There are four basic types of retainers. We also offer Vivera® retainers by Invisalign®.
Vivera® retainers are a special type of clear plastic retainers. They are made by Invisalign®, but that doesn’t mean you have to go through your orthodontic treatment using Invisalign® to qualify for them; people who had braces can get them, too!
The other great thing is that Invisalign® will always have a scan of your teeth on file, so you can order more sets of retainers years down the road if you need them.
Very similar to Invisalign® aligners, these retainers are made out of clear molded plastic that fits over the teeth. They have become increasingly popular over the years thanks to their nearly invisible appearance. Other benefits include:
These retainers are not as durable as Hawley retainers and cannot be adjusted for dental work or if the teeth move. Most importantly, removable means “losable”!
Also known as wire retainers, this type is the most commonly recognized. Pros include:
Many people don’t like this type of retainer because its wire is visible in front of your teeth. It’s also more likely to affect speech than other types of retainers. They are bulkier and less comfortable than clear retainers, and they do not retain teeth as accurately. Since they are removable, Hawley retainers are also easy to lose and require 10-15 days for fabrication.
Fixed retainers are highly convenient since they are bonded to the back of your teeth. Since they are “permanent,” you won’t have to remember to wear them or worry about losing them. Other pros include:
Since they are glued to the back of your teeth, fixed retainers are more difficult to clean around than removable ones. Because you don’t remove them to eat, it is possible for food to get stuck under them and must be cleaned out later. Fixed retainers worn on the top of the teeth are most likely to break, requiring a follow up visit to our office for repair or replacement.
At Beam Orthodontics after talking to one of our orthodontists about the aftercare using retainers, you’ll be informed on how many times you will have to wear your retainers. Failure to do so may cause your teeth to shift back to their original spots. The good thing is that with so many options for retainers, we can find one that fits your lifestyle and that makes you comfortable and confident when wearing. But if your teeth were to shift a little or you need to move your teeth we offer Invisalign® Express. It is relatively inexpensive compared to putting braces back on, and it works much better than an “active retainer.”
Retainers play a huge part in keeping the smile you have worked so hard to get. So if by chance you lose or break your retainer, please contact us at Beam orthodontics right away to have them replaced and ensure your teeth do not shift during that time. Fill out our form or call us today to schedule an appointment!
