Ortho retainers are prescribed by the orthodontist to keep and protect the results of orthodontic treatment in place. There are various types of retainer designed available to keep the teeth where the previous braces/aligner treatment moved them and prevent teeth from shifting out of alignment. Whatever retainer treatment your orthodontist recommends,you’ll have to make sure that you follow the instructions to properly maintain the results of the investment you’ve made in your smile. There are three types of retainers typically used after a patient has had invisalign or braces for several months:

1.Fixed or permanent 

A permanent or fixed retainer, also referred to as bonded retainers, is a wire attached to the inside of the teeth to help prevent the teeth from shifting over time. They appear similar as lingual braces and orthodontists may have you use them for several weeks before moving to another type.

Pros: 

• Keeps your teeth in place and can last for many years if properly maintained
• Can’t get lost as they are permanently glued in
• Does not impact on speech

Cons:

• Much difficult and takes extra time to clean retainer, brush and floss under wire
• Proper care must be done when eat things that are too hard or sticky
• Might cause irritation from metal objects in the mouth

2. Removable Hawley wire retainers 

A Hawley retainer is a combination of a custom designed plastic plate molded to the roof or basin of your mouth, attached to a wire that runs over your teeth. A Hawley retainer keeps your teeth in place, is easy and comfortable to wear, and extremely efficient at protecting the results of your smile.

Pros: 

• Easy to settle and mold to the patient’s mouth
• Can be adjustable, tightened or repaired over time if necessary
• Plate color can be custom designed
• Durable, Last a long time and hard to damage
• Easy to clean and care

Cons: 

• More noticeable visually than other retainers as the metal wire can be seen
• Bulky coverage of the palate can be uncomfortable or cause difficulty speaking
• Allows teeth to shift if not worn properly
• Does not cover the biting surface of the teeth, therefore it does not protect against grinding
• Require dedicated compliance
• Can be lost, broken or damaged

3. Removable Clear Plastic retainers 

Clear plastic retainers are molded to fit snugly over your teeth and can be used after any kind of treatment: metal or ceramic braces or clear aligners can all be followed by plastic retainers. Your orthodontist will create a custom-fitted plastic retainer with a different set for your bottom and top teeth.

Pros: 

• Removable and easy to clean
• Comfortable subtle appearance
• Snug fit protects straight teeth against wear from grinding

Cons: 

• Don’t last as long as the other retainers
• Are easy to lose as they are so clear
• Might require new sets made if dental work changes size or shape of a tooth

What are the advantages of using a retainer? 

After taking off your braces, your teeth are perfectly aligned. Using a retainer holds the teeth in their new correct position so the results last. If they are not worn as instructed by your orthodontist, the teeth may rapidly begin to go crooked again and all the hard work you put into getting and wearing braces might go in vain. Wearing a retainer for a long-term as your orthodontist recommends is the great way to keep your teeth stay healthy and straight.

How long does retainers last? 

The longevity of your retainers depends overall on the type that you opt for and how well you take care of your mouth and the retainer. Depending on types of retainers, they can potentially last for years if you routinely clean and avoid risk of breaking or damaging them. Removable retainers tend to last for about 5-10 years on average while permanent retainers can potentially last for decades.