In the first year after an orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign, our teeth are prone to shifting back to their natural positions.
At Vivid dental clinic, we are committed to retention, the ultimate step of your orthodontic treatment. You will need to wear retainers as your teeth adjust to their new position without braces.
It is critical that you do not neglect wearing retainers, or your time and hard effort will not be rewarded as you had planned.
Find out more about the types of retainers we offer!
These retainers work by allowing your teeth to adjust to their new positions without braces. Some retainers require full-time wear, while others need tp be used at night only.
Vivid Dental Surgeons offers clear plastic retainers and Hawley retainers.
Many prefer a removable retainer as they are easily removed, whether for eating, brushing, contact sports, or just to show off your beautiful smile!
However, many patients are prone to losing or damaging their retainers and failing to replace them.
In other cases, patients may fail to wear their retainers as often as instructed. Removable retainers only work if they are worn correctly and for a sufficient amount of time each day; otherwise, your teeth will try to shift back to their original position.
A fixed retainer is a thin bendable metal wire that is bonded permanently behind the front teeth. A solid or braided wire that is fitted to support your straightened teeth is the essential component of a permanent retainer.
Fixed retainers are unobtrusive, and you’ll soon forget you’re wearing them.
This type of retainer is typically utilised when relapse is more likely or when patience compliance is a problem with removable retainers.
Some individuals will have their permanent retainers removed at one point, but only if there is an excessive accumulation of tartar on the teeth or if the gums or tongue are inflamed.
These permanent retainers are usually in place for the rest of the patient’s life.
Clear retainers are probably the retainers that you are most familiar with.
The plastic retainer is made to fit over all of your teeth snugly.
These types of removable retainers are composed of clear, dental-safe, BPA-free plastic that has been heated and vacuum-fitted to precisely suit the shape and location of your teeth.
Also known as wire retainers, Hawley retainers are constructed of acrylic and a thin metal wire that spans across your front teeth to keep them in place. The plastic material is moulded to fit along the inside of your lower teeth and the roof of your mouth.
Hawley retainers have the advantage of lasting longer before needing to be replaced. However, it may take some time for new wearers to adjust to the feeling of the acrylic resting in the mouth.
Fixed retainers are also known as metal, lingual or bonded retainers. Most commonly, the wire are comprised of copper, titanium, or nickel.
The wires are arched and attached to the back of your front teeth to hold them in place.
The retainer adhesives should be checked at least once every six months during regular dentist visits.
Still unsure about the type of retainer that you’ll need?
Our expert dentists at Vivid will be able to prescribe the ideal retainer type for you based on your needs and requirements. Each type of retainer has advantages and disadvantages, but the best retainer for you is the one you’ll use and maintain according to your dentist’s instructions.
If you’d like to learn more about orthodontic retainers in Singapore or to obtain your next set,don’t hesitate to book an appointment today!