Choosing the Best Permanent Retainer
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Key Highlights
- Permanent retainers are a common option to keep your teeth straight after braces.
- They are very common for lower teeth and might be used on the upper ones as well
- They are made of a thin wire that is attached safely behind the lower front teeth.
- Though very effective, permanent retainers require careful oral hygiene.
- Cost can range between $250 for a traditional one to $600 for a 3D-printed one.
Introduction
It is not a surprising fact that our teeth have a strong memory to go back to their initial position. So, to maintain your beautiful straight teeth, we need to hold them in place and that is the job of your permanent retainer. This will help to build strong bone to hold your teeth in place and keep your smile perfect.
What is a permanent retainer?
A permanent retainer, also called a fixed or bonded retainer, is a device made from a special wire cemented behind the teeth after braces or Invisalign. It serves as a strong protector, stopping your teeth from going back to their original positions.
What makes permanent retainers different is that they are always in place. You do not need to take them out, so they guarantee that your teeth stay in their positions all the time. Unlike removable retainers, which you might forget to wear or not put on correctly, permanent retainers give you comfort. You can be sure that your smile is always safe.
A Brief History of Permanent Retainers
Orthodontists were struggling to find a reliable way to keep the teeth straight and prevent them from relapsing. The term " Permanent Retention" was used as early as 1927 when Skogsborg published an article in Dental Cosmos " The permanent retention of the teeth after orthodontic treatment."
Andreason and Johnson in 1970 described a padded permanent retainer to hold the upper teeth in place. By 2015, the designs of permanent retainers had advanced so much to a degree that a computer could design and make the perfect permanent retainer.
If you are looking for a Permanent Retainer that you can floss with, please call us today and ask for the Zig-Zag Permanent Retainer
Types of Permanent Retainers for Lower Teeth
There are several types of permanent retainers
- Stainless Steel cable permanent retainer. This retainer is made from a surgical-grade stainless steel wire. It has the flexibility to adapt to the inside surface of the teeth without bending the wire. It is an excellent choice to keep your teeth straight. However, it tends to trap plaque and the patient needs to get his regular cleaning every 6 months. It will not rust or break. However, patients with Nickell sensitivity should avoid it. You can not floss your teeth under this retainer.
- Stainless Steel Braided permanent retainer. This retainer is made from 5 or 7 smaller wires twisted to create a flexible wire. I used to be used widely in the past. However, in rare cases, it tends to move the teeth slightly in an unwanted direction and the wire can break more easily than the cable one. You can not floss your teeth under this retainer.
- Zig Zag permanent retainer. This retainer is made from a round stainless steel wire with a gauge of 0.018 or 0.016. It is bent individually past the contact point to allow the patient to floss the contact area. This type of permanent retainer has less tendency to accumulate plaque. However, it costs more than the traditional cable or braided permanent retainer.
- Printed / Robotic bent permanent retainer. These retainers are designed digitally to maximize the fit to the teeth and minimize contact with the opposing teeth. They can be printed on a metal 3D printer or bent with a robotic wire bender using either a NiTi or Stainless Steel material. You can not floss your teeth with them.
Advantages of bonded wire retainers include:
- Strong and Durable: The stainless steel makes these retainers very tough and able to handle daily use.
- Invisible Design: The retainer is placed behind the teeth, so it is hard to see.
Cost of a permanent retainer in Houston
The cost of permanent retainers can vary depending on the type of retainer, and how many teeth would be included.
Let's break down the typical cost range:
Permanent Retainer | Description | Cost | Flossing |
Braided | 5 or 7 thins strands of SS wire | $250 | No |
Cable | Looped SS wires connected together | $200-$350 | No |
Zig-Zag | 0.016 or 0.018 SS wire | $500 | YES |
CAD / CAM | NiTi or SS made by robotic bender | $600-$700 | No |
Maintenance and Care for Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers can trap food and plaque more easily. Thus, it is very important to Brush and Floss to keep the permanent retainer clean. If you don't have a zig-zag permanent retainer, you will not be able to floss using a regular floss and then you need to use a super floss or a soft pick to keep the contact between your teeth clean. These could bought online from Amazon or found at your local pharmacy.
How to floss the permanent retainer?
Flossing is also very important, even if it can be a bit harder with a permanent retainer. Using a floss threader can help. Slide the floss under the retainer wire and gently move it up and down between your teeth. Make sure to clean both sides of each tooth. You can use 3 available commercial products:
- A Floss threader. it will get the job done. But it takes time and effort to clean each contact and not easy for children.
- A super floss. it comes with a built-in harder end that could be used to thread the floss under the permanent retainer and clean the area.
- A soft Pick. This is what Dr. Kanaan recommends as it is the easiest way to floss the teeth under the permanent retainers and they come in a small and larger size to fit each patient need.
Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. It is essential to pay extra attention to the bottom teeth where the retainer is. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and angle it at 45 degrees towards your gum line. Gently brush all surfaces of your teeth, especially those near the retainer.
Handling Common Issues
While permanent retainers are strong, they can still cause some problems. One common problem is a broken retainer. This often happens when you bite into hard foods. If you see that your retainer is loose, broken, or bent, get in touch with your orthodontist right away.
You might also feel discomfort, especially if your tongue rubs against the retainer. Usually, this goes away as your tongue gets used to it. However, if the discomfort doesn’t stop, you should visit your orthodontist for some adjustments.
Another problem can be poor cleaning, which can lead to cavities around or under the retainer. It's very important to keep your mouth clean to avoid this issue. If you think you might have a cavity or see any discoloration, talk to your orthodontist as soon as possible.
In terms of oral health, permanent retainers do a great job of maintaining proper alignment. They stop teeth from moving, which helps keep the bite balanced. This reduces the chance of future orthodontic issues. As a result, permanent retainers help with long-term oral health by lowering the risk of bite problems, jaw pain, and gum disease.
Permanent retainers also make the retention process easier. Removable retainers need you to remember to wear and care for them consistently. But permanent retainers work all the time without any effort needed from you. This makes them a good choice for those who might forget to wear or clean their removable retainers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, picking the best permanent retainer for your lower teeth is important for keeping your teeth straight after treatment. Knowing the types of retainers out there and how to take care of them can help you succeed in the long run. Be sure to regularly care for your retainer and keep in touch with your orthodontist to maintain your smile's shape. If you have any worries about your permanent retainer, talk to your orthodontist right away to solve any problems and stop your teeth from shifting. Take care of your oral health so you can enjoy a lovely, straight smile for many years.
Will My Teeth Shift If My Permanent Retainer is Broken?
A broken permanent retainer can be annoying, but there is no need to panic right away. It is important to know that teeth naturally want to shift back to their original positions over time.
If your retainer breaks, you should set up an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as you can. They will check the damage and suggest what to do next. This may involve fixing or replacing the broken retainer. If you ignore a broken retainer, your teeth might slowly shift, and this could reverse the results of your orthodontic treatment.
How long should a permanent retainer last on lower teeth?
A permanent retainer can last a long time, possibly for the rest of your life, if you take good care of it. However, its lifespan can change based on your oral hygiene and biting habits. If your retainer breaks or looks worn out, you will need to get it removed or replaced based on your condition.
Can you remove a permanent retainer if necessary?
Yes, even though they are called "permanent," orthodontists can take off these retainers when needed. The bonding material is carefully removed from the teeth. In most cases, a new retainer is put in place.
Are there any food restrictions with permanent retainers?
Permanent retainers don't have a specific list of foods to avoid. However, you should stay away from sticky or hard foods. These types of foods can hurt or move the retainers. Taking these steps is important to prevent dental problems, like broken retainers or gum disease.
References
Wolf M, Schumacher P, Jäger F, Wego J, Fritz U, Korbmacher-Steiner H, Jäger A, Schauseil M. Novel lingual retainer created using CAD/CAM technology: evaluation of its positioning accuracy. J Orofac Orthop. 2015 Mar;76(2):164-74. English, German. doi: 10.1007/s00056-014-0279-8. PMID: 25744094.