PERMANENT RETAINER INTRODUCTION AND TYPES
Introduction and types of permanent retainer
Table Of Contents:
- Permanent Retainer Introduction
- Pros And Cons Of Permanent Retainer Or Bonded Lingual Retainer:
- How To Find A Good Orthodontist For Bonded Retainer Or Replacement Retainer If It Is Damaged
- Are There Any Other Reasons For The Replacement Or Removal Of Fixed Lingual Retainer Apart From Being Damaged
- How To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene With Lingual Bar Retainer And Types Of Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainer introduction
If you are going through orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth through braces, your orthodontist might have informed you about permanent retainer or removable retainers and how you will have to wear them throughout your life after your braces are removed. But what are retainers and why we have to wear them once the teeth are already straightened up, this question can come in the mind of many people. Braces are used to move our teeth to a desired position. They gently push and align our teeth and once the teeth reach its new position these braces are removed. For maintaining the new position of the teeth orthodontists use removable or fixed retainers to help our teeth to not move back to its pre-treatment position.
Retainers are very important in your orthodontic treatment and it is important to follow the advice of your orthodontist regarding its use. No one would like their teeth to move back to their pre-treatment position after going through such a lengthy process. Retainers are usually worn for 22 hours per day for six months once your braces are removed, and after that you have to wear retainers every night for the rest of your life. Retainers are also used for treating other minor orthodontic problems.
There are different types of retainers, divided into two basic categories; permanent retainer (fixed or bonded retainer) and removable retainers. Removable retainers consist of hawley retainer and clear plastic retainers such as Essix, Vivera, etc. Your orthodontist can recommend the best type of retainer for your teeth, depending upon your teeth and requirements. This may include permanent retainer or removable retainers and sometimes a combination of both.
A permanent retainer consists of wire (braided or solid) that is designed and curved so it can hold the new positions of your teeth. This wire is attached or bonded to the inside of your front teeth. Permanent retainer is usually used for the lower teeth. Permanent retainer is also know by other names such as a bonded retainer or fixed retainer.
Pros and Cons of permanent retainer or bonded lingual retainer:
Bonded lingual retainer or permanent retainer have some pros and cons associated with it; let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons:
PROS
- Bonded lingual retainer is permanently attached to your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about removing or wearing them.
- Bonded lingual retainer is placed to the inside part of the teeth, so it is not visible to other people.
- Bonded lingual retainer can’t be lost or misplaced, as they are permanently fixed and can only be removed by a specialist.
- Bonded lingual retainer is durable and can’t be damaged or broken easily. It can be used for long term without replacement.
CONS
- Maintaining oral and dental hygiene with bonded lingual retainer is not easy, as they are not removable. This can cause plaque and tartar to build, and can lead to problems like gum disease.
- The lingual retainer wire can cause irritation and discomfort to the tongue.
How to find a good orthodontist for bonded retainer or replacement retainer if it is damaged
Retainers are used for the rest of your life once your braces are removed and they can be damaged or broken. It is important to look for an orthodontist as soon as possible because retainers help to maintain the position of the teeth and you would not want your teeth to go back to its pre-treatment position.
Before moving forward to how you can look for a good orthodontist near you, it is important to mention the name of IVANOV Orthodontics. If you are looking for a Miami orthodontist for bonded retainer or any other dental and oral health-related problems, it is highly recommended to consult with IVANOV Orthodontic Experts. It is one of the best orthodontic clinics in the US.
The easiest and convenient way to look for an orthodontist near you is by looking in internet. You can use powerful search engines like Google, to help find good orthodontist clinics near you. Use search queries like, “best-rated orthodontist near me”, “best orthodontist near me” or “orthodontist near me”, you can use any other similar search queries to look for a good orthodontist near you like, IVANOV Orthodontic Experts.
It could also be better if you use more specific searches to find the right specialist for you. Like try searching “replacement retainers for braces near me” or “replacement retainers for Invisalign near me” to look for more specific search results according to your requirements and needs.
If you are not a big fan of internet searches, you can also consult friends and family member who have gone through some orthodontic treatment. They won’t mind recommending you their orthodontist if they are satisfied with their treatment and if the clinic is close to you. If you have a family doctor they can also recommend a dentist or orthodontist in your area, if they are aware of a good one.
Are there any other reasons for the replacement or removal of fixed lingual retainer apart from being damaged
There are other reasons which may require the removal or replacement of your fixed lingual retainer, apart from your fixed lingual retainer being damaged. These may include the following:
- As fixed lingual retainer is attached to the back of your teeth using a form of cement, it can develop hardened dental plaque which may lead to damaging your teeth. One of the most challenging and important part while wearing a permanent retainer is maintaining oral hygiene. To avoid this problem to occur when you are wearing fixed lingual retainer make sure you are cleaning your teeth properly.
- Permanent or fixed lingual retainer are not entirely permanent and may require removal if your orthodontist or dentist recommends. Usually this type of medical advice is given when you have worn fixed lingual retainer for a long time and your dentist or orthodontist might suggest the use of removable retainers after removing your fixed lingual retainer.
- If you are experiencing a shift or movement of your teeth despite wearing fixed lingual retainer or pain and discomfort your orthodontist or dentist might recommend the removal of the permanent retainer.
It is important to visit a dentist or orthodontist for the removal of bonded lingual retainer to avoid any damage to the teeth. Look for an orthodontist like IVANOV Orthodontics so your process is convenient with excellent treatment and advice.
How to maintain good oral hygiene with a lingual bar retainer
As we have discussed maintaining dental hygiene is important while wearing lingual bar retainer or fixed lingual retainer dental. To avoid any plaque to build up, make sure you are regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. Flossing can be a little challenging with lingual bar retainer, and the easiest way to floss your teeth while wearing lingual bar retainer is by using floss threader.
Floss threaders are easily available and are inexpensive. They are also easy to use once you get used to it. They are also reusable.
Types of permanent retainers or lingual retainer wire?
Permanent retainer can be divided into two types of retainer. This is due to the way the wire is attached to the back sides of the teeth. The different of upper or lower lingual retainer wire is as follows:
- The first type of upper or lower lingual retainer wire:
The first type of upper or lower lingual retainer wire is flexible and small. It is attached to the back of each tooth. So every individual tooth remains to its position and not moves back to the pre-treatment position.
- The second type of upper or lower lingual retainer wire:
The second type of upper or lower lingual retainer wire is stiffer. This type of upper or lower lingual retainer wire is only attached to the end of the teeth. Unfortunately, some of the teeth in the middle may rotate slightly because they are not attached with dental glue. This wire than stretches through all the teeth in between the two end teeth, supporting and making sure that all the teeth remains in its positions.
How long will you need to wear
Retainers are very important part of your overall orthodontic treatment post-braces. For maintaining your newly aligned teeth and healthy smiles, it is important to follow the guidance and instructions of your dentist or orthodontist for the use of retainers. Make sure to give extra importance to your oral hygiene especially if you are wearing permanent or fix retainers. If you are suffering from pain or have notice the buildup of plaque while wearing permanent retainers contact your orthodontist or look for other orthodontists near you. Follow some of the tips we have mentioned to look for an orthodontist near you.
If you are looking for an orthodontist in Miami area, book your appointment with IVANOV Orthodontic Experts. It is one of the best orthodontic clinics in the US. They provide wide range of orthodontic treatments using modern orthodontic appliances and technology. At IVANOV Orthodontic Experts, you will experience a friendly and excellent atmosphere, along with affordable and high-quality treatment.