Dental Retainers for Teeth: Pros and Cons
Dental retainers are one of the most common options to make your teeth look healthy and attractive. There are two types of dental retainers for teeth – fixed retainers (or permanent retainers) and removable retainers. Permanent retainers are made of metal yarn and attached to your teeth with the help of glue. As a rule, such metal wire is even and solid or featured with a braided or braced texture. This fixture is fastened to your teeth and adjusted to your dental occlusion to prevent your grinders from shifting or becoming crooked.
Usually, fixed
retainers go after braces, barring your teeth from turning back to the place
they used to take. Sometimes, orthodontists recommend having them in case you
have trouble complying with their instructions as far as removable retainers
are concerned. However, it requires a decent volume of tooth surface area for
the bonding fabric to set the retainer right where it has to be.
There are cases when
orthodontists prefer to combine fixed and removable retainers for better
long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, recent observations proved that fixed
retainers are becoming more and more popular.
Keep in mind that
removable retainers are usually set to the upper teeth, and permanent
retainer glue came off one tooth — to the bottom teeth.
Further, in this
review, we will recite all the advantages and disadvantages of dental
retainers.
Fixed
Retainers
Fixed retainers can be
referred to as bonded retainers, lingual wire, or permanent
retainers, and as a rule, they are used on the bottom teeth of the
lower jaw. The synonym “lingual wire” proceeds from the concept of gluing it to
the back surface of the teeth. For effective and sustained use, it is better to
fasten the bonding fabric to the bottom teeth known as canine teeth.
The notion of “fixed
retainer” literally explains what the attachment performs: fixes your teeth in
a permanent position not allowing them to move. It may happen that you will
need to have a fixed retainer attached to your teeth to the end of your life.
An orthodontist may
consider the removal of your fixed retainer if it irritates your teeth or gums
or if it brings about too much tartar or plaque formation around them.
The
Choice Between Fixed and Removable Retainers Benefits of Fixed Retainers
·
Your teeth will be kept in the right place all the time since you do not
have to take them off and on.
·
Since your retainer is fixed behind the teeth, nobody else except you
would know about it.
·
You will never feel self-conscious among people since your fixed
retainer does not affect the way you pronounce words.
·
You will never lose it since it is reliably glued to your teeth.
·
Your permanent retainer is almost invincible in your mouth.
·
It helps your teeth to be aligned in a proper arrangement all the time.Benefits of Removable
Retainers
·
When you eat, clean your teeth, or just when you feel like it, you can
always take them out.
·
The process of taking a mold of your mouth requires only a minute, and a
removable retainer made on it will be with you for many years.
·
You may use any appropriate cleaning solution to clean your removable
retainer and avoid the danger of having bacteria swarming on it.
·
You may always take your retainer out and easily floss your teeth.
·
It would be good to set a removable retainer for upper teeth. The reason
is that the bottom teeth may bite your upper teeth retainer and may damage it
or make it less secure.
A fixed retainer can
be a perfect option for those who have trouble while taking it off and on or
due to some cosmetic reasons. Nevertheless, both retainers have their strong
and weak points.
Disadvantages
of Fixed Retainers
Further, you may look
through several shortcomings of fixed retainers:
·
The process of attachment of a fixed retainer may seem to be long and a
bit uncomfortable. Sometimes, it takes up to one hour to fasten a fixed
retainer to the teeth, whereas a removable alternative requires only a quick
procedure of taking a mold to make your future removable retainer fit your
mouth.
·
Permanent retainers demand extra effort when it comes to flossing and
brushing your teeth. In this case, any negligent attitude to the process of
cleaning may cause gum disease unless you do it diligently and properly.
·
A constant metal object inside your mouth may bring about uncomfortable
feelings. Your tongue may rub against the lingual wire, which, in turn, may
lead to some scratches or irritation.
·
Some types of food can become challenging to eat. When you bite
something hard, like an apple or a well-done beefsteak, it may change the shape
of the wire. In addition, any food containing artificial sugar or soda can wear
down the fixed retainer, and it may become loose.
·
Despite any efforts and careful attitude, your permanent retainer may
have a chance to break off, which will require additional expenses to replace
it.Your
Next Steps in Case Your Retainer
A sharp bone
sticking out of the gum can indicate various dental issues that require
professional attention. Refrain from self-treatment and promptly schedule an
appointment with a dentist to identify the cause and receive appropriate
treatment for resolution.
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