Cost, Comparisons & Pros vs. Cons
Permanent retainers (fixed retainers) are made of a thin wire custom-fitted and glued to the back of your teeth with a dental adhesive. The wire is usually made of stainless steel or a tooth-colored material to blend in with your teeth. Orthodontists consider them an effective way to keep your teeth from shifting and keeping those pearly whites in place post-treatment.
Why do I even need a retainer?
Retainers help preserve your new smile (and protect your investment!) after braces, Invisalign® treatment, or other orthodontic treatments. Retainers help your bones to heal after your teeth have moved, and they can keep your teeth in position once your treatment ends. Every case is different, so ask your doctor if you need retainers.
There are three main types of retainers
Apart from Hawley retainers, other common types of retainers are clear retainers and permanent retainers. Clear retainers, like Vivera™ retainers, are removable and custom fitted to each patient’s gum line to provide optimal patient comfort and aesthetics.
The last kind of retainer is permanent, or fixed retainers. They are called fixed retainers because they are bonded to teeth to keep the teeth in place after treatment. Bonded retainers are usually placed on the lower front teeth and are designed to stay in place indefinitely. Bonded retainers are effective at preventing teeth from shifting and are discreet since they are not visible from the front.
How do I get a permanent retainer?
Consult your orthodontist if you're interested in a permanent retainer. Your orthodontist can assess your teeth, discuss your options, and take an impression of your teeth for the custom-fitted wire. Most retainers are fitted to the shape of your teeth at the time, so the orthodontist will take precise measurements to ensure the retainer fits perfectly.
How long am I supposed to wear a permanent retainer?
The time you need to wear your permanent retainer will depend on your specific orthodontic needs and your orthodontist's advice. It's important to remember that retainers are meant to be worn for long term.
Depending on how well your retainer fits and how faithfully you follow your orthodontist's instructions, you'll likely wear your retainer for several years,1 if not the rest of your life..2 Your orthodontist will also consider factors such as friction between your teeth and the retainer, age, and how quickly your teeth shift over time.
Permanent retainer pros and cons
Pros for Permanent Retainers:
Low Maintenance: You don't need to worry about taking it in and out or cleaning it regularly. Once it's in place, you can forget about it.
Effective Treatment: Retainers keep teeth in place and reduce the chance of relapse after treatment.
Discreet: Since fixed retainers are attached to the back of your teeth, they're not visible when you smile.
Convenient: You don't need to remember to wear your retainer every night or bring it when you travel because it is attached to your teeth.
Life-Long Treatment: Your permanent retainers will keep your teeth straight and can last several years or even decades3 with proper care.
Cons for Permanent Retainers:
Difficult to Clean: Your permanent retainers are attached to the back of your teeth, requiring extra effort to clean correctly.
Discomfort: You may experience discomfort or irritation to your tongue if a wire breaks in your mouth.
Repairs: Permanent retainers can become loose or broken over time.
Not Suitable for Everyone: Some may not be suitable for permanent retainers due to their oral hygiene or tooth positioning.
Impact Speech: Permanent retainers can affect speech, particularly in the first few days or weeks after placement.
