Retainers

Retainers

Types of Retainers

After any orthodontic treatment concludes a retainer is used to maintain the teeth’s new alignment long-term. There are fundamentally two types of retainers: permanent and removable. Whether you are best suited for one or the other will depend on your overall oral health and orthodontic needs as assessed by your dentist.

REMOVABLE RETAINERS

Removable retainers themselves come in two basic types: clear plastic and Hawley retainers. Any type of removable retainer needs to be cleaned as often as your teeth. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste or a baking soda solution is a must to reduce bacteria.

Removable retainers of any type come with the need to follow instructions on their use for them to be effective. Besides cosmetics, a major advantage of removable retainers is that they can easily be removed for eating as well as brushing and flossing.

Hawley retainers can cost, approximately, between $150 to $340 for one and last up to 20 years. These are the most durable type of removable retainer. However, a downside of them is that a metal wire will be visible. These are likely what you picture when you hear the word “retainer”.

Clear plastic retainers come in a variety of brands and have the major benefit of being nearly invisible when used. These can cost anywhere between $100 to $300 for one or $400 to $1200 for a set of four, depending on the brand. Clear retainers last anywhere between six months to over a year.

PERMANENT RETAINERS

Permanent retainers are a long-term, indefinite option, only needing to be replaced or repaired if sufficient wear occurs. They are also not visible like Hawley retainers and are very durable. They can cost between $225 and $550 apiece, so up to $1100 if a patient required permanent top and bottom retainers.

Some upsides of permanent retainers are that they do not require following instructions, cannot be lost, and are likely the most durable type of retainer. Some downsides are that maintaining oral hygiene can be difficult since it can’t be removed, making some areas harder to reach properly. All retainer types can increase bacteria buildup as well and since permanent retainers can not be removed while eating this is particularly true for them.