What You Need to Know About Different Types of Dental Retainers

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Retainers are used to keep your teeth in place after they have been straightened with braces, aligners, or other devices. Retainers can also be used by oral healthcare providers, such as orthodontists, to improve your bite, move one or two teeth, or help you speak more clearly.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are those that you put in and take out yourself. Dentists most commonly use them on the upper front teeth. Removable retainers are simple to slip in and out as needed, but you must keep track of them, use them as directed by your provider, and clean them regularly.

There are two types of removable retainers, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Hawley Retainers

Many people envision Hawley retainers when they hear the word "retainer." They are one of the most common types of retainers and have been around for nearly a century.

Dental healthcare providers make a mold of your upper palate out of hard plastic or acrylic and attach wires that hold your teeth in place to make them. The plastic part was previously made to match the color of your palate, but you can now order it in a variety of patterns and colors.

Clear Plastic Molded Retainers

The clear plastic or polyurethane removable retainer is the other type.

Your dental healthcare provider will make a mold of your teeth to create them. The clear material, which has been heated to soften it and conform to the mold, will be filled into the mold by either their office or a lab. Then, a vacuum pulls it tightly against the mold, creating an exact replica of your teeth. When worn, the clear plastic is barely visible, if at all.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers are fitted by a dental healthcare professional and remain in place until they are removed by a professional. The dentist custom-fits a wire to the back of your teeth and glues or bonds it in place.

Lower teeth are the most commonly used for permanent retainers. They can be a good option if you are concerned that you will forget to use your removable retainer, but they can make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean.

Other Considerations

Your dental healthcare provider will either recommend a dental retainer or provide you with other options. For example, they may recommend a combination of removable and permanent retainers for the upper teeth.

Remember that it takes four to six months for the bone around your teeth to harden after orthodonture and that teeth can shift as we age as our bones and other tissues change.

When discussing different types of retainers with your oral healthcare provider, consider which one will work best for you in the long run. Remember the benefits and drawbacks of each type and what will work best for your lifestyle.

It can be difficult to keep your teeth clean while wearing permanent retainers. Floss threaders, on the other hand, floss threaders can reach areas you can't because of the wire. Another option is to use water flossers.

Why You Might Need a Retainer

A retainer is required if you want to make the most of the time and money you put into straightening your teeth. If you only need to move one or two teeth, a retainer rather than braces or an aligner can help.

If your tongue moves forward when you speak, making your speech unclear, a retainer can slightly realign your teeth so that you can articulate more clearly.

The Bottom Line 

Retainers are used to keep your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment, such as teeth straightening.

Retainers are classified into two types: removable and permanent. Removable retainers can be made from a mold of your upper palate and wires, or they can be made from a clear material that is less visible but more delicate. Permanent retainers are fitted and placed by your dentist, who can remove them if necessary.