Retainers

Retainers

Types of Retainers

After any orthodontic treatment concludes a retainer is used to maintain the teeth’s new alignment long-term. There are fundamentally two types of retainers: permanent and removable. Whether you are best suited for one or the other will depend on your overall oral health and orthodontic needs as assessed by your dentist.

REMOVABLE RETAINERS

Removable retainers themselves come in two basic types: clear plastic and Hawley retainers. Any type of removable retainer needs to be cleaned as often as your teeth. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste or a baking soda solution is a must to reduce bacteria.

Removable retainers of any type come with the need to follow instructions on their use for them to be effective. Besides cosmetics, a major advantage of removable retainers is that they can easily be removed for eating as well as brushing and flossing.

Hawley retainers can cost, approximately, between $150 to $340 for one and last up to 20 years. These are the most durable type of removable retainer. However, a downside of them is that a metal wire will be visible. These are likely what you picture when you hear the word “retainer”.

Clear plastic retainers come in a variety of brands and have the major benefit of being nearly invisible when used. These can cost anywhere between $100 to $300 for one or $400 to $1200 for a set of four, depending on the brand. Clear retainers last anywhere between six months to over a year.

PERMANENT RETAINERS

Permanent retainers are a long-term, indefinite option, only needing to be replaced or repaired if sufficient wear occurs. They are also not visible like Hawley retainers and are very durable. They can cost between $225 and $550 apiece, so up to $1100 if a patient required permanent top and bottom retainers.

Some upsides of permanent retainers are that they do not require following instructions, cannot be lost, and are likely the most durable type of retainer. Some downsides are that maintaining oral hygiene can be difficult since it can’t be removed, making some areas harder to reach properly. All retainer types can increase bacteria buildup as well and since permanent retainers can not be removed while eating this is particularly true for them.

2 retainers on a hand
  • What is the best way to clean retainers?

    As you remove and replace your retainer during the day, germs and plaque will begin to accumulate. This is not an issue as long as you clean your retainer after each use.

    To begin cleaning your retainers, take them off and gently rinse them in warm water. Then, carefully clean your retainer with dish soap using a soft-bristled toothbrush. After you’ve cleaned every inch of your retainer, rinse it and let it dry.

  • How do you know when it's time to replace your retainer?

    Your retainers are strong, but they won’t last forever. Replace your retainer if you detect a loose fit, an unpleasant tight fit, or cracks emerging in the retainer. Continuing to wear a broken or warped retainer might harm your smile more than it will help keep it in place. If you break or lose your retainers, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to get a new pair.

  • Can I use my last set of aligners has my retainer?

    Retainers are based on the final phase of treatment and are intended for the purpose of retention. Aligners are particularly developed to facilitate mobility. When the retention phase begins and what sort of retainer/retention strategy is suitable for the patient should be determined by the treating physician.

A Kid-Friendly Dental Experience

We specialize in providing first-class dental care to children of all ages. What’s more, we are parents too! Therefore, we understand the busy lives of families and have created an experience to make your dental visits simpler. Learn more about our services or schedule an appointment today.

Broad Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics – Lynnfield, MA

6 Kimball Lane, Suite 140, Lynnfield MA 01940
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Hours

School Year
Monday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Select Fridays: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Select Saturdays: 8:00am - 1:00pm

Summer
Monday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 7:30am - 4:00pm
Select Fridays: 7:30am - 1:00pm

Broad Smiles Pediatric Dentistry- Salem, MA

600 Loring Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
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Hours

School Year
Monday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 4:30pm

Summer
Monday-Thursday: 7:30am - 4:00pm

Broad Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics – Lynn, MA

77 Broad Street
Lynn, MA 01902
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Hours

School Year
Monday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Summer
Monday-Thursday: 7:30am - 4:00pm