The Ultimate Guide to Dental Retainers
Table of Contents
- Finished with braces or clear aligners, now what?
- What are the types of retainers?
- When do you need to wear your retainer?
- How to store or travel with a retainer?
- How to clean a retainer?
- How much does a retainer cost?
- Additional Information and Statistics
Finished with braces or clear aligners, now what?
Once your teeth have been moved into an ideal position, they need to be held in place. Our teeth are always trying to move and they try to move back to where they once were. Retainers come in different forms, but having something to hold your teeth from shifting is very important.
What are the types of retainers?
There are several different types of retainers that differ in quality and functionality. Here are the types of retainers you'll come across when looking for the right one for your needs:
Hawley retainer
A Hawley retainer is a removable retainer that has wires and acrylic. It can be a number of different colors. The wire that seats against the front teeth can be adjusted to make minor movements of teeth. Hawley retainers are one of the oldest types of retainers.
Clear plastic retainers
Clear plastic retainers are also known as essix retainers or vacuum-formed retainers. They have become more popular in recent years because they are much more esthetic and comfortable. The downside to an essix retainer is that they wear out quicker than other options and need to be replaced every 2-3 years on average. Especially if you put more stress on your teeth (grinding/clenching), they may wear out even quicker.
Permanent retainers
Permanent retainers are also known as bonded or fixed retainers. These are metal wires or chains used to connect your front teeth. This wire retainer is bonded to your teeth using dental composite. It can be very difficult to floss around a permanent retainer, but the good thing about permanent retainers is you don’t need to remember to wear your retainer every day.
Nightguards
Depending on the type of nightguard made, it can be retentive enough to hold your teeth in place. Your doctor may recommend wearing a nightguard every night, but a retainer could be worn once a week to ensure your teeth are where they should be.
When do you need to wear your retainer?
With a permanent retainer, there is no need to remember to wear it. Removable retainers should be worn every night for the rest of your life. Initially, after orthodontic treatment, your doctor may recommend wearing the retainers for a certain amount of time 24/7 in order to keep your teeth from drifting back.
How to store or travel with a retainer?
A retainer case, of course! Retainer cases haven’t changed in years, but serve the purpose of storage and transportation. You should be given the option of an array of colors when choosing a retainer case and you can even buy one online if you don’t like the one your doctor gave you.
How to clean a retainer?
It is best to rinse with cold water each morning and brush with a toothbrush with water. Clear essix retainers can have small scrapes introduced to them with the use of abrasive toothpaste. Once a week, retainers can be soaked in effervescent solutions to thoroughly clean them. Invisalign retainers have their own cleaning solutions that your doctor should be able to provide to you. The best habit to get into is to bring your retainers every time you have your teeth cleaned at your dentist – they can professionally clean them in an ultrasonic bath.
Retainer brite is a great option for effervescing tablets. Get a bowl of warm water and drop in the tablet, then put your retainers in and 15 minutes later, your retainers will be much cleaner than they were. It is an affordable option to keep up with your retainer cleanliness until you see your dentist.
How much does a retainer cost?
This can vary based on the type of retainer and the doctor providing it. On average, the cost can vary from $200-1,500. This large range can depend on if it’s your general dentist or orthodontist supplying it. A hawley retainer is usually made by a dental or orthodontic lab, which creates a higher cost to you. Invisalign retainers are more expensive than other essix retainer options.
Additional Information and Statistics
Dental retainers are devices that are used to hold teeth in their correct position after orthodontic treatment. They are typically worn for several months or even years after braces are removed. There are two main types of dental retainers:
- Fixed retainers: These retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth with dental cement. They are more effective than removable retainers, but they can be more difficult to adjust.
- Removable retainers: These retainers are made of plastic or metal and can be taken out of the mouth for cleaning and eating. They are less effective than fixed retainers, but they are more comfortable and easier to maintain.
Dental retainers are important for preventing teeth from shifting back to their original position after orthodontic treatment. If teeth are allowed to shift, it can lead to a number of problems, including:
- Malocclusion: This is a misalignment of the teeth, which can lead to difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing.
- Periodontal disease: Shifting teeth can create pockets where bacteria can accumulate and cause gum disease.
- Temporomandibular joint disorders: These disorders can cause pain and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
According to statistics, about 50% of people who have had orthodontic treatment will experience some degree of relapse within five years if they do not wear a retainer. However, the risk of relapse decreases significantly after the first year of retainer use.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.