Once you finish your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will give you the retainers. Retainers are used to keep your teeth in the perfect position after you are done with your Invisalign treatment. It is vital to wear a retainer because the teeth tend to move back to their original position, and retainers will help you prevent that. Your dentist will give you custom-made retainers to avoid any dental relapse. There are two types of retainers: metal retainer, and the other is plastic retainer. Both the retainers work similarly and prevent your teeth from shifting. It depends on you and your dentist which retainer you must wear after the Invisalign treatment. Both the retainers provide almost equal effectiveness in improving your teeth straightening process.
Both metal and plastic retainers are made using the patient’s teeth impression. Plastic retainers are made of clear plastic and are easily removable, whereas metal retainers consist of metal and acrylic parts that come in a permanent and removable form. In addition, it depends on your teeth condition for how long you have to wear retainers, and your dentist can guide you about that. In different cases, you can be told you wear your aligners at night only while sleeping or during the day several times a week.
Advantages of plastic and metal retainers
There are different advantages of both plastic and metal retainers. To make an informed choice see the benefits below, which will help you decide which of these retainers is better for you.
Metal retainers:
- Metal retainers are cost-effective.
- Metal retainers come in two different types: removable and permanent.
- Metal retainers are stronger and more durable.
- You can easily adjust the size of the metal retainer according to your teeth.
Plastic retainers:
- Plastic retainers are less visible.
- Easy to wear and remove.
- You will get a new set of retainers every year.
- Plastic retainers are less bulky.
Lastly, if you face any problem with your Invisalign treatment, you must consult your dentist for proper treatment.
FAQs
Plastic retainers are virtually invisible and comfortable to wear, but may need to be replaced more frequently and can be more expensive. Metal retainers are durable and cost-effective, but may be more noticeable and difficult to clean.
Is a metal or plastic retainer more effective? ›
Both the retainers provide almost equal effectiveness in improving your teeth straightening process. Both metal and plastic retainers are made using the patient's teeth impression.
Which type of retainer is more effective? ›
Clear Plastic Retainer
These customized, removable retainers are made of a thin, clear plastic that fits closely over your teeth. Many orthodontists agree that these retainers do the best job of keeping your teeth in the desired aligned position.
Is it hard to talk with metal retainers? ›
Due to the wire and the acrylic base, some patients may notice a slight lisp when they first start wearing a Hawley retainer. The key to overcoming this is practice and time. Speaking exercises, such as reading aloud or singing, can help the tongue adapt to the new shape inside the mouth.
Do clear or wire retainers last longer? ›
A removable Hawley wire retainer should last for a long time, about three years after braces are removed, before it needs to be replaced. Its fit can also be adjusted, and it is more durable than clear retainers.
Which retainer is the most comfortable? ›
A clear plastic retainer has the following advantages: It's virtually invisible, so you're more likely to wear it. That means relapse is less likely. It's less bulky and may be more comfortable than a Hawley retainer.
Why did I get a metal retainer instead of plastic? ›
Metal Retainers: A Closer Look
Cost-effective: Compared to clear retainers, they often have a lower initial cost. Effective: They provide consistent and reliable retention, making them a good choice for complex cases or teeth prone to shifting.
What retainers do orthodontists use? ›
The three most common types of retainers you will be able to choose from are:
- Removable Hawley Wire Retainers. Advantages: Last a long time. ...
- Removable Clear Plastic Retainers. Advantages: Hold the teeth in the exact position there were moved to. ...
- Bonded Permanent Retainers. Advantages:
That's because your teeth have shifted out of position. While the retainer shouldn't rip your teeth out of your gums, it could cause them to become loose. That's due to the pressure they put on the teeth. Aside from that, after years of not wearing your retainer, it probably isn't in the best shape.
What is the most popular retainer? ›
Clear plastic retainers are the most popular type of retainer nowadays because they hold the teeth in alignment very precisely, are easier to adjust if needed, and are cheaper to replace.
A removable retainer consists of colored plastic that goes behind the teeth and a wire that goes along the front. At first, your retainers will feel bulky, and speech may be a problem. The retainer may cause a slight lisp, but don't be alarmed: speech usually returns to normal within a few days.
How to stop a lisp with retainers? ›
When you first start using a retainer, you might detect a slight change in your speech or even a lisp. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about! To help your mouth adjust to this new accessory, practice speaking with your retainer.
Can teeth move with metal retainer? ›
No single fixed retainer type appears to be immune to unexpected and unwanted tooth movement, although tooth movement is more likely when more flexible wires are used.
How often should I get new retainers? ›
We usually recommend replacing retainers every year, since the plastic stretches. If it's cracked in half or your dog chewed on it, it needs to be replaced right away. If the shape changes or a crack makes it loose (or tight), your teeth will move in sync with the retainer, undoing all of your hard work with braces.
How many years do retainers last? ›
The lifespan of each depends on how well you take care of your mouth and the retainer. Both types of retainers can potentially last for years if you routinely clean and avoid damaging them. On average, removable retainers tend to last for about 5-10 years, while permanent retainers can potentially last for decades.
What is the white stuff on retainers? ›
The white layer is a buildup of calcium deposits from your saliva. Plaque and tartar from your mouth stick to your retainer if you're not cleaning it regularly. Fill a cup with white vinegar and soak your retainer. In a few minutes, brush the retainer thoroughly.
What type of retainer lasts the longest? ›
Both types of retainers can potentially last for years if you routinely clean and avoid damaging them. On average, removable retainers tend to last for about 5-10 years, while permanent retainers can potentially last for decades.
Are plastic retainers or permanent retainers better? ›
Many orthodontists believe that permanent retainers are more effective than removable retainers. People do not have to remember to wear them, and they are also more durable than removable retainers. However, permanent retainers can make it more difficult to clean the teeth and have a higher initial cost.
How long should you keep a metal retainer? ›
Do You Have A Permanent Retainer Forever? Your retainer can last up to 20 years. You will likely need to get a new one when it wears out. A permanent retainer isn't wholly “permanent,” even though there is no time limit for wearing one.
Do metal retainers last? ›
If there are not significant oral hygiene problems or tartar build-up around the retainers after that period, then we'll typically recommend keeping the fixed retainer in place. With proper care, these retainers can last up to 10-20 years before they require replacement. However, they are not indestructible.
