Table of contents
What is a Fixed Retainer?
A fixed retainer is a length of wire that is carefully shaped or adapted to fit snugly over the inner surfaces of your teeth. The wire is bonded onto these tooth surfaces, retaining these teeth in place.
You cannot remove a fixed retainer. It must be removed by our dentist or an orthodontist, and can remain in place for several years. Eventually, it will likely be removed, but some people may have this device for many years.
Why Choose a Fixed Retainer?
A fixed retainer can be a good option when there is a higher risk of orthodontic relapse, where teeth return to their original positions. We might suggest a fixed retainer for patients who are likely to forget to wear a removable retainer regularly, especially after treating a younger child.
Other advantages of a fixed retainer can include:
- Aesthetics. Because the wire is fitted on the inner surfaces of teeth, it cannot be seen.
- Compliance. A fixed retainer is ideal when compliance could be an issue.
- Unlikely to affect speech.The wire is very thin, so it is unlikely to affect your ability to talk in any way.
Under the right circumstances, a fixed retainer can be a great choice. It can be more convenient because it is permanently bonded onto your teeth, ensuring your straight smile is maintained.
Potential Disadvantages of a Fixed Retainer
Some disadvantages of a fixed retainer can include:
- Oral hygiene. A fixed retainer can be more challenging to keep clean, and failure to clean it can increase the risk of oral health issues.
- Comfort.Some people find that their tongue rubs uncomfortably against the wire.
- Durability. A fixed retainer wire can break.
What Happens if a Fixed Retainer Breaks?
Retainer wires can break, and you might wonder how to fix a broken retainer. The answer is to contact us immediately. Please do not attempt to fix it yourself, as it must be mended professionally or likely replaced if it is older.
Caring for Your Fixed Retainer
Oral Care at Home
A fixed retainer will require additional dental care to maintain it. You will likely need to use special tools, such as floss threaders, to clean around the wire, or you may want to consider purchasing a WaterPik.
When your fixed retainer is bonded onto your teeth, we can discuss how to clean it thoroughly and demonstrate the right techniques.
Professional Hygiene Appointments
Because a fixed retainer is trickier to clean thoroughly, it may be worth scheduling more frequent hygiene appointments to have it professionally cleaned. During these appointments, we can remove all plaque and tartar buildup, closely monitor your dental health, and provide additional guidance on oral care at home.
Diet
It’s worth avoiding harder or sticky foods and anything crunchy, such as nuts, seeds, and sticky candies, that could become stuck around the wire or damage it.
Deciding If a Fixed Bonded Retainer Is Right for Your Needs
During your initial orthodontic consultation, we can discuss the entire treatment process, including the use of retainers. Most people will have a preference, but this can always change later once your teeth are straight.
We are always here to answer questions and help you decide if a fixed retainer is the right solution or if you’d prefer something removable, such as a Hawley or Essix retainer. Contact us today to find the perfect fit for your smile!
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096