Top 5 Permanent Retainers Facts To Be Aware Of

Permanent retainers are another name for fixed retainers. They are attached to your teeth using metal wire. This wire is thick and smooth, and it looks as if it's braided. Dentists attach them to your teeth and customize them to fit your bite to prevent teeth from moving or becoming crooked. Retainers are commonly recommended to keep your teeth from slipping back into their previous positions after undergoing treatment with braces.

Furthermore, if a patient is having difficulty following their instructions, an experienced orthodontist may recommend removable retainers. For the bonding substance to maintain the retainer firmly in place, a precise amount of tooth surface area is necessary. In many cases, dentists combine permanent and removable retainers to provide the best long-term outcomes. According to recent research, permanent retainers are more effective in the long term.

Permanent retainers are frequently used on the lower teeth, while detachable retainers are used on the upper ones. However, the usage of the retainer is always decided by the shape and condition of your teeth.

Here are some of the most essential facts about permanent retainers that you should be aware of:

1. What are permanent retainers?

Permanent retainers are also known as bonded retainers, fixed retainers, and lingual wire. These retainers are normally bonded or glued to the back of the surface of the teeth. Permanent retainers, which hold your teeth firmly in place, will prevent them from moving.

Some people are required to wear retainers for the rest of their life. Fixed retainers can be removed by your dentist if they cause harm to your teeth or gums, or if they create an excessive accumulation of plaque or tartar on surrounding teeth.

2. What are the benefits of permanent retainers?

The following is a summary of all the benefits of fixed retainers that many orthodontists often mention:

- After your braces are taken off, keeping your teeth in place will be considerably simpler as you won't have to take them on and off.

- Since they are attached to the back of your teeth, only you are aware that they are there.

- Wearing permanent retainers in public won’t make you feel self-conscious because they have no effect on how you talk.

They are firmly attached to your teeth, so there is no risk of them falling out.

- It is very difficult to harm them when eating or speaking

- Your teeth stay in the position since the retainer is constantly in place, which aids in aligning them.

3. What are the disadvantages of permanent retainers?

Like every dental treatment, fixed retainers have several drawbacks, including:

- A fixed retainer placement might be a lengthy and difficult process. The entire procedure typically takes 1 hour.

- A fixed retainer will need you to spend more time and effort cleaning and flossing your teeth around it. Dentists stress the link between poor oral care and an increased risk of oral infections and decay.

- Initially, having a metal object in your mouth could be really unpleasant. Because it can rub against the wire, your tongue could become scraped or irritated if the bond weakens or the wire breaks.

- You may be required to modify your diet. This is because meals that are rough or hard have the ability to bend the wire. Consuming meals high in artificial sugars might also cause the bonding substance to wear away. It can result in the retainer's connection to the teeth being less secure.

- Your wire can break or debond, which would necessitate repair or replacement.

4. What must be done if the retainer shifts or bends?

The retainer should be repaired on your own if it moves or becomes deformed. You run the risk of damaging your teeth if you put too much pressure on the retainer, snapping the wire or bonding material. Additionally, bear in mind that your retainer won't be able to hold your teeth in place if it shifts. If you see your retainer shifting, follow these suggestions:

- Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if your retainer shifts or becomes twisted. Do not wait until the retainer is bothering you or causing damage to oral tissues.

- If your retainer is already creating problems in other areas of your mouth, you should call for an emergency and have it fixed as soon as possible. This is vital to avoid major damage to the rest of your mouth.

5. How to brush your teeth with permanent retainers?

As was already said, it is crucial to maintain good dental hygiene and regularly clean the retainer. You don't need to adjust your cleaning technique. To ensure that no area is missed, be sure to move your bristles in and out of all the spaces in between the teeth. Be sure to brush the area around the bonded material and behind the wire itself.

When wearing permanent retainers, flossing may be tricky. According to specialists, a 6-inch piece of floss and a floss threader should be shimmed between two of your front bottom teeth. One end of the floss should be held between your fingers while the other end is put through the threader. When flossing between teeth, it is best to lift and lower the floss softly. It is not necessary to push too forcefully since you risk harming your gums.

When you have finished flossing one set of teeth, slide the floss to the next set of teeth by moving it back to the top of the teeth. Repeat these movements until you have flossed between all of the teeth that are held in place by your permanent retainer.

The bottom line

After undergoing orthodontic treatment using braces or clear aligners, it’s almost always necessary to preserve the treatment results by wearing dental retainers. If this stage of treatment is skipped, you run the risk of your teeth gradually returning to their original positions. Always consult your dentist whether you need to wear any kind of retainer after straightening your teeth. The specialist will recommend the most appropriate type as well as the duration of time it should be worn.

Fixed or permanent retainers are an excellent substitute for plastic retainers. They are not, however, appropriate for everyone. This type of retainer often costs between $150 and $500. This does not include the cost of installation, which varies depending on the clinic and the location.

You may always set up a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist who can advise you on the best sort of retainer for your needs. This choice will often be based on your own demands and objectives. Additionally, the specialist will also inform you if you're not a good candidate for permanent retainers.