After months or even years of wearing braces, your smile is finally straight, and you’re ready to show it off. But your orthodontic journey doesn’t end when the braces come off. To preserve the results of your treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer. Retainers are essential to keeping your teeth in their new positions and preventing them from shifting back.
With so many types of retainers available, choosing the right one for your specific needs can be overwhelming. This guide will help you understand the different options, factors to consider when choosing a retainer, and how to care for them to ensure that your smile stays straight for years to come.
Why You Need a Retainer After Braces
Braces work by applying constant pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them into alignment. However, the surrounding bone and tissue need time to adapt to these new positions. Without a retainer, your teeth may begin to shift back to their original positions. This is known as “relapse.”
The retainer serves to stabilize your teeth during this crucial adjustment period. It holds your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding structures solidify and fully adapt to the change. Whether you need a removable or fixed retainer depends on factors such as your orthodontic treatment, personal preferences, and your orthodontist’s recommendations.
Types of Retainers
There are several different types of retainers available, and each comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The main categories include removable retainers and fixed retainers. Let’s break down each type so you can make an informed decision.
1. Removable Retainers
Removable retainers are the most common type. They are designed to be taken in and out of the mouth as needed. There are two primary types of removable retainers:
Hawley Retainers
The Hawley retainer is one of the oldest and most widely used types of retainers. It is made of a thin metal wire that spans across the front of your teeth, and the wire is connected to a plastic or acrylic plate that fits against the roof of your mouth or along the bottom of your teeth.
Pros of Hawley Retainers:
- Durability: Hawley retainers are very durable and can last for many years if well cared for. They are less likely to crack or break compared to clear plastic options.
- Adjustability: If your teeth begin to shift, a Hawley retainer can be adjusted by your orthodontist to realign them. This flexibility is one of the reasons it’s a popular choice.
- Comfort: The acrylic portion of the retainer can be custom-molded to fit the shape of your mouth, making it comfortable for many wearers.
- Easier to Clean: The hard surfaces of the Hawley retainer are easier to clean than plastic retainers, and the wire does not trap bacteria as much.
Cons of Hawley Retainers:
- Visibility: The metal wire across the front of the teeth is noticeable, which may be a concern for some people.
- Adjustments Required: As your teeth settle, your orthodontist may need to make adjustments to the wire to ensure it remains effective.
Clear Plastic Retainers (Essix)
Clear plastic retainers, commonly referred to as Essix retainers, are made from thin, transparent plastic that fits snugly over the teeth. These retainers are custom-made using a mold of your teeth, providing a precise fit.
Pros of Clear Plastic Retainers:
- Aesthetic Appeal: One of the biggest advantages of clear plastic retainers is their near-invisibility. They are much less noticeable than Hawley retainers, making them an ideal choice for people who are concerned about aesthetics.
- Comfort: Because these retainers are made from smooth plastic, they tend to be very comfortable to wear. The plastic doesn’t irritate the gums or soft tissues as much as metal wires can.
- Ease of Use: Clear plastic retainers are easy to remove and put back in. They are perfect for people who prefer not to have something permanently fixed in their mouths.
Cons of Clear Plastic Retainers:
- Durability: While clear plastic retainers are effective, they are more prone to cracking or breaking compared to Hawley retainers. They can also become discolored over time if not cleaned properly.
- No Adjustments: If your teeth begin to shift, clear plastic retainers cannot be adjusted like a Hawley retainer. If changes are needed, you’ll need to get a new one made.
- Cleaning Difficulty: Clear plastic retainers can accumulate plaque and tartar more easily than metal retainers, and they require regular, thorough cleaning to prevent this.
2. Fixed Retainers
A fixed retainer is a wire that is bonded to the back of your teeth, usually on the lower front teeth. It’s permanently placed in your mouth and is not removable.
Pros of Fixed Retainers:
- Continuous Support: Since they are permanently attached, fixed retainers offer continuous support, ensuring that your teeth do not shift back. They are ideal for those who might have difficulty remembering to wear a removable retainer regularly.
- No Visible Hardware: Fixed retainers are placed on the back of your teeth, making them invisible to others.
- No Need for Removal: Because fixed retainers are always in place, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to put them in or keeping track of them.
Cons of Fixed Retainers:
- Difficulty in Cleaning: Fixed retainers require diligent cleaning. You will need to floss around the wire to prevent plaque buildup, and using an interdental brush or floss threader is essential to keep the area clean.
- Risk of Damage: Although fixed retainers are sturdy, they can still break or detach from the teeth. If this happens, you’ll need to see your orthodontist to have it repaired or replaced.
- Potential Discomfort: Initially, you may experience some discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the presence of the fixed retainer.
How to Choose the Right Retainer for You
When deciding which type of retainer is best for your post-braces journey, there are several factors to consider. Below are some key questions to help guide your decision:
1. Aesthetics: How Important is the Look of Your Retainer?
For many people, the visibility of their retainer is an important factor in choosing between a Hawley retainer and a clear plastic retainer. Clear retainers are nearly invisible and offer a discrete option, while Hawley retainers are more noticeable due to the metal wire across the front of the teeth.
If aesthetics are a concern for you, clear plastic retainers may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a more durable retainer and don’t mind the visibility of the metal, a Hawley retainer could be better suited for your needs.
2. How Much Maintenance Are You Willing to Do?
Some retainers, such as the Hawley retainer, require regular adjustments from your orthodontist. If you are comfortable with this process and want a retainer that can be adjusted if needed, the Hawley retainer might be a good option.
On the other hand, clear plastic retainers don’t require adjustments but may need to be replaced more frequently due to wear and tear. Fixed retainers require minimal maintenance in terms of adjustments, but they do require diligent cleaning to avoid plaque buildup.
3. How Comfortable Are You With a Fixed vs. Removable Retainer?
Fixed retainers are always in place, which means you don’t have to worry about forgetting to put them in. However, they require careful cleaning and may cause some initial discomfort. Removable retainers are convenient and easy to clean but rely on your commitment to wear them as directed. If you are forgetful or want something low-maintenance, a fixed retainer may be the right choice. If you prefer the flexibility to remove your retainer when needed, a removable one may be more suitable.
4. Durability vs. Convenience
Hawley retainers are the most durable and can last for many years with proper care. However, they require some maintenance and adjustment over time. Clear plastic retainers are more fragile and may need to be replaced if they crack or discolor. Fixed retainers, while durable, can become damaged if not cared for properly.
Consider your lifestyle and how much time you are willing to spend on cleaning and maintaining your retainer when making your decision.
Conclusion
Choosing the right retainer after braces is an important step in preserving your new smile. Whether you opt for a removable option like a Hawley or clear plastic retainer or a permanent fixed retainer, the key is to follow your orthodontist’s recommendations and wear your retainer as instructed. By doing so, you’ll maintain the alignment of your teeth and ensure that your hard work with braces doesn’t go to waste.
Each type of retainer has its pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on factors like comfort, aesthetics, durability, and your commitment to wearing it regularly. No matter which type you choose, the important thing is that you follow through with the post-braces care to ensure that your beautiful smile lasts a lifetime.
