starting to come loose, make an appointment with your orthodontist so they can either tighten it or replace it.
Finally, you may need to replace your permanent retainer if you have any major changes in your mouth. For example, if you get braces again or have a tooth extracted, your orthodontist may want you to get a new retainer. So if you have any significant changes in your dental health, make sure to check with your orthodontist about whether you need a new permanent retainer.
How to Remove a Permanent Retainer?
Most people probably don’t give much thought to their permanent retainer until it comes time to have it removed or fixed. Thus, how to fix cracked retainers? Unlike a removable retainer, which can simply be taken out and thrown away, a permanent retainer is cemented into place and can only be removed by a dentist.
This is because the retainer is glued to the back of the teeth using a strong adhesive. In order to remove the retainer, the dentist will use special tools to break the bond between the retainer and the teeth.
In some cases, they may also need to use a solvent to help loosen the glue. The process of removing a permanent retainer can be time-consuming and slightly uncomfortable, but it is usually over before you know it. And once it’s off, you’ll be able to enjoy your newly freed smile!
Visit Orthodontic Experts
One of the most important things to do in the case of doubts is to visit orthodontic experts and wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist. This helps to ensure that your teeth remain in their new, correct position.
It is also important to know when to visit an orthodontic expert about your retainer. If you feel uncomfortable wearing it, or if you have difficulty taking it off or replacing it, it is essential to seek professional help. Orthodontists are trained to spot potential problems with retainers, and can provide guidance on how to properly care for them.
FAQ
Permanent retainers are safe and effective. However, they require accurate care. The cleaning process may take a bit long, but with some practice, you will become an expert.
Permanent retainers are the most effective post-brace treatment, and they last decades.
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. Gently brush all surfaces of the retainer, including the wires, to remove food particles and plaque. Flossing is essential for your buccal health. You can also use a retainer cleaner or denture cleaner to clean your retainer, following the directions on the package. To keep your retainer fresh and free of bacteria, soak it in a denture or retainer cleaner at least once a week. Be sure to rinse your retainer thoroughly before putting it back in your mouth. With proper care, your permanent retainer will stay clean and invisible for years to come.
You MUST NOT remove or replace your permanent retainer at home. Visit a specialist.
If your permanent retainer broke, don’t worry. The Broken permanent retainer can be removed and replaced. Just visit your dentist and have it replaced.
Sources
- What are teeth straightening retainers?. (2021). Retrieved 28 August 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/teeth-retainer#summary
- Permanent (Fixed) Retainers: Everything You Need to Know. (2022). Retrieved 28 August 2022, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/permanent-retainer-5248591
- Permanent Retainers: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. (2022). Retrieved 28 August 2022, from https://www.wlaortho.com/blog/permanent-retainers-what-you-need-to-know
- Life After Treatment: Pros and Cons of Permanent Retainers (+ other options). (2020). Retrieved 28 August 2022, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/life-after-treatment-pros-cons-permanent-retainers-castilla-dds-ms/
