For many people who have just had their braces removed, a retainer is the best option to maintain this improved smile going forward. Some retainers are temporary and removable, while others may be fused to the back of your teeth. This article will explore the ins and outs of the different types of dental retainers.
When Do You Need a Retainer?
Retainers are often used either in lieu of or in conjunction with dental braces. While braces guide the teeth into new locations, retainers maintain them in these positions and prevent them from drifting back to where they were before.
In other cases, orthodontic issues might not require you to wear a full set of braces—instead, a retainer may be all that's needed to correct any problems. Because retainers are usually more discreet than braces, they can be a good way to subtly straighten one's teeth.
Types of Dental Retainers
Dental retainers fall into two categories: removable and permanent. Depending on your orthodontist's recommendation, you may be able to "mix and match" these types if you need retainers on your top and bottom teeth. For example, a removable top retainer can allow you to easily eat and drink, while a permanent bottom retainer will prevent your teeth from shifting.
Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers are usually applied lingually, or behind the teeth. This means that the only person who will ever see this retainer is your dentist or dental hygienist. These retainers have several advantages—they're highly effective at keeping your teeth in place and they're unobtrusive. But tartar can accumulate this back wire, which means you'll need to keep up on your twice-annual dental cleanings to avoid damage to your enamel.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers, as the name implies, can be taken out whenever you need to eat, brush, or floss. However, if you don't wear these removable retainers at all other times, they may not be as effective as permanent retainers. Removable retainers can also be easily misplaced, which can result in dental reversion if you don't get a new one quickly.
There are a variety of types and brands of removable retainers, from clear ones that are essentially invisible to wire ones that fit to the roof of your mouth. The right type of retainer for you depends on your orthodontic issues, budget, and personal preference.
Dental Retainer Timeline
If your orthodontist recommends that you get a dental retainer, you'll likely be fitted at your next appointment. During your fitting, the orthodontist may take a three-dimensional mold of your teeth to see how the retainer should fit. Once your retainer has been fitted and your orthodontist is happy with it, you'll be scheduled for regular checkups.
In most cases, your orthodontist will invite you back once per month for the first few months. You'll then have checkups at the six, 12, and 24-month marks to see whether the retainer is working well and if it should be adjusted or removed. In most cases, there's no need to wear a temporary retainer past the 24-month mark.
