What Are Orthodontic Retainers and Do I Need Them?

Like everything else these days, you can buy retainers online. So you may be wondering if it’s worth the hassle to get orthodontic retainers made by your dental office. After all, that requires multiple appointments, and they probably cost more, right?

Here’s the thing about those online brands: they can only do so much.

More often than not, you’ll waste time and money on these products. If they crack, you’ll need to reorder them. Time is of the essence when it comes to wearing your retainers. You can’t afford to wait for a new set to come in any time these crack, discolor, or melt.

What you need are dependable ortho retainers. But you have a few options, so let’s go over them.

What are Ortho’s Retainers?

Orthodontic retainers are retainers that you get from your orthodontist or general dentist. They are usually prescribed at the end of your Orthodontic treatment. It can be either after braces or Invisalign treatment.

The reason we fabricate orthodontic retainers is to keep your teeth in place. Unfortunately, our teeth have a nasty habit of relapsing, and they’ll try to move back to their original placement. And that means you’ll need braces— again.

This is why retainers are vital to the long-term health and shape of your teeth. To retain the shape of that smile we spent years adjusting.

Despite popular belief, you don’t really need to wear retainers 24/7 for the rest of your life. During the first 2-3 months, you will need to wear your retainers for at least 20 hours a day. After that, your teeth will have comfortably settled into their new position, and you’ll only need to wear them at night.

Types of Orthodontic Retainers

There are three main types of orthodontic retainers, and each one has its pros and cons.

Hawley Retainers

These have been the most common and the most popular prescribed retainers throughout the years. After getting an impression of your mouth post-orthodontic treatment, we’ll use the mold to create a custom-fit piece. They are usually made by a dental lab and delivered during a second appointment.

Remember: no two retainers are ever the same.

The top and bottom pieces that curve to the roof and floor of your mouth are acrylics (which is why you can add fun colors). The acrylic material is held together by wire, which bonds against the front of your teeth, properly keeping them in place.

Pros:

Easily adjustable
Removable

Cons:

It may be more challenging to talk, eat, or drink
Highly noticeable

VFR

Vacuum Form Retainers are clear plastic retainers. These are made out of a thinner material than acrylic (usually polyurethane). The leading brands are Vivera, Essix, and Zendura.

These are different from other products you’re familiar with, such as Invisalign. While the same company makes Vivera and Invisalign, they do not serve the same purpose. VFR retainers retain your current teeth shape. Invisalign is an alternative to metal braces, so they are meant to move your teeth.

Pros:

Easier and more comfortable to wear than Hawley retainers
Less noticeable

Cons:

Higher replacement costs
It can cause cavities if you wear VFR’s while eating or drinking and do not clean them after

Permanent Retainers

If you’re someone who thinks they probably won’t commit to the daily 20-hour recommended retainer wear, your dentist might suggest these.

Only made of wire, we bond these directly to your teeth. The good news is, we secure them on the inside (usually behind the front bottom or top set). So they’re virtually invisible.

Pros:

Nobody can see them
Eventually removed

Cons:

It can cause more plaque build-up since it makes flossing and brushing more difficult
May be uncomfortable or irritating

Office-Made Retainers Vs. Online Brands

We know it’s tempting to grab the first online retail brand that your favorite influencer wears, so here’s your official caution sign. 🛑

Only dental offices can fabricate properly fitted retainers. And at the end of the day, orthodontic retainer replacement is much easier (and cheaper) than those online brands.

If you want to save yourself time and money, go with the office-made retainers. They have a higher success rate and they’re custom made for you. Plus, you kind of need to work with someone who knows what they’re doing when it comes to your teeth.

Call Downtown Dentist SF to schedule an appointment if you need to discuss which retainer option is best for you!

dental, orthodonticsStefka Petrova DDSJune 29, 2021Downtown Dentist SForthodontic retainers, types of orthodontic retainers, orthodontic retainer replacement, Hawley Retainers, Invisalign, Braces, clear retainers