Permanent Retainer VS Removable Retainer: Its Pros and Cons

Getting that flawless smile requires a lot of hard work. From keeping up with the dental appointments to avoiding certain food. With all these fusses the only idea you’d have from the day you have fitted your braces is when they’d be gone. Getting that flawlessly straight smile is always a thrilling event that is worthwhile. 

However, this is not the end of the process. In reality, the most crucial portion of the journey begins when the braces end. 

The second stage is termed retention, a key follow-up stage that keeps your teeth in their new position. Teeth can take a year or more to settle after braces, making them prone to movement. 

After your braces have been removed, your orthodontist will fit retainers. To keep the teeth from moving, your retainer will be custom-made to fit. Without a retainer, all of the progress you’ve made with braces over the last few years will be undone pretty quickly. Here is everything you need to know about retainers.  

 There are two types of retainers: Permanent Retainers and Removable Retainers. 

Permanent Retainers 

Permanent retainers are mostly recommended after extensive orthodontic work and for extra protection while the teeth settle into the new position. A custom-fit wire will be glued to the back of the teeth to suit your bite, alignment, and comfort. 

Pros 

• Helps prevent front tooth movement, which is a risk factor for relapse. 
• You needn’t worry about removing them regularly for eating and cleaning. 
• The permanent retainer is not visible from the outside because it is glued to the back of your teeth. 

Cons 

• You must be cautious about what you eat. Hard, gritty, sticky, or gummy foods may cause the retainer to break. 
• You must be diligent in keeping the retainer clean as it can form tartar. 
• They do not give any protection against relapse for the back teeth. 
• As it would be hard to floss, it could easily welcome microbes and form tartar. 

Removable Retainers 

Removable retainers can be used only during treatment hours and can be removed when you eat, brush, or as directed by your orthodontist. Removable retainers have an effect on your teeth only when you wear them. You’ll most likely need to wear them every day and night. 

There are two types of removable retainers: Hawley and Essix. 

A Hawley retainer is made of a plastic or acrylic plate. It covers the roof of your mouth with a wire across the front of your teeth, allowing you to personalize the retainer. 

The Essix retainer is made of molded clear plastic and easily glides over your teeth to keep them in place. This is a popular retainer as it is almost invisible. 

Pros 

• Clear, practically invisible, and comfortable to wear. 
• Covers teeth and keep them from shifting. 
• Easy to clean because retainers can be removed to brush and floss. 
• Can help protect dental restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.) 
• Protects your teeth from grinding or clenching. 

• Serves as a bleaching tray to help whiten their teeth after treatment. 

Cons 

• You must be responsible and always keep in mind to wear the retainers as directed.  
• If you lose your retainers, you will have to pay to have replacements created. 

To get your desired straight teeth, a good bite, and a gorgeous smile, consult our experts at Bravo! Dental. We provide a unique retainer replacement plan in our office just for you. 

So why wait? Get the smile you have always desired!