Fixed retainers are also sometimes referred to as ‘permanent retainers’. They are a great form of retention in order to keep your smile looking great, but they need to be taken care of well and used in combination with your removable retainers. Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of your upper and/or lower front teeth after orthodontic treatment is complete in order to help keep your teeth in their new position. They are used IN ADDITION to your removable retainers, which go around all of your teeth and mostly worn at night.
The term ‘permanent’ is actually a misnomer since nothing in dentistry or medicine is permanent. Since the mouth is a constantly moving and changing environment, fixed retainers can fail at times. Fraying or breakage of the fixed retainer or breakage of the glue can occur. Proper home care is critical to ensure the retainers stay clean and intact and cavities do not develop. Things can shift or change places over time, including your teeth. Taking the extra time to look after your appliances (permanent or not) will help with your overall treatment results lasting. Don’t take the chance, take care!
For more information about retainers and orthodontic care in Suwanee, Brookhaven or Cumming, contact us at Windermere Orthodontics!
– Dr. Michael Gorlovsky