What’s the difference between a permanent and removable retainer?
Getting your braces is an exciting time! It’s important that you preserve your beautiful new smile by properly wearing your retainer.
Once you get your braces off , you enter the “retention” period as we call it. This is a life-long process that gets easier after the first six weeks. You will need to wear a retainer for the rest of your life. If you don’t, your teeth will start to move due to the pressures being placed against the bone.
There are generally two types of retainers. Should you go with permanent, removable, or a combination of the two? Dr. Comella or Dr. Molisani will recommend the type of retainer(s) that are best for your unique situation. But knowing more about the different types of retainer beforehand can be helpful.
Essix Removable Retainer
Removable Retainers – learn more
Removable retainers (called Essix or Hawley) offer the greatest advantage of user friendliness. They are put in at night and taken out in the morning. With a removable retainer, you can take it out and brush and floss your teeth. The removable retainer will also allow you to enjoy some retainer-free time. One thing to keep in mind is that a removable retainer can easily be forgotten at times, which means you won’t be taking full advantage of teeth retention. Although removable retainers can be very effective, if you don’t properly follow instructions from Dr. Comella or Dr. Molisani, your teeth will start to shift back to their original position.
Permanent Retainers – learn more
Fixed/Permanent Retainer
Permanent retainers are the clear choice for patients who want to get it and forget it. This is essentially a small wire that is permanently glued to the back of your front teeth. Unlike a removable retainer, you can’t forget to put it in because it’s already there! Flossing with a permanent retainer can be a little more difficult, however, we can show you effective ways to floss fairly quickly with your permanent retainer.
Depending on your teeth, Comella Orthodontics may recommend a combination of the two retainers. This is different from case to case. A removable retainer may benefit more for the top teeth and a permanent one for the lower ones because the lower teeth are smaller and tend to shift more. The most important thing to remember about the retainer is that to reap the full benefit, you must wear your retainer as directed.