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After months of dedication, you’ve taken care of your teeth, and your braces are coming off. Congratulations! Unfortunately, you haven’t reached the end of the road yet. Once your braces come off, it’s time to decide about retainers. Retainers hold your teeth in place so they don’t return to their original positions and undo all your hard work! But which type of retainer is best for you? There are two primary kinds of retainers: permanent and removable. There are some basic pros and cons to both that can help you make a decision about which is right for you.
Permanent Retainers
Pros
- Once permanent retainers are put in, you no longer have to worry about them! No remembering where you put them or packing them on trips – they’re always there.
- Your teeth are held in place 100% of the time, so there is less of a chance of them migrating back to their previous positions.
- Since they are glued to the back of your teeth, they aren’t visible outside. In pictures and day-to-day interactions, all people will notice is your beautiful smile!
Cons
- Flossing is already a difficult thing to motivate people to do. Permanent retainers add extra time and effort to flossing between the teeth to which the retainer is attached. We will teach you how and give you the tools to make it quickly, but it will add a little time to your oral care regimen.
- Because they are permanently secured onto your teeth, they are more susceptible to build-up forming around them. This makes it even more important to be diligent about caring for your teeth and sticking to your scheduled dental cleanings to avoid plaque and cavities.
Removable Retainers
Pros
- There are multiple removable retainers to choose from, including VIVERA from Invisalign, a system of clear retainers that can be mailed to you. You will receive four retainers to swap out for a brand new one every three months!
- Removable retainers are simple to use. They are formed to fit directly into your mouth, and we do our best to make them as comfortable as possible to wear.
- Removing removable retainers makes it easy to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly because nothing is in the way!
Cons
- Let’s face it: some of us are pretty forgetful. If you’re the person who factors in an extra 15 minutes to your morning schedule to hunt for where they last set their keys, then this option may not be best for you.
- Removable retainers must be removed before eating, playing sports, and other activities. This means you may need your case handy!
- Wearing a removable metal retainer is quite noticeable. A metal wire will be visible on the outside of your teeth, and wearing this retainer may cause mild speech impediment.
Learn More About Retainers! Schedule Your Free Consultation!
Ultimately, you’re the one who will be privy to the benefits and drawbacks of either type of retainer, so make the decision carefully and with your own best interests at heart. Contact us to learn more about retainers and schedule your free consultation today.
