After taking off your braces, you will need to use a retainer. They can be fixed in place or taken off at will. A permanent or fixed retainer consists of a metal wire cemented to the chewing surface of the back teeth. The metal wire is cemented to your teeth to prevent them from returning to their original position before you wear braces.
Your orthodontist, an expert at restorative dentistry in Dedham, MA, may have you use a permanent retainer on your lower teeth and a detachable one on your uppers. Fixed retainers are gaining popularity because of their ease of use, particularly among those who lead hectic lives.
What is the Function of Permanent Retainers?
Because it is cemented to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, a lingual wire is the most frequent permanent retainer.
Bonding material, often known as glue, is utilized to secure the retainer. Hence, this type of retainer goes by several different names. Orthodontists use braces to straighten up teeth that are crooked or mismatched. Straightening your teeth with braces is an excellent option for those with crowding or spacing issues.
However, after putting on braces, many people find that their teeth gradually shift back to their original position. Your orthodontist may recommend a retainer to keep your teeth in their new place. If recurrence occurs, the treatment as a whole may be in vain.
Here is where retainers, especially the permanent variety, shine. The teeth are kept safely in place by permanent retainers. Unlike traditional retainers, you must take them out and put them back in every night.
What advantages do long-term retainers offer?
- It is easy because you will not have to put on and remove your retainers constantly.
- You will not have to worry about disruptions to your speech in a public setting.
- Inconspicuous: The retainers’ wires are positioned below your teeth, where they are less likely to be noticed.
- Since these retainers are bonded to your teeth, you need not worry about losing or breaking them.
How do I properly care for my fixed retainers?
It may take more effort to clean your teeth while wearing fixed retainers thoroughly. Here are some suggestions for improving your dental hygiene routine:
- You should brush your teeth as you usually would. Ensure the brushes reach into the spaces between teeth and the retainer is thoroughly cleaned. Using a sonic toothbrush would assist.
- In the beginning, when you are still trying to get the hang of it, flossing between your teeth can be a real chore. You will be an expert after only a few days of dedicated practice. If you jerk the floss in between your teeth, you could cause damage to your gums. Instead, use gentle side-to-side motions with the floss to thoroughly clean the spaces between your teeth.
