Removing your braces is exciting. All that hard work is over – but not so quick – you’ve got one more decision to make. Should you get permanent or removable retainers? Or should you get a combination of both? Your orthodontist will recommend the option best suited for your teeth, but knowing more about the two types of retainer beforehand can make the process easier.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are easy to use. You will generally put a removable retainer in at night and take it out in the morning. Regardless of your retainer schedule, you’ll be able to enjoy at least some time with no retainer. However, a removable retainer can easily be forgotten at times, and this means you won’t be taking full advantage of teeth retention.
Another potential advantage of a removable retainer is that you can take it out and brush and floss your teeth with ease, which is more of a challenge with a permanent retainer. Although removable retainers can be very effective, they don’t tend to be as effective as permanent retainers, especially if they are not used as directed.
Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers are the clear choice for patients who want to “set it and forget it.” Once your permanent retainer is placed in your mouth, you won’t need to worry about daily retainer schedules, since it is permanently affixed to your teeth.
Since teeth begin to shift naturally as we age, a permanent retainer typically offers better long-term results for teeth straightening than a removable one. Temporary retainers get lost or are forgotten when you’re out of the house, and often fail to get used as often as they should be.
One downside to permanent retainers is flossing. Some patients find it more difficult to floss with a permanent retainer, but we can show you effective ways to floss fairly quickly with your permanent retainer.
The Decision
Some orthodontists may recommend a combination of the two; for example, a removable retainer for the top teeth and a permanent one for the lower ones because the lower teeth are smaller and tend to shift more.
Ultimately, the most important thing to remember is that wearing your retainer as directed is extremely important. As long as you follow our orthodontist’s advice, you will get the best results from your retainer, regardless of its type.
