The hard work is far from over once your braces come off.
You may need to wear an aligner for some time after orthodontic treatment to ensure that your teeth stay in their new position. Otherwise, your teeth are apt to drift back into their old locations.
A permanent retainer is one treatment option that can prevent your time in braces from going to waste.
Permanent retainers are thin metal wires that are attached to the back of upper and/or lower front teeth. They have both benefits and disadvantages you should know about before getting one.
Pros of Permanent Orthodontic Retainers
Permanent retainers have significantly more advantages than disadvantages. These include:
Cons of Permanent Orthodontic Retainers
Since a permanent retainer is cemented to your teeth, there’s no way you as the patient can take it off. This is the main reason fixed or bonded retainers have some drawbacks.
You may have difficulty cleaning around the fixed wire. You’ll have to use a floss threader or water flosser to clean your teeth like you did with braces. Some people find that a permanent retainer makes their teeth hurt. Others suffer from heavy buildup of tartar around the wire.
The good news is that if a permanent retainer causes you trouble, your dentist can easily remove it. Ask your orthodontist which kind of retainer is best for your smile.
Posted on behalf of:
East Cobb Orthodontics
2810 Lassiter Rd
Marietta, GA 30062
(770) 993-7118
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