Everyone is glad when their braces are removed. You no longer have to bear the pain of wearing them. But the grass is always greener on the other side and therefore it is too soon to be happy. Your periodontal ligaments will take a year to get firm in their positions. In other words, you have to tolerate retainers for at-least a year. The only liberty you have is to choose from various types of retainers, which solely depend on your needs and budget. Let us have a look at different types of retainers you may opt from.
Hawly Wire Retainer
Hawley retainer is made of acrylic and a piece of metal wire. The wire is visible on your front teeth, and the back grip comes from acrylic.
Pros:
- It fits naturally into your mouth, giving you a comfortable feel
- Have a longer life span in contrast to the plastic retainer
- They can be repaired at low cost and are easy to clean
Cons:
- A bit expensive when compared to plastic retainers
- They may break if not handled with care
- Large palate grip can irritate some people
Essix or Plastic Retainer
A plastic retainer is made of molded clear plastic. Therefore, they are good at protecting teeth against grinding.
Pros:
- They give a firm grip to teeth
- Almost invisible as compared to Hawly retainer because of clear plastic
- They are low on the budget scale
Cons:
- They have a shorter lifespan when compared to wire retainer
- They stop the natural touch of upper and lower teeth, and that is the reason many orthodontics don’t like it
Permanent Bonded Retainer
They are pasted on the back of your lower teeth, so there is no chance that you lose them.
Pros:
- Form a very firm grip
- Have the longest life span if maintained well
Cons:
- They are tough to clean and floss; therefore you will require threader floss for this purpose
- It can give cuts to your tongue
In conclusion, a good dentist will be able to guide you to choose the type that suits best for you. Visit Bayside Dental and Orthodontics to check how different types of retainers can enhance the aesthetics of your teeth.