The Different Types Of Retainers After Braces
Are you passionate about your smile? If you're researching different types of retainers for your teeth in Brampton, our Brampton & Burlington orthodontist can help. Besides providing custom retainers and braces, we also offer Invisalign, orthognathic surgery, and orthodontic appliances, like face masks. Turn to our orthodontist for expert advice and recommendations on how to keep your smile perfect.
Why Retainers Are Important After Braces
Retainers are essential after wearing braces because they prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. Once we remove your braces, the surrounding bone and tissue are still adjusting and haven't had a chance to fully stabilize yet. To lock them into their new positions, you'll need retainers.
Patients completing treatment through our Burlington adult orthodontics often ask how long they need to wear retainers. Long-term commitment is ideal, but the exact timeline differs from person to person. Here are the different types of retainers for your teeth.
Contact Our Brampton & Burlington Orthodontist to Learn About Our Retainers
Removable Clear Plastic Retainers
Removable clear plastic retainers are transparent trays that are custom molded to fit perfectly over your teeth. The advantage of having this type of retainer is that there's no metal wire across the front of your teeth.
Features:
- Appearance: Virtually invisible, making it great if you like a low-profile look
- Comfort: A light-weight and custom-fitted option
- Maintenance: Must remove the tray when eating/drinking or brushing your teeth
- Durability: May crack or warp when exposed to heat
- Protection: Covers the entire surface of the teeth, which can help to prevent grinding
Traditional Wire Retainers (Hawley Retainers)
Hawley retainers are made of an acrylic base and a thin, metal wire that holds your teeth in position.
Features:
- Appearance: A thin metal going across the front of your teeth
- Comfort: Slightly bulkier than the clear retainers
- Maintenance: Must clean them properly by brushing them daily
- Durability: Long-lasting and durable, and can last for up to 20 years
- Protection: Minor adjustments can be made if your teeth shift slightly
Permanent (Fixed) Retainers
Fixed retainers are a permanent solution for people who have a higher risk of their teeth shifting after braces. A metal wire is bonded to the back part of your teeth to keep them in position. Orthodontists typically use these retainers for the front bottom teeth, though they may be used on the top teeth as well.
Features:
- Appearance: A thin metal wire going across your teeth
- Comfort: May feel uncomfortable initially
- Maintenance: Need special care, including cleaning under the retainer and around the wire
- Durability: Designed to be a long-lasting and permanent solution to shifting teeth
- Protection: Prevent teeth from relapsing to their original positions
How to Choose the Right Retainer
When choosing a retainer for your teeth, it's best to have an in-depth discussion with our Brampton & Burlington orthodontist. Here are some key points to consider:
- Lifestyle: If you're consistent and can remember to put your retainers on after you eat, drink, or brush your teeth, then our removable, clear, plastic retainer may work well for you. However, if you prefer to "set-it-and-forget-it," we can have you fitted for our Hawley retainer.
- Comfort and Appearance: Choose a retainer that suits your comfort level. If you prefer something discreet and low profile, a clear, removable retainer is a good option.
- Complexity: Sometimes, teeth have complex high-relapse issues, especially if the initial shift was significant. If this is the case, our orthodontist will discuss the permanent (fixed) retainer as an option.
Our Brampton & Burlington Orthodontist Can Help You Select the Right Retainer
Our Brampton & Burlington Orthodontist Can Help
Now that you've achieved your perfect smile, it's time to talk about the ideal retainer. Our Burlington adult orthodontics team can provide options and guidance so that you get the best results.
When you need a professional and experienced orthodontist, contact our Brampton & Burlington orthodontist. We offer routine orthodontic treatment as well as more complex care. We also have an orthognathic surgeon in Brampton if you have a jaw misalignment or a severe bite issue.
