Permanent retainers are, like implants, made of metal, wire, or plastic to hold teeth in place. They are used to improve the position of teeth and enhance their appearance. When comparing retainers with ones one notable difference is that permanent retainers tend to be more expensive. However, a major advantage of retainers is that they stay fixed in place and can last for years.
For quite some time now permanent retainers have been utilized to maintain the alignment of teeth following treatment. Nevertheless, there have been advancements and additional information mentioned. So keep reading till the end of this article to discover the pros and cons of retainers and find answers, to related questions.
Do You Know What is Permanent Retainer?
A permanent retainer serves as a device that aids in preserving the alignment of teeth following the completion of braces or other orthodontic procedures. It typically consists of a wire affixed to the surface of the teeth. It is intended to be worn continuously.
Pros of Permanent Retainer
- User Friendly
Permanent retainers are easy to use as the person does not need to wear them again and again. Once you get used to it, it is easy to forget that you have some additional thing in your mouth for the proper placement of teeth. Moreover, these retainers are not prominent on the front sides of teeth.
- Long-lasting
Another pro of a permanent retainer is its durability. Permanent retainers, as the name indicates are more durable and long-lasting.
- Required fewer visits to the Dentist
Permanent retainers do not need replacements so ultimately they require fewer follow-up appointments with your orthodontist.
Cons of Permanent Retainer
- Difficult To Clean
One of the major drawbacks of a permanent retainer is the difficulty of cleaning it and flossing the teeth. As you cannot take it out of your mouth and need to follow the tips to clean it properly
- May cause cavities
Sometimes food particles may trap in the retainer and may cause gum disease and cavities.
- It may cause a little discomfort
These retainers may be uncomfortable if someone’s tongue brushes the wire.
What is a Removable Retainer?
Removable retainers are also the type of orthodontic device as permanent retainers and have the same useful purpose. They are composed of clear, hard plastic and cover all of your teeth on the entire upper and lower arch. You can easily take them out to eat and clean and that’s why they are termed “ Removable retainers”.
Pros of Removable Retainer
- Flexible and Easy To Use
Removable retainers are simpler to maintain and floss between your teeth than fixed retainers You can easily take them out for cleaning purposes.
- Protect teeth against Bruxism
It’s fairly normal to clench or grind your teeth when you sleep, which is known as bruxism. Although it may harm your teeth, your retainer will serve as a protective barrier
Cons of Removable Retainer
- Chances of losing
The major disadvantage of detachable retainers is that they are commonly misplaced. They are always at a risk of being misplaced or they may frequently thrown away after meals unintentionally. They are also vulnerable to breakage while not in your mouth. You may always be cautious about them while using them.
- Improper Placement
Removable retainer proper placement after taking them out. Improper placement of retainers makes it difficult for people to speak during their working hours. They become more conscious in their professional life while wearing removable retainers.
- May become Contaminated
The frequent removal and placement of removable retainers increase the chances of contamination. Regular cleaning is crucial since they are a great area for bacteria to hide and thrive.
A Brief Look on Permanent Retainer vs Removable Retainer
| Permanent Retainer | Removable retainer | |
| Durability | Difficult to break | Easy to break |
| Visibility | Less visible | More visible |
| Cost | Initially expensive but seem less for long-term use | Initially less expensive than a permanent retainer but need more replacements and appointments |
| Replacement | If the retainer breaks or bend | If the retainer gets loose or worn |
| Result | Best for long-term use | Duration varies according to the use |
| Pros | User-friendly long-lasting requires fewer visits to orthodontists | Initially less expensive than a permanent retainer but needs more replacements and appointments |
| Cons | Difficult to clean may cause cavities may cause a little discomfort | Cances of loosingImproper placement may become contaminated |
Reasons to Choose Permanent Retainer
There are several reasons why someone might choose to use a permanent retainer. The pros of permanent retainers make it a good choice to keep braces in their position. One of the main reasons is to prevent the teeth from shifting out of alignment after braces have been removed. This can be particularly important for people who have had significant orthodontic treatment, as the teeth may be more prone to shifting if they are not held in place.
Another reason why someone might choose to use a permanent retainer is to correct minor issues with the bite or alignment of the teeth. While braces are typically more effective at correcting these issues, a permanent retainer can be used to make small adjustments to the position of the teeth.
It’s important to note that a permanent retainer is a long-term commitment. Once the retainer is bonded to the teeth, it cannot be removed, and it will need to be worn all the time. This means that it will need to be taken care of just like natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing to keep it clean.
10 Common FAQs About Permanent Retainers
The most common query about permanent retainers is how long to keep permanent retainers. The longevity of a permanent retainer varies depending on various factors, including the quality of the bond, how well the retainer is taken care of, and the individual’s oral hygiene habits. Typically, permanent retainers can last for several years but may need to be replaced at some point.
A permanent retainer is a fixed appliance and cannot be removed by the patient. However, it can be removed by a dentist or orthodontist.
It is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene when you have a permanent retainer. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, and avoid consuming foods and drinks that can stain or damage the retainer.
A permanent retainer may affect your speech temporarily when you first get it, but this should resolve within a few days.
As with any medical procedure, there is always a small risk of complications. Possible complications can include damage to the retainer, damage to the teeth or gums, or infection.
It is recommended to visit your dentist/orthodontist every 6-12 months for check-ups and cleaning.
A permanent retainer is designed to maintain the bite, not to change it. However, if the retainer is damaged or not fitting properly, it may affect the bite.
You should be able to participate in most activities with a permanent retainer, but it is recommended to wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports. Playing musical instruments should not be affected by the retainer.
No, a removable retainer is an alternative option but it requires the patient to wear it as directed and it may not hold the teeth as well as a permanent retainer.
This query can only be resolved by your orthodontist after the complete dental examination. You cannot decide by yourself if you are a good candidate for a permanent retainer or not.
Advancement in Permanent Retainers
There have been several advancements in the design and materials used for permanent retainers in recent years.
- Use of tooth-colored wire: One advancement is using newer materials, such as clear or tooth-colored wires, that are less visible than traditional metal wires. This improves the aesthetics of the retainer and makes it less noticeable to others.
- Precision attachments: Another advancement is the use of precision attachments, such as mini-screws, instead of bonding the retainer to the teeth. This can be an alternative for patients who have difficulty keeping the retainer in place.
- Lingual Permanent Retainers: There’s also the development of lingual permanent retainers that are fixed on the inside of the teeth, rather than the outside. This type of retainer is hidden from view and can be a good option for people who are self-conscious about having a retainer that’s visible when they speak or smile.
- Use Of Digital Technology: Digital technology has also been applied to permanent retainer fabrication, with the help of CAD/CAM technology to custom-design retainers, giving more accurate fitting and comfort, and reducing the need for frequent adjustments.
Overall, the advancements in permanent retainer technology have made these appliances more comfortable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing.
Wrapping Up
Overall, this is a great option for anyone who wants to maintain the position of their teeth after orthodontic treatment. It can help prevent the teeth from shifting out of alignment, and it can also be used to make small adjustments to the bite or alignment of the teeth. This retainer is a more expensive solution than a removable retainer. The good news is that it will not move, and it will last for years. If you’re considering a permanent retainer, be sure to talk to your orthodontist to see if it’s the right option for you.