Which Retainer is Right For You?

Retainers are customized dental appliances worn over teeth to move teeth into desired positions (active retainers) or hold them in their perfect position (passive retainers).

An example of active retainers in Kissimmee is the clear aligners that the Invisalign process uses to straighten teeth without traditional braces. Even after completing an Invisalign treatment plan, though, orthodontists near you recommend that you wear a passive retainer to hold your teeth in their ideal position going forward. That passive retainer works to oppose the natural tendency of your teeth to gradually return to their former position.

Our staff has all the information needed to answer all your questions about orthodontic treatment, including active retainers like those used with Invisalign. This article, though, is to introduce the three different kinds of passive retainers available from orthodontists near you to preserve your (newly?) perfect smile.

There are three main types of retainers: permanent, removable and removable Hawley retainers near you. Each option offers different advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a chart reviewing and comparing the three main options. To determine which type of retainer is right for your needs, contact a clinic that provides orthodontics in Kissimmee. The staff there will be happy to arrange a consultation to review the condition of your teeth and to recommend the right option to help you to achieve your goals and preserve your results.

Permanent retainers

Permanent retainers are made of metal wires placed on your teeth in strategic positions to ensure that they’re invisible when you’re speaking. They’re designed to last a lifetime, though your lifestyle and how well you care for your teeth and oral appliances can affect any retainer’s lifespan.

On the negative side, permanent retainers are the most expensive option discussed here. They can interfere with traditional flossing techniques and can allow the accumulation of plaque and tartar, but your dentist’s staff will teach you the right oral hygiene techniques to use while wearing a permanent retainer. On the other hand, you never need to worry about putting them in place or losing them, and they’re difficult to damage.

Removable retainers

Removable aligners are not made of metal and contain no metal parts. Instead, they’re made of unique plastic and polyurethane materials molded to fit your teeth precisely. 

The advantages of removable aligners are obvious — they’re transparent and discreet, and removable so you can eat, brush and floss without wearing any oral appliance. They’re also less expensive than permanent retainers. On the other hand, they have the shortest typical lifespan (approximately 24 months) and can be easily lost and more easily damaged than the other options discussed here.

Hawley retainers

Hawley retainers are constructed from a combination of metal wires and plastic or acrylic materials. They’re removable like the removable retainers discussed above.

Hawley retainers can be the least expensive option, especially when you consider their lifespan of up to 20 years depending on how well you care for them. They also offer the advantage of being able to customize them to reflect your unique style and personality.

They do have a downside. The metal brackets that form part of a Hawley retainer can be visible when you’re speaking. They’re more easily damaged than a permanent retainer and have been known to irritate the soft tissues in some people’s mouths.

Retainers are not a necessary treatment option for every person. If your orthodontist in Kissimmee has recommended that you wear a passive retainer, though, the conversation shouldn’t end there. Ask your dentist in Kissimmee to recommend the best options for your needs and teeth. Hopefully, this chart will give you the information you need to participate in that discussion and to understand your needs while making an informed choice.