When it comes to keeping your teeth straight after braces or aligners, bonded retainers are a common solution. These small wire devices can offer a long-term way to prevent shifting. While they come with several benefits, there are also some challenges to consider. Understanding the pros and cons of bonded retainers can help you decide if this option is the best fit for your lifestyle.
What is a bonded retainer?
A bonded retainer, also known as a “permanent retainer,” “fixed retainer,” or “lingual wire,1” is a wire device used to keep your teeth in place after straightening treatment.1 It’s customized to the back (tongue-side) of your teeth and is placed by your orthodontist, meaning it can’t be removed by you. Bonded retainers are usually installed right after braces or Invisalign® clear aligners come off to ensure your teeth don’t shift out of alignment.2
How many teeth do bonded retainers hold?
Bonded retainers typically cover four to six teeth at the front of the mouth.2 They’re most commonly placed on the lower teeth3 to maintain the alignment of these teeth.
Reasons you may need a bonded retainer
There are several reasons why your orthodontist may recommend a bonded retainer for you.
For your lower canine teeth, a bonded retainer may be recommended if:
You had severe rotation or crowding with your bottom four front teeth (incisors)
The space between your lower inter-canine teeth changed.
Your treatment involved surgery on your bottom four teeth.
You were treated for mild crowding without having any teeth extracted.
You had a deep overbite, which is when the upper front teeth cover most of the lower front teeth when your mouth is closed.
For teeth other than lower canines, you may need a bonded retainer if:
A gap between your front two teeth was closed.
Your teeth are likely to shift or migrate after straightening.
You lost a tooth before treatment or had teeth extracted.
Your teeth were severely rotated or crowded before your treatment.
Pros of bonded retainers
There are several benefits to having a bonded retainer:
No need to remove and reinsert: Since bonded retainers stay in place, there’s no need to remember to put it in or take it out. This reduces the chance of user error and helps ensure longer-lasting results with less risk of relapse.3
Discreet appearance: Bonded retainers are fixed to the back of your teeth, so they remain out of sight and don’t affect the appearance of your smile.
No impact on speech: Because they sit behind your teeth, bonded retainers generally have little to no effect on the way you speak.3
No risk of losing your retainer: Since it’s bonded to your teeth with dental glue, you don’t have to worry about misplacing or accidentally throwing away your retainer.
Durability: Bonded retainers are tough and can withstand everyday wear and tear inside your mouth without easily being damaged.3
Fewer follow-up appointments: With a bonded retainer, you’re less likely to need frequent visits to the orthodontist to replace or repair a lost or damaged retainer.3
Cons of bonded retainers
While bonded retainers have their advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider:
Lengthy and uncomfortable installation: The process of installing a bonded retainer can take as long as an hour and may be uncomfortable for some people.3
Extra care needed for oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing around the retainer requires more time and effort.3 The wire creates small spaces that are harder to clean, which can increase the risk of dental problems if proper care isn’t taken.4
Potential discomfort: You might feel irritation if your tongue rubs against the wire, if the bond comes loose, or if the wire breaks.3
Eating restrictions: You’ll need to be cautious with hard or chewy foods, as they can potentially bend or break the wire.3
Risk of breakage: The wire may eventually de-bond or break over time, which would require a trip to the orthodontist to repair.3
