There are two types of orthodontic retainers, the permanent and the removable, which orthodontists would recommend to you depending on your condition. The permanent retainer is bonded to your teeth or glued after braces while the removable retainer is worn per your orthodontist’s specifications, and this is the main difference between these two types of retainers.
Know that there are some kinds of removable retainers that can move teeth in order to align them, but the general use of retainers are in the prevention for teeth to shift once they are aligned. It is advisable that whichever type of retainer you are prescribed to wear, that you understand the ups and downs of each kind with the explanation of your orthodontist.
Unlike removable retainers, permanent retainers are permanent or cannot be removed, as the name suggests that it cannot be taken out. Since this type of retainer is glued on your teeth, unwanted teeth are avoided from shifting, plus this very comfortable to use and is invisible when you smile since it is placed on the back of your teeth. When you wear this kind of retainer, you are assured that your teeth will never go back to its bad position because it is very efficient. These retainers are built sturdily and thus can be worn throughout the patient’s life, do not need to be adjusted by your orthodontist, although you have to replace them every few years for wear and tear.
The very simple recommendation for those with crooked teeth is the use of removable retainers. When it comes to brushing and flossing, this type of retainer will not give you problems unlike other retainer types, plus they are very easy to wear. These retainers may be designed to hold the teeth in place, but are not helping the teeth to realign. You can wear these retainers only when your teeth have been in place and are aligned properly, thus their action is limited somehow.
Know that if you take good care of your retainers, you can wear the same ones even after 20 years after you were given orthodontic treatment.
There are some recommendations that you can follow so you will implemented a successful care of your retainers.
Among them are brushing your retainers every day with toothpaste, storing your retainers if you are not wearing in dilute mixture of mouth rinse with water, keeping them away from anything hot like boiling water or microwave oven or the dashboard of your car, and keeping these retainers from animals like cats and dogs.
Maintain that beautiful smile then by wearing your orthodontic retainers and taking proper care of them to last for years.
