Retainers
Orthodontic retainers
If you’ve had braces or recently completed another orthodontic treatment, retainers are the best way to ensure your teeth stay in place for a healthier, more confident smile. These devices help stabilize your teeth for years to come. At Black Orthodontics, we offer fixed and removable orthodontic retainers to suit your unique needs.
Our team is committed to providing world-class orthodontic care for our patients throughout Asheville, NC. Learn more about your retainer options, what retainers are used for, how to take care of your retainer and more with Black Orthodontics today.
What are dental retainers for?
You’ve patiently worn your braces for months or years, and you’re finally getting them removed. Now it’s time for a retainer to ensure that investment in your teeth lasts!
A dental retainer is a plastic or metal device that keeps your teeth in place after corrective braces or surgery. When your braces come off, your teeth might naturally shift back to their original position. Wearing your retainer for several hours every day — or always, if you have a fixed retainer — ensures your teeth stay in their new position firmly.
Retainers can also help people who experience other orthodontic issues, such as tongue thrust, temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or teeth grinding. A retainer can help you avoid the negative effects of mouth and jaw conditions.
Types of teeth retainers
At Black Orthodontics, we offer two types of retainers for your orthodontic needs — removable and permanent. These retainer options appeal to patients with their unique benefits and treatment details. Learn more about these retainer types to see which one is right for you.
Removable retainers
As the name suggests, removable retainers are thin plastic retainers you can put in and take out as necessary. The custom-fit plastic retainers fit around your teeth to prevent them from shifting. Your orthodontist will likely recommend wearing a removable retainer for most hours of the day, only taking it out to eat or clean your teeth and retainer.
Additional benefits of having a removable retainer include the following:
- Discreet: These clear plastic retainers allow you to keep your teeth in place in an unnoticeable way.
- Comfortable: Custom-fit clear retainers are made to suit your teeth comfortably.
- Easy to clean: Removable plastic retainers are easy to remove for total cleaning.
Permanent retainers
Permanent or fixed retainers consist of a metal wire that attaches to the back of your teeth and keeps them aligned. These retainers are often recommended for patients whose teeth are at a higher risk of shifting after their braces are removed.
Advantages of permanent retainers include:
- Ease of use: With a permanent wire retainer, you’ll never have to worry about misplacing it or forgetting to put it in.
- 24/7 maintenance: Fixed retainers are constantly working to keep your teeth in place.
How to care for your retainer
Since your retainer secures your smile results for years to come, taking care of your retainer is very important. Cleaning and care guidelines will change depending on whether you have a permanent or removable retainer. Dr. Black will give you all the information you need to keep your retainer in excellent shape. Taking care of your retainer depends on the type you have: