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Types of Retainers

Types of Retainers

Types of Retainers

Your orthodontist will advise you to use a retainer to keep your teeth in proper alignment after braces treatment.
Usually there are two types of retainers- permanent and removable. Your dentist will decide on which type is best suitable for you like either of the two or removable for upper teeth and permanent for lower teeth.

It is easier to maintain your oral care routine when using removable retainers; you can take them off while eating. But its main disadvantage is that you can easily misplace or lose them so relapse is common when you neglect to wear it for the prescribed duration, if you don’t take proper care then bacteria might grow on it so you should gently clean and brush them regularly.

The commonly used types of removable retainers are Hawley’s appliance and clear plastic retainers.

Orthodontists may prescribe permanent retainers in cases where there is higher chance of relapse like in young kids who do not usually follow instructions to wear removable retainer regularly. Difficulty in maintaining proper oral care specially flossing, metal wire irritating your tongue are some of the disadvantages of permanent retainers.

So generally speaking both the types of retainers have their pros and cons, your dental care provider will decide on which is best suitable for you.