What are your options when it comes to the types of retainers that you can choose from? Find out!
What are you supposed to do after you’ve straightened your teeth, got back your fantastic smile and took your bite back to its rightful place? Get a retainer to ensure that all the orthodontic treatment that you recently had remains in place. Retainers have been around for a long time, and they are even sometimes used to fix the alignment of your teeth. During the retention phase of the treatment, you’ll be required to wear a retainer for some time until the new bone and gums adapt to the new position of your teeth. Below are the three basic types of retainers that you can choose from.
Fixed/Permanent Retainers
The permanent retainer is a thin piece of wire that is usually worn across the rear of the upper or lower front teeth. The wire is then attached in place with cement that resembles the one which is applied to the brackets of braces. A floss threader is used to access the tiny interproximal spaces between your teeth since the wire used stretches across several teeth. This is similar to the manner in which people with traditional braces have to floss. This type of retainer usually produces excellent results since the bonded wire holds your teeth in perfect position 24/7.
Essix Retainers
They are also known as the clear retainers and made of clear acrylic. Clear retainers cover all your teeth surfaces but don’t cover the roof of your mouth. The most significant advantage of clear retainers is that they are invisible and easy to remove. They are often custom-made to fit the teeth of a specific individual. Clear retainers aren’t recommended for people with certain conditions such as teeth grinding.
Hawley Retainers
The most noticeable feature of these retainers is the bow wire which typically runs across the front side of your teeth. The Hawley retainers are made of a typical acrylic material that covers both the surface of your teeth and the roof of your mouth. The purpose of the bow wire is to maintain the teeth in their right position.
Still not sure which retainer is right for you? Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your options and help make the best decision for you!
