A Brief and Comprehensive Guide on the Fixed Retainers

Orthodontics is a very popular and effective branch of dentistry that deals with the alignment and position of the teeth. There are many options in orthodontics, including metal braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign aligners, etc. And at the end of the orthodontic treatment, one of the most integral parts is the permanent retainer. This is something that completes your orthodontic treatment with the assurance that your teeth are secure in their position.

In this blog, we will discuss a few essential details of the retainers, including the overview, how they work, the benefits, potential drawbacks, maintenance and the suitable persons for the retainers, etc.

What are the fixed retainers?

The fixed retainers are also called the bonded retainers. These are the orthodontic appliances that are attached to the inner surface of the teeth, unlike the removable retainers. The retainers are placed inside the teeth using the dental cement. In this type of retainer, there can be a thin wire that helps to fit the shape of the teeth.

How do the fixed retainers work?

The permanent retainer is used to maintain the position of the teeth after the orthodontic treatment has been completed. Before taking this, you should know how it functions to get the better benefits. Here are the detailed views of how the fixed retainers function. These are:

Retention of alignment

After the phase of the braces or aligners, the teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to the old and original position. Here is where the fixed retainers come into the field. The retainers help the teeth to hold their position and prevent them from moving back to the original position by providing continuous support.

Continuous wear

Unlike the removable retainers, you need to wear the permanent retainers for the entire day to get the continuous pressure. This constant pressure helps to maintain the alignment of the teeth, especially for the initial months after the removal of the braces from the teeth. At this time, the retainer helps the teeth to maintain the position of the teeth.

Discreet placement

The invisible retainer in London is generally attached to the lingual side, meaning the tongue side of the teeth. This placement makes the retainers virtually invisible to other people. So, this can be an aesthetically pleasing option for people who are concerned about the visibility of their orthodontic appliances.

What are the benefits of the fixed retainers?

The permanent retainers have a number of advantages that make them more popular with people. These advantages help people to use the appliances after the orthodontic treatment with the metal braces or the Invisalign aligners. Here are all the advantages of the fixed or permanent retainers. These are:

Permanent protection

After using the braces or the aligners, there is a chance of resifting of the teeth to the old and original positions. But if you use the retainers continuously after the braces or aligners treatment, this will give you permanent protection from the high risks of the shifting of the teeth. And besides, this can be a permanent solution for the people who often forget to wear the removable retainers on their teeth.

Low maintenance

Compared to the removable retainers, the fixed retainer generally requires less maintenance. In the case of this type of retainer, you do not have to worry about remembering to wear the retainer at the required time and taking it back to the case. You do not need to keep tracking the retainers for where they are, and they will not be lost.

Invisible appearance

The fixed retainers have only the thin wires that are generally placed inside the mouth or on the lingual side of the teeth. So, the placement of the retainers makes them almost invisible to others. When you smile or talk, this will not be seen and will not hamper your look. This is an excellent option for people who want to maintain their smile in a discreet way.

Comfortable

There are many people who find the fixed retainers more comfortable, as they do not need to be worn or removed daily, unlike the removable retainers. After the short initial period of adjustment, most people will not notice the appearance of the retainers. And after a few months, when your teeth get adjusted to the retainers, they will feel more comfortable.

What are the potential drawbacks of the fixed retainers?

There are also some potential drawbacks of the fixed retainers that you need to know before you start using them for your teeth. Knowing the drawbacks beforehand can help you get accustomed to the upcoming challenges. Here are all the drawbacks that you need to know before getting the retainers. These are:

Hygiene challenges

The food particles can be accumulated around the wires, which increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay. And cleaning around the retainers can be a very challenging thing.

Repairs and adjustments

After a certain time, the wires of the retainers loosen. So, you need to visit the orthodontist for the fitting of the retainers.

Limited flexibility

Unlike the removable retainers, you do not get the opportunity to remove them in certain situations. This can be challenging and problematic for the people.

Potential discomfort

Being potentially uncomfortable, some patients feel irritation and discomfort while wearing the retainers on the teeth.

How to take care of and maintain the fixed retainers?

Taking care of the fixed retainers is very easy. Here are the ways that you can follow to maintain the fixed retainers. These are:

Oral hygiene: You need to maintain oral hygiene properly to get a clean and hygienic mouth.

Regular dental visits: You need to visit the orthodontist regularly for better fitting and adjustments.

Dietary considerations: You have to maintain the dietary restrictions that your orthodontist will tell you to follow.

Report issues promptly: As soon as you notice anything about the retainers, you need to report it to the orthodontist.

Who can get benefits from the fixed retainers?

The fixed retainers are very suitable for a number of people. Here are the people who can use the permanent retainers after completing the treatment with the braces and aligners. These are:

• Young patients

• Complex cases

• Long-term retention needs

Booking an appointment:

This is all the important information related to the fixed retainers in London and the other essential things. Knowing what the fixed retainers are, how the fixed retainers work, what the benefits and the potential drawbacks are, how to take care of and maintain the fixed retainers, and who can benefit from the fixed retainers will help you to get the most effective and successful orthodontic treatment for a beautiful smile.

If you are searching for the right orthodontist to get effective retainer braces in London, you can contact 1A Orthodontics. All the orthodontists and dentists are well-experienced and trained and can give you the best ever treatment for the misalignment of teeth. To know more information about the offered services and the costs, you can call us or come directly to the clinic.