Getting into the Comparison Between Common Types of Retainers

Orthodontic treatment is a special branch of dentistry where the orthodontists use braces or aligners to correct the alignment of the teeth. Like the braces and clear aligners, using the retainers in London is also a common part of the orthodontic treatment.

As the patients can get the retainers on the orthodontist’s advice, having the proper knowledge about the different types of retainers can help you in understanding the importance and effectiveness. In this blog, we will discuss the overview, different types, and the basics of the types of retainers, etc.

What is a retainer?

The retainer is a special type of orthodontic appliance that is used in the final stage of your orthodontic treatment. These are for holding the teeth at their final and correct position. After the aligner treatment is completed and the teeth are set in the new position, the retainers will be used then.

What are the retainers used for?

The retainers are the most essential appliances used in orthodontics. In the following months, when you remove the braces or the aligners for the last time, you have to wear the retainers prescribed by your dentist. It is often shown that after completing the braces’ treatment, the newly positioned teeth again start moving to their old and wrong position.

This is where the retainers enter into the game. This appliance helps the teeth not to relapse to the old position. And it is very important to use, as this can prevent the teeth from being wrongly aligned.

How many types of retainers are there?

In the orthodontic dentistry, there are specifically two main types of retainers that are involved removable and permanent retainers. After the aligners or braces treatment is completed, the dentist or the orthodontist will suggest you take the retainers as the reassurance of your treatment.

Depending on the condition of your teeth, the dentist will suggest the right type of retainer for you. In some cases, you can receive both of the removable and permanent retainers that will fulfil your individual needs and requirements.

Removable Retainers

Removable aligners are those you can remove from the mouth whenever you want. These are for the less complex orthodontic issues.

Advantages

• You can remove the retainers and make your teeth free to eat something. As well as it is also helpful for your brushing and flossing.
• These types of retainers are much easier to clean.
• After a lengthy orthodontic treatment, this can give you relief.

Disadvantages

• If you do not keep these retainers in a safe place after removing them, these can get misplaced.
• In case of improper care and maintenance, these can get easily damaged.
• It is sometimes seen that these retainers can increase the saliva production in the mouth.
• If you do not tuck them properly to the teeth, the oral bacteria can grow and live in the retainers.

Different types

There are only two types of retainers. These are

• Hawley retainers
• Essix retainers

How to maintain the removable retainers?

Maintaining the retainers properly can give you a better experience of your orthodontic treatment. There are some things that are necessary to keep the retainer active. These are

Remove before eating and brushing: As you have the advantage, you have to remove the retainers when you are brushing and eating.

Practice regular oral hygiene: Practicing regular oral hygiene is one of the most important things that you have to maintain.

Always clean the retainers before storing: At the time of removing the retainers, you have to clean them and store them to a safe place.

Avoid using harsh cleansers: When you clean the retainer, never use the harsh cleanser to clean it.

Visit the dentist regularly: Remember to visit the dentist once you have ended the braces treatment and start getting the retainers.

Length of wearing time

In most of the cases, the removable retainers are needed to be worn for almost 4 months to 1 year. But depending on the conditions, the timeline can also be changed.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers are those you cannot remove from your mouth until the treatment is completed. Here are some details about permanent retainers.

Advantages

• The permanent retainers are more discreet solution than the removable retainers.
• As these are fixed and stay within your mouth all the time, you cannot lose them.
• More effective, as they always do their work.
• These are more comfortable and have less impact on the speaking functions.

Disadvantages

• In this type of retainer, you will require a special type of floss that will keep them clean.
• They always require more intense cleaning.
• If you take hard foods more, this can damage the wires of the retainers.

Type

There is only one type of permanent retainer that is also known as the bonded retainer.

How to maintain the permanent retainers?

The things that you need to maintain after getting the retainers can increase the effectiveness of the retainers. These are

Use the interdental toothbrush: Always use the interdental toothbrush while brushing your teeth to make sure that every corner of your mouth is cleaned properly.

Floss daily: In the case of fixed retainers, you have to floss your teeth regularly so that the food particles cannot build up inside your mouth.

Practice regular cleaning: You have to clean the retainer regularly with the toothbrush.

Length of wearing time

These are for the more severe cases that cannot be done with the removable and invisible retainer. The treatment of this retainer lasts for a longer time than the removable retainers. Although the treatment can last for almost 2 years, the duration can vary.

Booking an appointment:

This is all the important information related to the retainers. If your orthodontic treatment has been recently completed and it is the time to get the retainer braces, you can contact 1A Orthodontics. Our certified dentists are always there to help you by providing the best dental care treatment along with the best orthodontic treatment and retainers.