After completing the time required for braces, the time spent at the orthodontist usually isn’t over. Now, it is time to wear a retainer to ensure that the teeth don’t reposition or shift since the braces have done their duty. Generally, with the retainer, you are given two options, either to choose a permanent retainer or a removable retainer. Both retainers do their jobs successfully and it really comes down to preference on which type is chosen.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers are also called “fixed retainers” because they are not removable from the mouth. Typically, a permanent retainer is a wire that is bonded to the back of the teeth and they’re popularly placed on the lower teeth. Permanent retainers are great because you don’t have to worry about accidentally throwing the retainer away during eating like you might with a removable retainer.

Wearing A Permanent Retainer:

If you choose the option of a permanent retainer, you may be given a time frame by the orthodontist of how long the permanent retainer must be worn or you may wear it into adulthood. It isn’t uncommon for adults to have a permanent retainer either. However, if at some point you feel that you would like the permanent retainer removed as an adult whether for personal or hygienic reasons, it is possible to do so. A removable retainer may be suggested to wear during the night to ensure that the teeth continue not to shift.

Removing A Permanent Retainer:

If you do choose to remove the permanent retainer at any point, please know that the orthodontist is the one who is responsible for carefully removing the retainer. Do not try to remove the retainer at any point on your own! First, the orthodontist will remove the bonding cement and the retainer. Following this, the teeth will be cleaned and polished so that no excess is left on the teeth and the teeth will feel as good as new. When coming into our orthodontic office to remain a permanent retainer, a number of patients have asked about our safety measures. Even though there is discussion of a weekly Covid testing mandate, we are taking every precaution to make you feel safe.

Contact Sims Orthodontics:

If you are a new or returning patient and may be interested in getting your permanent removed or would like more information regarding permanent retainers, we invite you to please contact us at our Pensacola, Florida orthodontics office! We look forward to help serve your orthodontic needs.

Read this article in Spanish here – ¿Puedo Quitar Un Retenedor Permanente Como Adulto?