What Is the Difference Between Permanent And Removable Retainers?

From the moment the braces are put on, an orthodontic patient can imagine the day that they come off. Getting that perfectly straight smile is an exciting event—and ultimately worth the wait.

However, it is important to realize that this milestone is not the end of the process. In fact, where braces end is where the most important part of the journey begins.

The next phase is called retention, and it is a critical follow-through stage that holds your teeth in their new position—and even continues to provide minor corrections in some cases.

One of the main causes of relapse (teeth shifting partially or fully back to their original positions) is not following the retention treatment plan. Teeth can take a year or more to stabilize after braces, meaning they are highly susceptible to movement.

Once your braces come off, your orthodontist will fit you for retainers (either removable or permanent). Your removable retainer is custom-made to fit your teeth to prevent them from shifting. Your permanent retainer is bonded to the tongue side of the teeth (so it remains unseen!).

Without a retainer, all the improvement you see from your past couple years in braces will undo itself relatively quickly.

Like braces, your retainers might initially cause a sensation of discomfort or pressure, which will resolve as your mouth adjusts to the appliance.

There are two basic options when it comes to choosing the type of retainer that will best suit your needs—and your orthodontist will likely have a recommendation based on your specific case.

There are two categories of retainers: permanent retainers that the orthodontist secures to your teeth with a bonding agent, and removable retainers.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers are sometimes options for patients who just completed significant orthodontic work, and need extra security while the teeth settle into their new locations. As the name implies, these retainers stay on your teeth at all times.

The orthodontist will glue a wire to the back of them. There are different types of bonded wire retainers, and which your orthodontist suggests will depend on the condition of your bite and alignment, as well as comfort preferences.

Permanent Retainer Pros

Set and Forget

Once your orthodontist places your permanent retainer, you don’t have to worry about it anymore (although practicing excellent dental hygiene will continue to be important).

Sight Unseen

Because the permanent retainer is glued to the back of your teeth, it is not visible from the outside.

Limit Errors

As the retainer is worn 100% of the time, there is no chance for human error leading to teeth relapse.

Permanent Retainer Cons

Keep It Clean

Permanent retainers can be somewhat of a nuisance to clean, because you cannot remove them and must learn to carefully brush on and around them.

Not Floss-friendly

Flossing was difficult during braces because of the wire in front of the teeth, and it will be much the same with a wire behind them. A floss threader is a great tool.

Microbes Welcome

Because they remain in your mouth at all times, permanent retainers will attract plaque and bacteria.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are appliances you wear in your mouth during treatment hours and remove to eat, brush, or at other times your orthodontist instructs.

Unlike permanent retainers, removable retainers only affect your teeth when you wear them.

There are two basic categories of removable retainers: Hawley and Essix.

A Hawley retainer is made of a plastic shell that coats the roof of your mouth, and a wire that runs over the front of your teeth.

The Essix retainer is made of molded clear plastic that easily slides over your teeth to maintain your alignment.

Removable Retainer Pros

Easy In, Easy Out

Removable retainers are custom molded for comfort and easily slide in and out.

Brace-free Dining

You can remove them when eating or brushing your teeth.

Extra Protection

Some styles double as night guards to protect teeth from grinding.

Removable Retainer Cons

Noticeable

Some retainers, especially the Hawley, can be visible and may slightly affect speech.

It’s On You

Removable retainers require discipline. Skipping days can lead to shifting teeth.

Going, Gone

Removable retainers can easily get misplaced.

At Orthodontic Associates, we have nine offices offering a full range of orthodontic appliances and services to ensure patients get the straight teeth, proper bite and perfect smile they’ve always wanted. We also offer a retainer replacement plan that is unique to our office. Ask about it at your complimentary consult.