Retainers are just as important to your new smile as your braces. While braces or clear aligners move your teeth into place, your retainers keep them there, ensuring you have that beautiful new smile for a lifetime.
Zombek Orthodontics offers different types of retainers because we know one type may not be right for everyone. You need a retainer that fits your lifestyle, whether you want to remove it regularly or keep it in your mouth and never worry about it.
There are three main types of retainers. Two are removable, and the third is considered “permanent” (though it isn’t, but we’ll explain).
Here are the main types of retainers.
When you think about your parents’ retainers, you’re probably thinking about Hawley retainers. These “old-school” retainers combine an acrylic base with wires that snap over and around the teeth to hold them in place.
Hawley retainers are custom-molded to fit the roof of your mouth for the upper retainer and along your gumline for lower retainers. The acrylic holds wires that wrap around your front teeth and attach to the back teeth to keep the retainer — and your teeth — in place.
While the tried-and-true retainers have been around for decades, Hawley retainers are being replaced by more modern versions, such as the Essix retainers.
Essix retainers look very similar to clear aligners like Invisalign. While clear aligners are made to move your teeth, Essix retainers are made to keep them in place.
Zombek Orthodontics offers Vivera and Essix retainers, which Invisalign provides. Vivera retainers are part of the Invisalign treatment system, which combines top digital scanning systems, detailed treatment plans from top-of-the-line software, comfortable, clear aligners, and Vivera retainers to give you the smile of your dreams.
The best part about these retainers is that they are nearly invisible on your teeth, and the custom design ensures a comfortable fit. People may not even realize you’re wearing retainers!
The third main type of retainer is the permanent retainer, also called bonded retainer or lingual retainer. Unlike Hawley and Essix retainers, bonded retainers are placed on your teeth by your orthodontist and are not removable.
Bonded retainers cannot get lost or damaged, while out of the mouth, like Hawley or Essix retainers can. However, they can make brushing and flossing more difficult, increasing the chances of tooth decay.
It’s important to clean your retainers regularly to keep food, germs, plaque, and bacteria from building up on them. Who wants to put all that back in their mouths? Yuck!
It’s easy to clean your removable retainers daily with a little antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled brush. Make sure you rinse them well afterward! You can also use a non-alcoholic mouthwash to keep them clean.
For deep cleaning, use retainer cleanser tablets once or twice a week by soaking them in lukewarm water with your retainers. Make sure the water isn’t too hot, or it could damage your retainers. If you choose to use denture cleanser, make sure it doesn’t mention “scrubbing power.” That scrubbing power comes from abrasives that can cause microabrasions and cloud your retainers.
Whichever method you use, clean your removable retainers daily to keep them clear and germ-free.
Cleaning bonded retainers is simple — simply brush and floss your teeth, which will also clean your retainers.
Flossing may seem complicated, but you can floss with bonded retainers the same way you did with braces. A floss threader will get around your bonded retainer, allowing you to floss your teeth normally.
A water flosser like a Waterpik can also clean around your permanent retainer. It’s not a substitute for dental floss but a great addition.
Removable retainers are meant to last 3-10 years, depending on how well you care for them. Eventually, the acrylic may wear out, warp or a wire may become loose, and the retainer must be replaced.
Permanent retainers last longer than removable ones but don’t last forever (despite the name). Your permanent retainer will last about 10-20 years. After that, they will probably need to be removed, and new retainers will be bonded to your teeth.
Wearing your retainer as prescribed is crucial for maintaining your teeth in the correct position. After orthodontic treatment, your teeth are still settling, and a retainer ensures they stay aligned. If you don't wear it consistently, your teeth may return to their original position. Proper care and consistent use of your retainer help secure the results of your treatment and keep your smile looking its best.
How do you choose the right retainer for you? Dr. Zombek will work with you to determine what type of retainer suits you best.
Some patients prefer permanent retainers because they don’t have to worry about removing them to eat and storing them. They also don’t have to worry about losing or damaging them when they’re out of their mouths.
Others prefer removable retainers, such as Vivera retainers, because they want something to eat or drink without worrying about damaging the retainer. They can also brush and floss their teeth without special tools to get around bonded wires.
Which retainer do you prefer? We’ll look at your preferences and lifestyle and help you figure out which type of retainer will work best for you.
Braces straighten teeth and repair bites. Once the braces or Invisalign clear aligners come off, retainers ensure teeth stay put. Without retainers, teeth may move out of place, and you may have to start treatment again.
Zombek Orthodontics is dedicated to giving you the smile you’ve always wanted and keeping it for a lifetime. We will help you choose the best type of retainer so that you can enjoy your smile for decades to come!
This site’s strategy, design, photo & video were created by the marginally-above-average folks @ Clear Partnering Group.
