Are permanent retainers bad for your teeth?

Permanent retainers are one option to consider to maintain your perfect smile after braces. Sometimes patients ask: “Are permanent retainers bad for my teeth long-term?” The simple answer is: Nope! As long as you floss and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Are permanent retainers bad for your health?

Like all dental appliances, a permanently bonded retainer is susceptible to damage. Visible damage can happen from eating hard foods, a mouth injury, or if the bonding failed and your retainer unattached from your teeth.

What is the drawback of a palatal bonded retainer?

Disadvantages of bonded Retainers It may be hard to maintain oral hygiene, especially flossing, because you can’t remove it. This can cause tartar and plaque to build up, possibly leading to gum disease. It’s attached, which you may not like. The metal wire might irritate your tongue.

Can your teeth still move with a fixed retainer?

If not repaired or replaced quickly the teeth will shift and move. Fixed retainers are made out of various metal alloys. Like all metal that are subject to stress they can stretch over time. If the retainer stretches some spaces and small movement can occur.

How long do bonded retainers last?

A bonded retainer on your upper teeth may last up to three years, while a lower bonded retainer will last longer, as this part of the mouth doesn’t see as much activity. Even if it’s been a short time since the retainers’ installation, the wires can become unbonded to the teeth without you realizing it.

Are bonded retainers bad?

Cons of a permanent retainer They can make it difficult to properly clean teeth, whether brushing at home or having them professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist. Also, the wire can trap food, bacteria, and other debris, increasing the risk of dental problems, especially if you don’t brush and floss regularly.

Can retainers cause cavities?

Orthodontic retainers do not cause cavities. Cavities are formed when virulent bacteria in our mouths process sugars into acids that effectively erode the tooth structure until it collapses into a hole in the tooth. Brushing and flossing disrupt the bacteria and can reduce a person’s incidence of cavities.

Which retainer is best after braces?

Clear retainers should be worn day and night straight after your orthodontic treatment is finished. It’s usually possible to go onto nighttime wear after 3 months but that would be reviewed at a later date. Invisalign also produce a high quality, more durable clear retainer after braces called ‘Vivera’.

How much does it cost to fix a bonded retainer?

How much do permanent retainers cost? A permanent, or bonded, retainer may cost from $150 to $500 to put in place or replace if lost or broken.

Which is better plastic or wire retainer?

Metal retainers, for instance, are broadly speaking more durable than plastic retainers. Additionally, Hawley retainers are visible to others. Essix retainers are effective but are less durable than metal retainers. Many patients prefer them, however, because they are not as noticeable.

What are the pros and cons of a bonded retainer?

Let’s take a look at some of the other pros: Visibility: Since they are glued to the back of your teeth, bonded retainers are invisible to everyone else. In contrast, a wire retainer usually has a visible wire across the front of your teeth, and a clear retainer is much less obvious but still noticeable if you look closely.

Are semi-permanent retainers bad for your teeth?

Semi-permanent retainers may make it more difficult to properly clean behind the teeth they’re placed on. The wire can trap food and bacteria so it is important to take plenty of time to adequately clean and floss or you will increase your risk of decay.

What is a permanent retainer for braces?

A permanent retainer (commonly referred to as a ‘fixed’, ‘bonded’, ‘lingual’ or ‘fixed bonded’ retainer) is a metal bar or wire placed behind your teeth to keep them from shifting back to the position they were in before braces. They are permanent because they are bonded to your teeth with dental cement.

Do bonded retainers cover the backside of the front teeth?

Remember, the bonded retainer only covers the backside of the front teeth and not the back teeth. Gire Orthodontics provides all of their patients a set of clear, Invisalign type retainers at the end of active treatment as well. Patients will still need to wear them at night when they’re sleeping.