Orthodontic Retainers | WHAT ARE THEY? (3 Facts For Mom)

Last Updated on February 22, 2022 by Gio Greenard

Orthodontic retainers are an essential part of your orthodontic experience. They will keep your new smile in good shape for however long they are needed. Which in most cases is for life. But what are retainers exactly? How will they affect your life? Are they uncomfortable? These questions have all crossed the minds of those undergoing orthodontic treatment. In this post, we’ll take you through what types of orthodontic retainers you can have and what they do for your smile when your ortho treatment is complete. Let’s get going.

What is an Orthodontic Retainer Exactly?

Retention is a key part of your orthodontic journey. They will retain the teeth in the position desired by your orthodontist and of course yourself. Braces are amazing devices. Tiny, clever, and above all helpful. They gradually move teeth, rotate teeth, and align jaws.

They do so much for such small things. However, after they come off, your teeth will naturally move back to the misaligned position they were in before the treatment. Retainers come in different styles, which we will cover below.

What Types of Retainers are There?

Permanent (Bonded) Retainers

Of the different kinds of orthodontic retainers out there, bonded retainers are a popular choice for orthodontists and patients. This type of retainer will be created and fitted by your ortho. The first step will be shaping a wire to your teeth. Then your ortho will glue it with oral super glue to the back of the front teeth.

Upside

This type is normally found on the bottom teeth. This placing means you won’t need to remember to place it in your mouth. And you won’t lose them when they are not in your mouth.

Downside

Bonded retainers make it difficult to clean and floss your teeth. You will need to practice flossing techniques and use mirrors to ensure you have removed all the left-over foods and stuff.

Life Expectancy

This kind of retainer generally lasts up to five years. The glue holding the retainer must be of good quality and used correctly by the ortho or expert team. If not, the glue will start to disintegrate, and the lifespan will be reduced.

Hawley Retainers

This is the type you may know. The Hawley orthodontic retainer is a one-piece of acrylic that fits snuggly into the roof of the mouth. A wire fitted to the retainer will keep the front 6 teeth in their place. Sometimes, form-fitted plastic will be used over the wire to allow for a snugger finish.

Upside

A very robust retainer. Does not come with pain. Mild discomfort at most.

Downside

Removable so can be lost and or damaged. As this is a common issue, your ortho will supply a carry case to keep them in so the risk of loss and damage is minimal. Always remember not to use a napkin to temporarily store them while eating.

Life Expectancy

The Hawley retainer lasts for a minimum of 5 years. In some cases, 10. It depends on how the wearer treats the device.

Always remember not to use a napkin to temporarily store them while eating.

Essix Retainers

This type of retainer is popular with youngsters. It looks exactly like the Invisalign aligner you may have worn. If you are not familiar, then imagine a sports mouthguard a boxer or football player might wear to protect the teeth. But in clear plastic.

Upside

Because it is clear plastic, it is more difficult to see. Thus, less obtrusive than a retainer with a fitted metal piece.

Downside

The downside is the fragility of the plastic. Over time they will break or crack. This just is called wear and tear. Also, things like hot water may warp the shape. The retainer must be kept clean, or it will discolor and look nasty. Place in the mouth gently or you risk breaking them.

Life Expectancy

This type of retainer lasts up to three years. However, It can begin to wear out after six months. Keep an eye on the quality grade of the plastic and notify your ortho if you notice quality issues.

Your Retainer Life

It is important to ensure you have the most effective orthodontic retainers for your needs. They are expensive and need care. Your orthodontist and the office team will ensure you know retainer care and how to fit them in the case of removability.

Compliance with retainers is also another point of contention. If you fail to adhere to a time scale or routine, then your teeth will move back, and your time and money will be wasted.

In some cases, retainers will need wearing day and night for the first 6 months and then only at night for life.

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.