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Fixed vs. Removable Retainers | The Pros & Cons of Each

By February 3, 2020October 6th, 2023Braces, Health & Aftercare, Retainers

Retainers are very important after you have completed orthodontic treatment. Your teeth have memory and have a tendency to want to continue to move after orthodontic treatment until they settle and the bone densifies around them again. When orthodontic treatment is complete at Walt Orthodontics, we offer various types of retainers. Here we will talk about Fixed vs Removable retainers and the pros and cons of both. 

Why Are Retainers Important?

Retainers are needed after orthodontic treatment to make sure your teeth do not move when your treatment is complete. If retainers are not placed or worn your teeth will move and all that work to create your beautiful smile will have been for nothing! Protect your investment, and wear retainers.

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer is a wire that is glued onto the “lingual” or tongue side of your front teeth and is also known as a “bonded retainer” or a “permanent retainer.” A fixed wire is typically made of stainless steel and it is placed on the backside of the teeth and custom to each patient so that you cannot see it when you talk or smile. A fixed retainer is usually only placed on the first 4-6 teeth, as these are the teeth that have the tendency to want to move back to their original place the most once orthodontic treatment is complete. Fixed retainers are meant to stay in place indefinitely.

Pros of Fixed Retainers

  1. A fixed retainer is on your teeth 24/7, permanently and indefinitely, ensuring no shifting of your front teeth after orthodontic treatment is complete.
  2. Compliance is a non-issue, as a fixed retainer cannot be taken out unless done so by a dentist or your orthodontist.
  3. A fixed retainer is cosmetically pleasing as it is glued on the back of the teeth so no one will see it when you talk or smile!

Cons of Fixed Retainers

  1. Fixed retainers can be a little tricky to keep clean and can get food stuck in them, causing more buildup, which if not cleaned properly, can cause gum or even bone disease.
  2. Flossing is more difficult with fixed retainers due to the wire glued onto your teeth, and requires special flossing tools such as floss threaders, or a water flosser.
  3. With fixed wires, you have to be aware when eating hard or crunchy foods, as they could cause the wire to break, or glue to pop off. If this happens, you should call your orthodontist right away to prevent your teeth from moving.

Removable Retainers

A removable retainer is, well, removable! There is nothing actually installed in the mouth, and they can be taken out as needed, specifically for eating and drinking anything aside from water. They are made of clear, transparent plastic and are quite inconspicuous. 

Pros of Removable Retainers

  1. With a removable retainer you can brush and floss as normal, and without having to use any special tools to keep your teeth clean aside from your toothbrush and flossing regularly.
  2. Some removable retainers can be customized with a cool design or colour!
  3. Removable retainers are clear and cosmetically pleasing – most people won’t even notice them!
  4. Removable retainers are meant to cover all of your teeth ensuring none of your teeth move after orthodontic treatment is complete.

Cons of Removable Retainers

  1. Removable retainers can easily be thrown away if you are not careful where you put them when they are taken out of your mouth. Our motto is “if it’s not in your face, it should be in the case!”
  2. With removable retainers comes great responsibility – if not compliant with wearing retainers as directed by your orthodontist, your teeth can shift.
  3. Removable retainers need to be brushed and cleaned on a daily basis, otherwise, they begin to smell and can get calcium buildup on them.
  4. Like your favourite pair of shoes, removable retainers need to be replaced as they wear down. The time it takes for them tow ear down really depends on the individual, as teeth grinding can add wear on retainers.

For more information on the types of retainers, we provide at Walt Orthodontics, visit our Retainers page to learn more.

Aftercare of Retainers

No matter what option you choose, there needs to be continual maintenance of your retainers. With having a fixed retainer, sometimes your dental cleanings need to be more frequent to help reduce build-up and any gum or bone disease that comes with not cleaning it properly. Removable retainers do need to be replaced every few years as they do wear down and require cleaning properly every single day.

Next Steps 

Just remember that over time and as you age, your teeth will always want to move back. Retainers are a lifelong commitment to keeping your smile as perfect as the day you had your braces/Invisalign removed. If you’re unsure of which retainer will be best for you, contact us today for a consultation and assessment, so we can get you the right retainer to fit for you. 

 

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Use our handy online scheduler below to choose the date and time that works best for your initial complimentary consultation appointment!

Please note that while initial orthodontic consultations are complimentary, if you recently completed orthodontic treatment or currently are in active appliances with another provider, seeking a replacement/repair for a retainer, or looking to schedule a second consult after your initial one there is a fee for the consultation. Please contact us for more information.

Alternatively, please contact our office directly by phone/text if you are trying to book multiple consultations at the same time or are seeking consultation further out than 12 weeks.

Please note – If none of the available times on our online scheduler work for you we do have other consultation times available. Please contact us directly for more information.

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When it comes to financing there’s no one size fits all solution. Likewise, there is no singular solution when it comes to financing. At LendCare, we get that and go deeper to understand your unique story and offer flexible options that work best for you, given your current financial situation. That means you get affordable financing, even if your credit is anything but top-tier.

Walt Orthodontics is pleased to offer interest-free payments up to 30 months. If you require payments over 30 months we are happy to offer the LendCare solution.

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DR. WALT’S DECISION TO BECOME AN ORTHODONTIST WAS INSPIRED BY HIS OWN DIRECT PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Dr. Walt received his dental (DDS) degree from the University of Western Ontario, graduating first in his class and receiving the Gold Medal as well as numerous awards recognizing his scholastic and clinical achievements, leadership and character. He then completed his orthodontic training at the University of Colorado, where he received both his Specialty Certificate and Master of Science Degree. During his residency, he was awarded the Rocky Mountain Orthodontics Scholarship for overall excellence.

After graduating from residency and opening Walt Orthodontics in 2013, Dr. Walt committed himself to applying his traditional orthodontic education into the digital world to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience. He currently serves as a Faculty Member, Key Opinion Leader, and Advisory Board Member for Align Technology which involves traveling around the world to teach other orthodontists about Invisalign. Being at the forefront of digital orthodontics, Dr. Walt was invited to be the first orthodontist in Canada to use custom LightForce braces. He also serves as an Orthodontic Coach/Mentor for other orthodontists looking to improve their knowledge of digital orthodontics.

In addition to practicing orthodontics, Dr. Walt is a “die-hard” Blue Jays fan and enjoys working out in his spare time.

DR. GROSSMAN STRIVES TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST STANDARD OF ORTHODONTIC CARE FOR HER PATIENTS.

Dr. Stephanie Grossman pursued her dental degree in sunny South Florida at Nova Southeastern University. She graduated with honours, at the top of her class, and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honour Society. She then completed her orthodontic training at the University of Detroit Mercy, where she received both a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree. She is both a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.

Dr. Grossman strives to provide the highest standard of orthodontic care for her patients. She attends numerous hours of continuing education and utilizes the latest advancements in orthodontics. Dr. Grossman is licensed to practice in both the United States and Canada.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Grossman enjoys spending time with her friends and family and traveling the world. She is a self-proclaimed foodie and loves trying new restaurants!