Retainers are used to hold teeth straight after treatment. Occasionally, retainers can be used to make small movements to teeth. Because teeth often move throughout your life whether you’ve had braces or not, it is often recommended that patients wear their retainers every night to make sure teeth don’t move back to their original position.
How long do retainers last?
Most patients will need to replace their retainers at different points throughout their lifetime. The replacement frequency depends on how well the patient cares for their retainers as well as whether they are prone to habits like teeth grinding. The more careful you are with your retainers, the longer they will last.
What types of retainers does BracesBracesBraces offer?
At BracesBracesBraces, we offer the following three types of retainers. Your orthodontist will discuss the options with you to determine what will work best for your situation.
- Essix Clear Retainers: These popular retainers are made of clear, plastic material that is comfortable to wear.
- Hawley Wire Retainers: This durable retainer uses a combination of a hard plastic connected by a thin metal wire.
- Fixed/Bonded Retainers: This permanent retainer uses a thin metal wire that is bonded to the back of the teeth with a composite material.
