FAQs About Orthodontic Retainers

In short, no, all orthodontic retainers are not the same. There are three main types of orthodontic retainers. The American Association of Orthodontics summarizes them as follows:

• Wire orthodontic retainers: Also known as Hawley retainers, wire retainers are made from a combination of an acrylic or hard plastic plate connected by a metal wire.
• Clear orthodontic retainers: Clear retainers are removable plastic trays that look similar to Invisalign liners.
• Fixed orthodontic retainers: Also known as a bonded or lingual retainer, fixed retainers consist of a thin, custom-fitted wire that is bonded to the tongue-side of upper or lower teeth.

How Long Will I Wear My Orthodontic Retainer?

Your orthodontist will give you personalized guidance regarding the amount of time you should wear your retainer. In most cases, we recommend patients wear their removable orthodontic retainer every night for life! If you encounter issues with your retainer, such as a broken, bent, or loose piece, or it doesn’t seem to fit any longer, consult your orthodontist immediately.

Remember, consistency is key. If you don’t wear your retainer as recommended, your teeth are likely to shift back to their original positions. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s guidance closely.

As for fixed retainers, with proper care, permanent orthodontic retainers can last up to 20 years. Be sure to continue visiting a dental professional regularly to ensure your alignment stays in check.

How Should I Care for My Orthodontic Retainer?

Whether you have a removable retainer or a fixed retainer, be sure to keep your oral hygiene a top priority to ensure optimal dental health.

Caring for Removable Orthodontic Retainers

At any given moment, your removable orthodontic retainer should be in one of two locations: either in your mouth, or in your case. It won’t do much good if it’s bent, broken, or missing, so protect it accordingly. Ensure your retainer stays safe and your teeth remain aligned with these key care tips:

• Cleaning: Clean your retainer daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or retainer cleaner. Brush gently to avoid damaging the material.
• Eating: Always remove your orthodontic retainer when eating. It is fine to drink water while wearing your retainer, but remove it when drinking other beverages to avoid the increased risk of tooth decay, as sugar will sit trapped between your retainer and teeth.
• Avoid Heat: Keep your retainer away from hot water, direct sunlight, and high-temperature environments, as excessive heat can warp or damage it.
• Store Properly: It’s worth repeating — when not in use, store your retainer in its case to prevent it from getting lost or damaged. Keep it away from pets, as they might be attracted to the smell.
• Regular Checkups: Attend follow-up appointments with your orthodontist to ensure your retainer fits properly and necessary adjustments can be made.

Caring for Fixed Orthodontic Retainers

Unlike removable retainers, a fixed orthodontic retainer stays with you for a lifetime — and you’ll hardly know it’s there. While you won’t need to worry about removing or losing it, it’s important to brush and floss carefully both on and underneath the wire to ensure decay stays at bay. Use a floss threader to get up close and personal with your teeth under the wire. It may surprise you how much can build up in such a tiny space!

Which Orthodontic Retainer Is Best?

Depending on your unique orthodontic situation, you may not have a choice between retainer types. However, if you do, the following information may help you determine your best option.

Fixed Retainers Vs. Removable Retainers

The biggest advantage of a fixed retainer is that unlike a removable retainer, once it’s applied, you don’t have to do anything different throughout your daily and nightly routine — aside from brushing and flossing carefully with a floss threader. There is no need (and no safe way) to remove fixed retainers, and unless you specifically point it out to a friend, no one will ever see it! Furthermore, fixed retainers won’t typically cause any speech difficulties, and should last a decade or more if they’re properly maintained.

However, fixed retainers are a bit trickier to keep clean, as tartar can build up around them if they’re not cared for properly. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s guidance.

As for removable retainers, especially clear orthodontic retainers, the main thing to keep in mind is the protection aspect — if you’re not wearing it, be sure it’s tucked away safely in its case. Aside from that, removable retainers are easier to maintain than fixed retainers because you can fully clean both your mouth and your retainer separately. Therefore, keeping up with optimal oral hygiene is much simpler overall.

Which retainer is right for you? Both have advantages and drawbacks, but in most cases, this won’t be a choice you’ll have to make for yourself. Both types of retainers serve a unique purpose, so let your orthodontist do the heavy lifting when deciding on the best route for your orthodontic treatment.

Wire Retainers Vs. Clear Retainers

Since removable retainers, such as wire retainers and clear retainers, are to be worn nearly 24-7 in your first few months post-orthodontic treatment, there will be a few learning curves to consider, as well as other factors:

• Speaking Ability: Both wire and clear retainers will likely require an adjustment period as you get used to wearing them and how your speech is affected as a result.
• Eating and Cleaning: Both wire and clear retainers must be removed while you eat and must be cleaned regularly in addition to your teeth.
• Aesthetics: Some prefer clear orthodontic retainers because they blend into teeth and therefore are hardly noticeable.
• Comfort: Wire retainers, while slightly more noticeable, tend to be more comfortable, as clear retainers prevent teeth from touching.
• Longevity: In most cases, clear retainers should be replaced more frequently than wire retainers. It’s a difference of 2-6 years as opposed to 5-10 years.

So which removable orthodontic retainer is best, wire or clear? That’s up to you! It all depends on your unique circumstances and preferences. Be sure to ask your orthodontist for additional information if you have the option of choosing one over the other.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Jones

Retainers are a crucial part of your orthodontic journey, and caring for them properly is essential for the long-term success of your treatment. By following these care tips, wearing your retainer as recommended, and understanding its impact on your oral health, you can ensure your beautiful, straight smile lasts a lifetime! If you have any further questions or concerns about your retainer or otherwise, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Jones Orthodontics for guidance and support.

Ready to schedule your appointment in Chapel Hill, Durham, or Hillsborough, North Carolina? Contact us today to get started.