One of the oldest ways to correct tooth misalignment is the use of braces. The older dental wires and brackets are gradually getting replaced by Invisalign. These are aligner trays made from colorless materials. Whether you use the traditional metal brackets or the aligner trays, you will still need a retainer once you have removed the braces. The role of the retainers is to maintain the position of the teeth. Fixed retainers are becoming popular because they simplify the alignment process. Here is everything to know about retainers and why they are ideal for your dental health.
How Permanent Retainers Work
Dentists refer to permanent retainers as lingual wires. The name stems from how the dentist attaches it to the back of the teeth. The dentist also uses glue to attach the wire to the teeth. Hence, the device also gets the name of a bonded retainer. The role of the retainer is to prevent the teeth from shifting back to the misaligned position they were in before the orthodontist started the alignment process. The permanent retainer stays in place for as long as needed and can help ensure that you do not regress on the progress you will have made in aligning your teeth.
The Benefits of Having Permanent Retainers
There are countless benefits that you can expect from having permanent retainers. These include convenience, whereby you can take the retainers on and off whenever you need to. They have little to no interference with your speech and will not give you a challenging time speaking in public. Since the retainer gets attached to the back of the teeth, they are not noticeable, and you will not have to deal with the stigma associated with the regular braces. Finally, the dentist permanently fixes the retainers to the teeth, which means you cannot lose them.
Choosing Between Permanent and Removable Retainers
It is crucial to think about the benefits of removable retainers also. The removable kind is easy to take on and off when eating. You can also easily clean them whenever, which minimizes the chances of food accumulating and causing decay. You can carefully weigh the pros and cons of having the two types before deciding on the ideal type for your needs.
Consult with your dentist about the best solution for your teeth after the realignment process. They will guide you and help you select the perfect ones to keep your teeth in place after alignment.