After removing your braces, it would take approximately a year for your oral tissues to settle into their new placements. That’s why it is necessary to wear retainers following your brace removal. It is a thrilling experience for brace wearers to finally remove their orthodontic accessory and transition to a much more lightweight retainer. However, with the different types of retainers available today, how would you know which is the best for you?
After removing your braces, it would take approximately a year for your oral tissues to settle into their new placements. That’s why it is necessary to wear retainers following your brace removal. It is a thrilling experience for brace wearers to finally remove their orthodontic accessory and transition to a much more lightweight retainer. However, with the different types of retainers available today, how would you know which is the best for you?
Basically, choosing among the different types of retainers would depend on your situation and your preferences. In this article, we will discuss the most common retainers available along with their individual benefits. Whether you’re looking for the kind that hides your missing tooth or something that is worn only at night, we’ve got you covered.
Overview
Every orthodontic patient is required to wear a retainer after having their braces. A retainer plays a significant role in preventing your teeth from shifting and returning to their previous condition. If you don’t want to get back to having braces, following your dentists’ instructions in wearing retainers is essential.
Most orthodontists advise their patients to wear their retainer for the whole day in the first few weeks. Depending on the progress, they will gradually adjust its duration. However, according to experts, retainers are not meant to be taken off entirely unless your dentist tells you to do so. Many people are in for an unpleasant surprise when their retainers don’t fit after putting it back on.
Different Types of Retainers
Retainers are available in two different types according to their use, particularly permanent and removable. Depending on your situation, experts further subdivides retainer types into different categories:
Removable Retainers
Vacuum-form retainers
Among the different types of removable retainers, VFR is the first choice by many patients. Because of its transparent material, it is an intimate option for those who want to maintain an aesthetic smile. Vacuum-form retainers are also not bulky as other retainers, making them comfortable for everyday wear. However, VFRs are not recommended for patients with bruxism or those who habitually grind their teeth as the material can quickly wear down over time.
Hawley retainer
If you are an enthusiast for conventional removable retainers, you should try a Hawley retainer. This dental appliance consists of a plastic component that goes across the roof of the mouth. This is then linked to a wire that fits at the top of the front teeth. Hawley retainers stay highly durable and budget-friendly. They are long-lasting and allow modifications in case adjustments are necessary.
Permanent Retainers
Depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist might recommend permanent retainers. These are necessary for post-orthodontic use, especially for crowded, rotated, and spaced-out teeth.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers are permanent retainers consisting of a wire that connects to the backside of your teeth. This type is beneficial, especially for those who don’t want to worry about adjusting their retainers from time to time.
Unfortunately, dentists will cement permanent retainers at the back of your teeth. This condition makes the permanent retainers slightly more challenging to clean. The lower teeth tend to collect a lot of cavity and plaque over time. Thus, there is a risk of plaque formation and other dental issues. So, if you opt to get permanent lingual retainers, you should save some time to clean them.
Which Should I Choose?
Each retainer has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Nonetheless, they all serve the same purpose: maintaining your teeth’ alignment after removing your braces.
According to research, one disadvantage of permanent retainers is their tendency to be more challenging to use. Unlike removable retainers, emergency orthodontic treatment is more common for fixed retainers. However, removable retainers have their downside, too. Vacuum-form and Hawley retainers would require more effort to take out and replace when eating, brushing teeth, or even at night time.
Given these concerns, it all boils down to your preferences. Your orthodontist might provide suggestions of what suits your needs, but the final decision still depends on you.
What Should I Expect?
A lot of people can adjust quickly to a retainer. For the first few days, some people may notice that they generate more saliva than usual. This reaction is normal for any type of retainer because of a foreign item in the mouth. You may also find it difficult to speak normally. But this only happens during the adjustment period and will pass on quickly.
Maintaining Your Retainers
Whatever retainer you and your dentist choose, it’s essential to follow all of the instructions for wearing it and cleaning it regularly. If you have a removable retainer, make sure you store it in the case provided by your orthodontist while you are not wearing it.
All retainers must be cleaned regularly to keep them fresh and free from germs. An ordinary toothbrush may be useful to gently brush a Hawley-type retainer; however, a brush may damage clear aligners. Most detachable retainers are maintainable with denture cleaners in powder or tablet form, as well as specific retainer cleaners. Brushing and flossing are useful to clean permanent retainers; if necessary, an interproximal brush or floss threader can be helpful.
Final Thoughts
Even while removing your braces is joyful, it does not mean that your orthodontic treatment is finished. In reality, the most crucial portion begins when the braces are out.
Regardless of the type of retainer you are using, maintaining your dental structure is still a matter of compliance and patient. Retainers can help you transition from your braces to a healthy and permanent smile. Without it, all of the progress you are making with braces over the last few years will be undone relatively fast.
Many types of retainers have proven promising results, so it would be easier to choose which one could be the best fit for you.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/retainer-types
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317894
https://orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-fixed-retainer
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/10899-braces–retainers
