After treatment is over and you’ve got that beautiful smile, we may give you a permanent retainer to help keep your new teeth alignment in place! These thin wires, which are discreetly fixed behind your teeth, play a pivotal role in maintaining the incredible results you’ve achieved during treatment. Permanent retainers ensure your teeth stay aligned with minimal effort.
Here at Risinger Orthodontics, we know how important it is to take care of your smile even after the end of your treatment. Our friendly and experienced team is dedicated to helping you make the most of your permanent retainers, ensuring that your stunning smile remains intact for years to come. Trust us to be your partners in safeguarding your smile – we’re here to support you every step of the way!
A permanent retainer, also known as a bonded retainer or fixed retainer, is a thin wire that is custom-made to fit behind your teeth, usually the lower front teeth. It is placed and bonded in place, making it discreet and unnoticeable to others. The primary purpose of a permanent retainer is to maintain the alignment of your teeth after completing orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners. Once your teeth are in their desired positions, a permanent retainer helps prevent them from shifting back to their original misaligned state over time.
By providing continuous support, a bonded retainer ensures that your teeth stay in their proper places, preserving the beautiful results of your orthodontic work. While a permanent retainer is fixed in place, it is comfortable and should not cause any significant disruption to your daily life. Regular dental check-ups will ensure the retainer is well-maintained, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a straight, healthy smile for years to come.
Caring for a permanent retainer is essential to maintaining its effectiveness and keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Although these retainers are generally low maintenance, they do require some extra attention. Start by ensuring you clean the specific area thoroughly. Regular flossing is necessary, but when it comes to the retainers, floss between them back and forth to dislodge any food debris. A water flosser may be a great addition to your routine, as it can reach places where traditional floss might struggle.
For a comprehensive cleaning, allow your toothbrush bristles to gently go between the wires, removing any remaining food particles and debris. Flossing is crucial when you have a permanent retainer, and it’s recommended to use a thin filament or dental floss that can slide easily between your teeth. Take about 18 to 20 inches of floss and work with about 2 inches for each space. Carefully slide the floss between your teeth and move it in and out gently. Be diligent in removing all food particles between the teeth and around the retainer to ensure a healthy and hygienic oral environment. With consistent and proper care, your permanent retainer will continue to provide the support needed to maintain your smile.
Permanent retainers are thin wires cemented behind the teeth, offering continuous support without needing removal. Removable retainers, on the other hand, are made of clear plastic or acrylic and can be taken out for cleaning and eating. Both serve the vital purpose of preventing teeth from shifting, but the choice between them depends on the orthodontist’s recommendation.
Benefits of Permanent Retainers:
After the braces are removed, the need for retainers arises to maintain the results achieved during orthodontic treatment. Even though braces have straightened the teeth, there is a natural tendency for them to shift positions over time. Fixed retainers preserve the alignment and prevent any undesirable changes.
The duration of wearing a permanent bonded retainer may vary depending on the patient’s age and specific orthodontic needs. On average, they are recommended to be worn for about 5 years. However, the orthodontist will provide personalized guidance, ensuring the retainer remains in place for as long as necessary to safeguard that beautifully straight smile for the long term.
If your retainer breaks, don’t wait! Call us right away to get it fixed or replaced. Your retainer is essential to keep your teeth in place after braces or Invisalign, and any delay in fixing it could allow your teeth to move back to their old positions. Acting quickly will help you maintain your progress and avoid setbacks with your teeth alignment.
If you want more information about permanent retainers, reach out to Risinger Orthodontics today! Our team of skilled and experienced orthodontists is ready to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have about retaining your beautiful smile. Schedule a free consultation now to explore your options and find the best solution for your needs!
