As you approach the end of your Invisalign or braces journey, a critical decision awaits you - choosing the right retainer! Did you know that there are three uniquely different types of dental retainers available in the market right now, all with different pros and cons? Let’s go through each of them in turn so that you can find the best retainer for your oral health and wellbeing.
Retainers are essential for maintaining the results after orthodontic treatment. Here are the main types of retainers.
These clear plastic retainers have become much more popular in recent years, especially with the rising popularity of clear aligner brands such as Invisalign and Zenyum. Common brands for clear retainers2 include Zendura and Vivera (invisalign retainer). They are commonly made using plastic or polyurethane and are designed specifically for your mouth through the use of 3D imaging technology.
At Dental Designs Clinic, we use Zendura for our clear retainers because it's both safe and reliable—free from BPA and phthalates, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals. Zendura is really tough and keeps its clarity beautifully, standing up to daily wear much better than other materials.
One advantage of clear retainers over other types is that they are created using precise digital scans. This means that if you ever lose your clear retainer, we can easily print a new one from the saved digital scans without the need for another scanning. This convenience ensures that you can quickly replace your retainer and maintain your dental alignment without any hassle.
We’ve chosen Zendura retainers to make sure you get the most effective and visually appealing orthodontic care possible!
Invisalign vs Braces: Choosing the Best Option for a Perfect Smile
Retainers for children: How to make your kids love wearing retainers
Hawley retainers1 are made with acrylic and bendable metal wires. They come in a variety of colours. The wire usually goes in front of your teeth, while the acrylic fits snugly against the roof of your mouth. These retainers are typically fitted tightly to your teeth and can be very durable, lasting up to 10 years for some patients!
These retainers are made with a metal wire and is fixed to your teeth with dental adhesive. They are sometimes known as bonded or fixed retainers3. Dentists may recommend them for patients who have trouble consistently wearing removable retainers. They are more commonly used on the lower teeth as it is easier to safely attach them to the lower shelf of teeth rather than the upper teeth.
Permanent retainers need to be cleaned daily, and you might need some special techniques to get rid of food and plaque stuck under the wire. If plaque builds up too much, it might need to be professionally cleaned at the dental clinic. Otherwise, these retainers stay in your mouth for as long as needed.
Every individual has a different oral anatomy and it is best to consult with your dentist as to which retainer is the best one for you. Each style of retainer comes with its unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s advisable to take your habits and lifestyle when deciding on which retainer you need to wear if you choose to maintain a beautiful smile. The type of retainer you pick will be a constant in your life over many years, so it’s important to find the one that you find most comfortable to use properly on a long-term basis.
Regardless of the retainer chosen, maintaining good oral hygiene and diligent retainer wear are critical factors in preventing relapse and ensuring the longevity of treatment outcomes. Patients must brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque build-up and maintain the health of their teeth and gums. Additionally, consistent wear of the prescribed retainer, whether removable or permanent, is essential for preventing teeth movement and preserving the desired tooth positions achieved through Invisalign or braces.
Interested in learning about Invisalign (eg. invisalign cost in singapore)? - Explore Invisalign details and costs in Singapore!
Learn more about Retainers - Get detailed information on Retainers!
Have more questions? Just drop us a message here and we will get right back to you!
WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092
Call us at : +65 6221 8284