Types of Orthodontic Retainers

retainers.jpg

Congrats on your beautiful smile!

To keep your beautiful straight smile, it is important to wear your retainers every single day! Retainers are used to keep your teeth straight and to stabilize the teeth. Teeth need time to settle into their new position, so that the surrounding bone, muscles, and gums can learn the new teeth position.

Retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth and mouth perfectly. They can be removable or fixed.

  • Traditional hawley retainers include a metal wire that goes in front of the teeth and colored acrylic that sits on the roof of your mouth. The metal wires are to be adjusted regularly by your orthodontist to ensure your teeth does not move.

  • Clear essix (invisible) retainers are aligner-style retainers that are clear, comfortable, and esthetic. The clear plastic covers your entire arch of your teeth, so that your teeth do not move. If the tray starts cracking or breaking, the retainers should be replaced.

  • Fixed retainers are thin wires that are bonded and adapted behind the top and/or bottom front teeth.

Pros and Cons

  • Removable retainers can be taken out to clean properly. With a fixed retainer, flossing will require more time and effort. Tartar build up can happen around the fixed retainer, and therefore keeping good care of your oral hygiene at home is important. Also, it is important to see the dentist and hygienist for professional and thorough cleaning.

  • Fixed retainers can break due to food selection and natural wear and tear. If they do break, replacing them immediately would be required.

  • Removable retainers can get lost, and so it’s important to always keep them in a case when they are not being worn.

  • Fixed retainer is fantastic if you are forgetful and need something that stays put throughout the day and night

201 N. College Dr. STE 102
Santa Maria, CA 93454
805-623-8489