The day you get your braces off is an exciting time! While you should definitely be pleased to be rocking your new smile, wearing a retainer is necessary in order to get the best results from your orthodontic treatment.
Some patients may benefit from having a permanent retainer installed. Learn more about permanent retainer costs, the pros and cons of having one, and how smile retention locks in your smile for life.
Wearing a retainer after braces is important to protect your orthodontic investment. Without retention, your teeth will drift out of position over time. A retainer helps keep your aligned smile intact!
Permanent retainers, which are also known as bonded retainers or fixed retainers, are made with a wire component that is bonded behind the teeth. They are commonly installed behind the bottom teeth and used in conjunction with a removable retainer for the top teeth.
These bonded retainers have a few advantages. Since they’re permanent, they are always working to keep your smile in place, so you’re less at risk of losing your alignment. They are also invisible and comfortable to wear!
Bonded retainers do require more careful hygiene habits, as their placement may exacerbate plaque buildup. Practicing good brushing and flossing habits can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, or other conditions.
At Bovenizer and Baker Orthodontics, permanent retainer costs are included in your overall treatment price. You won’t have to pay anything unless you sustain damage to your bonded retainer. If you need a replacement, it will run you around $200 to get it fixed.
While fixed retainers are very durable, they can still be damaged. This can happen as a result of eating hard or sticky foods, or from a direct injury. It’s important that you call us as soon as possible to repair your permanent retainer.
If you’ve damaged your permanent retainer, do not fiddle with it or try to fix it by yourself! This could cause additional damage to the teeth and gums. Until we can get you in for a repair appointment, try to keep your fixed retainer against the back of your teeth.
Taking good care of your teeth with a permanent retainer is super important! Since bonded retainers sit along the back of your teeth, near where your saliva is produced, you are more likely to develop plaque. In order to prevent the development of gum disease or tooth decay, just add a few simple steps to your dental hygiene routine.
When brushing your teeth, gently brush between the wire and the bottom teeth. Be sure to brush around the areas where the wire is bonded to the teeth. When flossing with a permanent retainer, thread the floss beneath the wire and gently move it up and down between each tooth. Following these steps ensures that your smile stays radiant!
While fixed retainers can last 20 years, there are a few reasons why it might be better to get it removed. If your retainer has been damaged repeatedly or is getting in the way of your dental hygiene, it may be causing more problems than it’s solving.
The only way to get your permanent retainer removed is to go to an orthodontist. They will remove the wire, get rid of any residue, and clean up the enamel of the teeth. If you do get it removed, you will likely need a removable retainer to use in its place.
Whether you had Damon Braces or clear aligners, smile retention is crucial to achieving longevity with your new smile. A permanent retainer safeguards your orthodontic investment and prevents your smile from relapsing! When properly cared for, a bonded retainer helps you enjoy a lifetime of healthier smiles.
Curious to know more about permanent retainers? Contact Bovenizer & Baker to learn more about our smile retention options! Schedule an appointment today.
