Orthodontic treatment can be the ideal solution to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. However, certain maintenance is required to ensure that those benefits stick.
Orthodontic retainers stop teeth from moving back into the wrong positions after treatment. Both fixed and removable retainers are available, each offering various benefits that could make them the right choice for your situation.
How Retainers Support Orthodontic Treatment in Atlanta
Orthodontic treatment moves your teeth into proper positions for a beautiful smile and healthy function. Teeth naturally tend to shift back into the wrong positions afterward, though. The natural elasticity in the supporting tissues that makes orthodontic treatment possible in the first place also allows that treatment to come undone if not maintained.
To prevent this, retainers hold your teeth in their new positions. They help stabilize the tissues around your teeth as they settle into their new places. Wearing your retainer consistently after treatment helps ensure long-lasting results and avoids the need for further orthodontic treatment down the line.
What Are Fixed Retainers?
Fixed retainers rely on a metal wire bonded to the back of your teeth. They’re also known as permanent or lingual retainers. They’re typically placed on the lower front teeth, which are the most likely to shift after treatment. Once in place, they don’t require any maintenance aside from regular cleaning.
One of the key advantages of fixed orthodontic retainers is that they always support your teeth. The permanent attachment means that you can’t simply forget to wear them. Your teeth have the proper support at all times, ensuring that you get reliable retention results.
Fixed retainers do come with some potential drawbacks. They can make oral hygiene more difficult, especially flossing. If you don’t clean them properly, food particles can build up and lead to higher levels of bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.
What Are Removable Retainers?
Removable retainers can be taken out as needed. They’re often made of clear plastic and are custom-made to fit your teeth. You can remove them for tasks like eating, brushing, and flossing to make your day-to-day life a bit easier.
Removable retainers make cleaning your teeth and the retainer more straightforward. After removing the retainer, you can carry out the same brushing and flossing routine you’ve always relied on. Many patients also report that removable orthodontic retainers are more comfortable.
The main drawback to removable retainers is also due to the fact that they are removable. If you don’t wear them consistently, they won’t keep your teeth in place. Whether you’re forgetting to wear them or leaving them off in social situations, you significantly increase the risk of your teeth shifting back in either scenario.
Fixed vs. Removable Orthodontic Retainers
Lifestyle is one of the key considerations to keep in mind when comparing fixed and removable orthodontic retainers. While removable retainers can provide additional flexibility, fixed retainers ensure that compliance won’t be an issue during your treatment.
Potential damage is another factor to keep in mind. Fixed retainers are always on, including when you eat. Certain foods may damage them, so dietary restrictions may be necessary. On the other hand, removable retainers are liable to damage or misplacement, making extra vigilance necessary.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to safeguard your smile. While this is possible with both fixed and removable retainers, fixed retainers can pose some challenges. You’ll have to adapt your routine and rely on specialized tools to ensure adequate brushing and flossing.
Making the Right Choice for Your Smile
How can you choose the right type of retainer for your needs? Making this choice requires a careful assessment of your lifestyle, oral health, and hygiene habits. Of course, talking with your dentist is vital. They can evaluate your specific case and make a recommendation that will provide the right balance between experience and results.
In any case, ensuring that your orthodontic treatment results will last is of primary importance and will help you both enjoy a beautiful smile and avoid the need for retreatment later on.
Finding the Orthodontic Care You Need in Atlanta
If you’re looking to achieve a beautiful, strong, and healthy smile, then orthodontic treatment could be right for you. You can talk with Dr. Brett Langston and Dr. Rachel Miro to find out which treatment options in Atlanta can address your individual oral health concerns — including the orthodontic retainer you need for long-term results.
Schedule a consultation to get started today.