A retainer keeps your teeth in place after your braces come off. Your orthodontist will help you decide the best type for you based on what you needed braces for any conditions you might have.
What are the types of retainer?
Clear Retainer
This type of retainer is made from clear plastic. They are virtually invisible because they are clear, they are hard to notice without looking for them. Your orthodontist will using the alginate impression material for printing. It will take 3-7 days to receive clear retainers.
Advantages of clear retainers
– Clear, so they are invisible
– Fitted so that teeth stay in place better
– Thinner and more comfortable
– Convenient to have multiple copies made
– Do not have to wait for a long time
– Inexpensive
Disadvantage of clear retainers
– They can be easily damaged if left lying around
Hawley Retainer
A hawley retainer is made of a combination of acrylic and metal that is molded custom to fit your mouth. Using the alginate impression material for printing and you will get your retainers for 3-7 days. Hawley retainers have all the same procedures as clear retainers.
Advantages of Hawley Retainers
– can choose plastic color to personalize
– Durable, can last for years
– Do not have to wait for a long time
– Inexpensive
Disadvantages of Hawley Retainers
– May cause difficulty speaking
– metal wire visible in front of teeth
Fixed retainer
Fixed retainers are made of a metal wire that is along the back tongue side and glued to your teeth. It can’t be seen when you speak or smile. One of the biggest concerns for many patients, there is no chance of human error like forgetting to put it back in after every meal.
Advantages of Fixed Retainers
It’s glued or bonded to the back surface of your teeth.
you don’t have to take it on and off
It can’t be misplaced or lost
Disadvantages of Fixed Retainers
– The metal wire is attached with composite materials, this can cause plaque to build up possibly leading to gum disease.
– Make it more difficult to clean teeth with flossing, it may be hard to maintain oral hygiene.
– There is chance to break your fixed retainer, once you’ve broken or cracked your retainer. It’s imperative that you contact your orthodontic as soon as possible. Failure to wear your retainer for appropriate amount of time can cause your teeth to start shifting,
– The metal wire might irritate your tongue.
Viveira
Viveira Retainer are simply Invisalign’s branded. Your orthodontist will take a digital scan of your teeth and create your retainers, using the same 3D printing technology called iTero that Invisalign use to make it’s clear braces.
Advantages of Viveira Retainer
– The material is made from acrylic that is stronger and more durable.
– This is mainly due to 3D imaging technology that creates a perfect fit.
– -Provide a more accurate and firm fit than traditional retainers.
– You receive three sets of retainers so you can switch to a clean and fresh one every few months. The same goes to losing or breaking your retainers. It’s as easy as opening the next packages. There is no need to scanning and decreasing relapse of your teeth.
Disadvantages of Viveira Retainer
– It takes an estimated 7-14 days to get retainers due to Viveira Retainer made in the U.S.A. It takes longer to produce than other retainers. That means it’s shipped to the lab and shipped back to the clinic.
– The cost of retainer is expensive due to the materials is more durable and there are differences than other types of retainers in the market.