Did you recently finish treatment with braces or clear aligners? If so, you’re probably excited to be appliance-free and show off your new smile. Not so fast! Now, you need to start the retention phase of treatment.
Retainers are essential, but they don’t have to be inconvenient, and you’ll typically have some options when it comes to picking one out. Keep reading as we take you through the most popular types of retainers and help you find one that’s a win-win for you and your teeth!
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Do I Really Need a Retainer After Braces or Clear Aligners?
Yes! You will need a retainer after any form of orthodontic treatment, including braces and clear aligners. Relapse, the tendency of teeth to shift after orthodontic treatment, is unavoidable without aftercare retainers. Immediately after your treatment, your teeth will be very unstable. And, after so much movement, they will need time to firm up in their new positions.
Without retainers, your teeth can shift dramatically after treatment. Just a few weeks without a retainer can result in significant changes. Worst case scenario, you may need additional orthodontic treatment. That means more time and money spent straightening your teeth.
Luckily, once your smile becomes more stable, you won’t have to wear a retainer as often. However, you can still experience tooth shifts any time after your treatment. In many cases, a patient will wear their retainer consistently for the first year or so, then stop wearing it altogether. As time passes, their teeth will gradually move, eventually causing noticeable changes to their smile.
Even if it’s been years since you finished your treatment, it’s important to wear a retainer at least a few times each week to prevent shifting. Play it safe and choose a retainer that will be easy and convenient to wear.
3 Types of Dental Retainers
There are three major types of dental retainers: clear removable, fixed/permanent, and Hawley. Depending on the treatment you choose, you’ll be offered at least one (but up to all three) of these options. Each type has its pros and cons, so you should choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Hawley Retainers: The Classic Option
Hawley retainers are what most people think of when they hear the word “retainer.” They’re plastic or acrylic and wire appliances, customized to fit your teeth and your upper palate. The plastic or acrylic tray sits on the roof of your mouth while the wire runs across the front of your front teeth, which can be somewhat visible.
These retainers are typically the most durable option available. They aren’t easily damaged and can last close to a decade before wearing out. One retainer will cost you around $300, about the same price of clear retainers. However, you’ll likely need to replace clear retainers much sooner.
Like clear retainers, Hawley retainers are removable, so cleaning and maintenance are simple. Your dentist will give you specific instructions for wearing your retainer after treatment. However, you’ll likely have to wear it 22 hours per day at first, then only at night.
Pros
- Highly durable: It’s not unusual for a Hawley retainer to last up to 7 or 8 years, and they’re sturdy enough to clean with your toothbrush.
- Removable: Being able to remove your Hawley retainer makes cleaning and maintenance simple, and it won’t get in the way when you’re brushing or flossing your teeth.
- Repairable: If your Hawley retainer breaks, your dentist or orthodontist can probably repair it. So, you may not need to purchase a replacement.
- Lets teeth settle naturally: It does not cover the tops and bottoms of your teeth, allowing you to bite down naturally. This may help your teeth settle into their new positions faster and prevent unwanted shifting.
Cons
- Less comfortable: The portion of the retainer that sits on the roof of your mouth may be uncomfortable, especially for anyone with a strong gag reflex.
- Somewhat visible: They’re much less visible than traditional metal braces, but the wire that runs across the front of your teeth is fairly noticeable.
- Interferes with speech: Your voice will likely sound a bit unusual while wearing your retainer.
Note: Clearbow offers a Hawley retainer with a clear, plastic front that is much less visible than a traditional metal wire
Clear Removable Retainers
Clear removable retainers look and feel very similar to clear aligners, so they’re frequently prescribed after at-home or in-office aligner treatment. They’re customized to fit your teeth and typically last a few years before they need to be replaced.
If you choose removable retainers, you’ll need to wear them 22 hours per day for the first 6 to 12 months, after treatment. Your dentist will give you more specific instructions once your treatment is over. Like clear aligners, removable retainers should also be cleaned daily and removed to eat, drink, and brush your teeth.
Luckily, after your teeth have stabilized, you can switch to wearing your retainers only at night. Most people choose removable retainers for their convenience, and they’re typically a natural fit for patients who just finished clear aligner treatment. The average cost for a set of clear removable retainers is about $100-300. So, they’re also one of the cheapest options on this list.
Pros
- Comfortable: They’re customized to fit your teeth, so they’re snug and comfortable to wear.
- Practically Invisible: The translucent plastic used to manufacture clear retainers makes them discreet and hardly noticeable in your mouth.
- Inexpensive: Many orthodontists can create this type of retainer right from their office, so they’re often the cheapest kind.
- Easy to clean: Since they’re removable, you can easily rinse or soak them to get rid of food and bacteria.
- Protect every tooth: Other retainers only cover your front teeth, which are visible when you smile. Clear retainers cover all your teeth, so even the molars are protected from shifting.
Cons
- Less durable: Clear retainers tend to stretch out of time over time and may need to be replaced. If you are someone who tends to grind their teeth, it’s possible to bite through your retainer.
- Stain easily: You should stick to drinking just water while wearing your retainer. Drinks like coffee, soda, and wine will stain your Essix retainer and can lead to tooth decay.
Fixed/Permanent Retainers
A fixed or “permanent” retainer consists of a wire that is glued to the back surface of your front six teeth. The most significant benefit of fixed retainers is the fact that they’re always working. Unlike their removable counterparts, you won’t have to remember to wear your permanent retainers. So, your teeth are constantly protected from shifting.
The total cost for a set of fixed retainers can be anywhere from $200 to $500, so they are certainly not the cheapest option. Plus, they can be difficult to maintain. Food and plaque may build up in hard-to-see places, and flossing around the wires will likely be a challenge at first.
Fixed retainers typically last about 4-5 years. However, you should purchase a replacement sooner if your retainer starts feeling loose. Loose-fitting or damaged wires are less effective, so your teeth might shift. To avoid any serious issues, steer clear of especially hard or crunchy foods that might bend your wire out of shape.
Pros
- Constant: They’re bonded to your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to wear a permanent retainer. It will constantly be protecting your teeth from relapse.
- Discreet: Since they’re situated behind your teeth, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing one.
- Consistent: Unlike removable retainers, there is no risk of losing or misplacing your permanent retainer.
Cons
- Hard to clean: Cleaning and maintenance for fixed retainers can be challenging. Without diligent brushing and flossing, food and plaque can build up around your wire, causing cavities and infection.
- Can get damaged: Despite being called “permanent,” your retainer can get bent out of shape. So, you may need to avoid certain foods to maintain its effectiveness.
Which Type of Retainer Should I Choose?
Every retainer mentioned in this guide can stabilize your teeth after orthodontic treatment. It’s up to you to choose one that will be convenient for you to wear and maintain. For some people, fixed retainers provide more peace of mind and less hassle than removable retainers. However, clear retainers may be more comfortable to wear and more convenient to maintain. If you don’t want to replace your retainer often, consider the more durable Hawley retainer.
If you’re not sure which type of retainer will be best for you, speak with your dentist to discuss your options. Price, convenience, and maintenance are all factors that you should consider before making a final decision. Regardless of the retainer you choose, commit to wearing it consistently and replacing it regularly to maintain your new smile.
How to Get a New Set of Retainers
Your first set of retainers will eventually wear out. Once they do, you need to decide where you want to get your next set.
For fixed retainers, your only option is to work with a dentist or orthodontist. For removable retainers, you can get them in person or online.
There are pros and cons to both of these options. Seeing a medical professional will cost more and involve switching up your schedule to accommodate at least two appointments. However, you have access to a full range of retainer options and have direct professional guidance.
Going through an online retainer company means spending a lot less money while also avoiding issues with your schedule. However, you’ll have to take your own impressions, which some people find a bit difficult.
Ultimately, both options are good, but one may be a better fit for you than the other!
Want New Retainers at an Affordable Price?
Given how often retainers need to be replaced, it’s a good idea to save money whenever possible. We suggest using Sporting Smiles. As a mail-order service, Sporting Smiles makes it easy and affordable to get new retainers — all from the comfort of your home.
Final Thoughts
Your teeth can (and likely will) shift after any orthodontic treatment without proper aftercare. Straightening your teeth can be expensive, and you can get your money’s worth by ensuring your results last as long as possible.
Wearing a retainer is the only way to prevent your teeth from shifting and preserve your new smile. If you want your results to last a lifetime, start thinking about your options now, and find out which retainer will be best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do retainers cost?
Retainer cost varies depending on the type you choose. Clear retainers cost about $100-300 per set, fixed retainers cost $200-500 per set, and Hawley retainers cost $100-300.
How often will I need to replace my retainers?
Again, this depends on the type of retainer you choose. However, you should replace your retainers anytime they become loose, damaged, or heavily stained. Hawley retainers can last 7-8 years, Clear retainers often last 2-3 years, and fixed retainers typically last 4-5 years.
When is it most important to wear my retainers?
Your teeth will be the most unstable immediately after your treatment. So, the first few months to a year after treatment is the most important time to wear a retainer.
How often should I clean my retainers?
You should clean your retainers daily to prevent a build-up of plaque, food, and/or bacteria.
How do I clean my retainers?
If you have a clear or Hawley retainer, you should remove it for cleaning. Most dentists recommend gently brushing your retainers with water and soaking them in either distilled water or a cleansing solution for deep cleaning.
What happens if I forget to wear my retainers?
If you choose a clear or Hawley retainer, you can remove it anytime you want. If you forget to wear your retainers for a few days, they may feel tight at first, but they will eventually readjust your teeth to their post-treatment position. If you forget to wear your retainers for longer than a week, you may need to purchase replacements.
What should I do if my retainers don’t fit anymore?
If your retainers no longer fit, you’ll need to purchase replacements. We suggest you see a dentist or orthodontist first to make sure you don’t need orthodontic treatment again.
Can I wear my retainers only at night?
After a few months, your teeth will be more stable, and it’s safe to wear your retainer only at night to prevent shifting.
How do I take care of my teeth while wearing retainers?
If you have permanent retainers, you can brush your teeth normally. However, you will need to follow a different flossing routine. Your dentist will show you how to thread floss under your wires to prevent a build-up of food and plaque.
If you choose a clear or Hawley retainer, you should remove it before brushing and flossing your teeth. Then, follow your normal oral hygiene routine.
Can I wear my retainers while I eat and drink?
You should remove your clear or Hawley retainers before eating or drinking anything besides water.
Where should I store my retainers when I’m not wearing them?
Your dentist or orthodontist will give you a case for your clear or Hawley retainers. You should store your retainers in their case at all times when you’re not cleaning or wearing them.
Should I bring my retainers to my regular dentist appointments?
Yes. Your dentist will inspect your retainers for any damage or excessive staining. Most dentists will also deep clean your retainers free of charge; you just have to ask!
Are retainers covered by insurance?
Retainers are usually not covered by insurance. Call your provider to find out if your insurance plan includes coverage for retainers.
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