After your orthodontic treatment is complete and your braces are removed, you’ll need a retainer for your teeth to preserve your new beautiful smile. Retainers are a crucial part of preventing your teeth and jaws from shifting back to their previous positions before orthodontic treatment. Once your braces are removed, retainers must be worn full time to maintain proper alignment. After the first few months of full time wear, most people can transition into only wearing a retainer at night. Most orthodontists offer different types of retainers after braces and can recommend the best option for you based on your teeth and your needs.

3 Types of Retainers After Braces

Retainers maintain your new teeth and jaw alignment by keeping your teeth from moving. The new position of your teeth will become permanent between four to six months, as long as you wear your retainers as recommended by your orthodontist. During the months after your orthodontic treatment, your teeth will try to relapse or shift back to their original position. Proper use of retainers can help prevent this relapse from happening.

Retainers can either be removable or permanent. Your orthodontist will help you choose which type of retainer is best for you based on the orthodontic treatment you had and any conditions you may have. An orthodontist may recommend one type of retainer after braces, but you could also receive multiple types. It can be common to receive a removable retainer for your top teeth and a permanent one for your bottom teeth. There are various types of retainers, but there are three types that are the most common to choose from. These types of retainers after braces include removable Hawley wire retainers, removable clear plastic retainers, and bonded permanent retainers.

Removable Hawley Wire Retainers

Hawley wire retainers, also known as wire retainers, are made of thin metal wire, plastic, or acrylic and are removable. This type of retainer after braces is made to fit the roof of your mouth or along the inside of your lower teeth. The attached metal wire runs across the outside of your teeth to maintain the alignment provided by braces.

Advantages of Wire Retainers

• This type of retainer can be easily adjusted by your orthodontist if you need a better fit or if your teeth need slight realignment.
• Hawley wire retainers are more durable than clear plastic retainers.
• If the wires break on the retainer, they can be repaired.
• If you care for a wire retainer properly, it can last for years.
• This type of retainer allows the upper and lower teeth to touch naturally.

Disadvantages of Wire Retainers

• This type of retainer may affect your speech more than other types of retainers.
• Hawley wire retainers are also more noticeable in your mouth than other types.
• The wire in the retainer may initially cause irritation to your lips or cheeks.

Clear Plastic Retainers

Clear plastic retainers are removable retainers that are molded perfectly to fit the new alignment and positions of your teeth. A mold of your teeth will be created by your orthodontist after your braces have been removed. This mold is then used to create the retainer with a very thin plastic or polyurethane which is heated and forms around the mold. Clear plastic retainers have become more popular and typically suggested for patients more than Hawley wire retainers.

Advantages of Clear Plastic Retainers

• This type of retainer is nearly invisible when in your mouth. Clear plastic retainers are more likely to be worn by patients because of this reason, making relapse less likely.
• Clear plastic retainers are less bulky than a wire retainer, making them more comfortable to wear.
• Your speech is less likely to be affected by wearing this type of retainer after braces.

Disadvantages of Clear Plastic Retainers

• This type of retainer can’t be adjusted or repaired if needed, it would have to be fully remade and replaced.
• Clear plastic retainers may warp if exposed to heat.
• These retainers may become discolored over time.
• Clear plastic retainers don’t allow the top and bottom teeth to touch naturally because they fit over top of the teeth.
• If these retainers are worn while drinking any liquids, there is a chance that liquid can get trapped in between the retainer and teeth which can lead to cavities.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers are made of a solid or braided wire that is curved to fit the shape of your newly aligned teeth. The wire is bonded with glue to the inside of your teeth to keep them from relapsing. Typically, this type of retainer after braces is used on the lower teeth because it is more likely for the retainer to be knocked off of the upper teeth based on teeth position. These retainers are permanent and can only be removed by your orthodontist. Permanent retainers are most often used when an orthodontist thinks there is a high likelihood of relapse or if the patient, like a young child, won’t follow the instructions for removable retainer use.

Advantages of Permanent Retainers

• There are no instructions to follow about when or how long to wear them as they are permanent.
• Permanent retainers are not visible since they are on the inside of your teeth.
• They most likely won’t affect your speech.
• This type of retainer can’t be misplaced or lost.
• Permanent retainers are also durable and won’t be damaged easily.

Disadvantages of Permanent Retainers

• Permanent retainers require more work when it comes to oral hygiene. Since it can’t be removed, flossing and brushing can be harder. Without proper oral hygiene and retainer care, tartar and plaque can build up leading to cavities or gum disease.
• The metal wire used in this retainer may irritate your tongue initially.

Care Tips for Retainers

Most importantly, wear your retainer at all times, until your orthodontist tells you otherwise. Follow these tips and cleaning instructions for best results:

• Do not wear your wire or clear plastic retainer while eating.
• Avoid drinking any liquids besides water while wearing your clear plastic retainer, as it can cause liquid to be trapped around your teeth leading to cavities, gum disease, or teeth stains.
• Always place your removable retainer back in its case when not in use to prevent loss.
• Clean your removable retainer at least once a day thoroughly with a toothbrush and water. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on how to take care of your retainer.
• Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to the feel of your retainer.
• Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care.

Retainers are Essential in Maintaining Your Beautiful Smile

There are advantages and disadvantages for all of the retainer types, but your orthodontist will recommend you the best type of retainer after braces. You can still have input in your retainer choice, consider how each retainer will look and feel in your mouth. Also consider how likely you are to follow care instructions and retainer use recommendations. Choose the type of retainer that best suits you and your lifestyle, because retainers will be used to maintain your beautiful smile for a long time.