Retainers: Types and Caring for Them

What You Need to Know About Retainers

After the completion of an orthodontic treatment, retainers are used as an important part of the continuing maintenance of one’s teeth. Using retainers goes a long way when it comes to keeping the same smile and bite that braces or other orthodontic procedures had created over time. These pieces of dental equipment are generally fabricated either by a general dentist or an orthodontist and are usually completed by taking an impression or mold of the patient’s mouth and using acrylic and wire to form the retainer. For most patients, retainers have to be worn for many years or even for a lifetime.

There are two types of retainers orthodontists generally use with patients who have had braces. Choosing the right one depends on the clinical needs and the patient’s desired outcome.

Removable Retainers

A removable retainer is often the combination of wire spanning across the front of the lower and upper front teeth, and it is held in place using hooks or clasps and acrylic material. These hooks insert in and around the patient’s back teeth to help hold the appliance in place. Since this type of retainer can be removed, it makes it much easier for patients to be able to clean their teeth, but it also presents the challenge of the patient being vigilant about wearing the appliance on a daily basis.

Initially, dentists recommend patients wear removable retainers 24 hours a day for a period of three months. After this thee month period, if no movement of the teeth is detected, patients are usually instructed to continue to wear their retainers at night – often, dental professionals use the phrase “nighttime for a lifetime.” While removable retainers are effective, they have a large disadvantage – since they are removable, patients can easily lose or damage them, and they are expensive to replace.

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer is usually constructed of a thin wire that runs across the back of the upper and lower front teeth, and the wire is bonded in place using a cement similar to what is used to bond the brackets of braces to the teeth. Since this type of retainer stretches over several teeth, a floss threader or other cleaning device needs to be used to properly clean the teeth. While it is harder for patients to clean their teeth using this type of retainer, it is not possible from them to lose, damage, or forget to wear it.

If you or a loved one has questions for the dentist about retainers, you can sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on your dental bills. For more information, please click here. We also offer Employee Discount Dental Plans for business owners offering dental to their employees.

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