Retainers after Braces – Fixed and Removable Retainer Options

Perfecting a smile takes considerable work on the part of the orthodontist and extreme patience on the part of the patient. If you are looking for a skilled dentist in Islington to help you achieve that perfect smile, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.

After your orthodontic treatment, simply removing braces isn’t enough to maintain that flawless smile forever. To preserve the perfect alignment for years to come, you need to wear a retainer.

Orthodontists recommend the correct retainer based on your specific dental issues and will craft one that is just right for you.

What Are Passive And Active Retainers?

Your dentist in Islington will likely recommend a passive retainer after removing your braces, as teeth can shift throughout your entire life. Passive retainers prevent malocclusions in the future and help maintain your new dental structure.

For those with minor alignment problems, braces can be omitted entirely in favor of active retainers. Active retainers can straighten your teeth with daily use by gradually moving them into the correct position.

What Are The Two Most Common Retainer Types?

Currently, you have the option of choosing between two types of retainers – fixed and removable.

Fixed Retainers

Fixed, or permanent, retainers consist of a thin wire placed behind the upper and lower front teeth. Cement, similar to that used in braces brackets, holds these retainers in place for the duration of the treatment. They are ideal for children and adults who have recently worn braces.

Keep these points in mind if you get fixed retainers:

• Regular flossing is essential to clean the wires daily.
• Wear them 24/7 for as long as your orthodontist recommends.
• Fixed retainers can cost more than removable ones, depending on which type of removable retainer you choose.

Patients often have to wear permanent retainers for the rest of their lives.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are perfect for adults and ensure effortless removal. They are typically made of polyurethane, plastic, or acrylic. Most removable retainers have a wire across the front of the upper and lower teeth.

If you are enhancing your smile with removable retainers, remember the following:

• Wear them daily.
• Clean them daily; they are generally easier to clean than fixed retainers.
• For the first three months, your orthodontist might ask you to wear them 24/7.
• Exposure to heat and cold can change the shape of the retainers, so consult your dentist in Islington at regular intervals to ensure proper dental health.

Your orthodontist might recommend an Essix model for the next six to twelve months, or a Hawley retainer for the next one to twenty years.

What to Retain from This Brief on Retainers?

The cost of your retainer will depend upon its type and the dental problem you are facing. Removable retainers (Essix and Hawley) can cost between £135 and £285, fixed retainers can cost around £300, and grinding splints begin from £225.

When using retainers and even after you stop using them, do not skip appointments with your orthodontist. Periodic maintenance is integral for the proper working of both fixed and removable retainers. At the same time, your dentist will check for movement, cavities and improvement levels on each visit.

Private Dentist, Hygienist, Orthodontist in central London , Angel, Islington

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