A bonded retainer is a very thin piece of wire that is attached to the back of the teeth. It won't be visible when he smiles, though he will be able to feel it with his tongue — a sensation that takes a little getting used to. But once he does get accustomed to it, he will probably forget it's even there.
Permanent retainers are very durable, but if the wire fails, it will need to be replaced. It can be uncomfortable or annoying at first. Once the retainer is put in place, it might be on for a long time! Some people find this appliance uncomfortable at first, although they do eventually adjust.
The bonded retainer may become loose from time to time as the "glue" it is stuck on with can wear away. You usually become aware that the wire is loose, because the wire will begin to feel rough against your tongue.
In most cases, it's normal for a new retainer to feel tight. If your retainer is tight but still fits over your teeth, you can continue to wear it. In fact, retainers are made to be snug to prevent your teeth from moving out of place. In most cases, a tight retainer won't damage your teeth or gums.
It is not unusual for the bonded retainer to feel strange at first. However, you will get used to the feel of it within the first week to ten days. The retainer may feel bumpy, or “new”, but should not feel sharp or rough.
The only way to guarantee teeth won't move from their desired position is to hold them in place with either fixed or removable retainers for as long as your orthodontist recommends.
Since the reatiners are bonded, or glued, to your teeth exactly like braces it is imperative that you do not bite into anything hard or you will dislodge your retainer (ie. apples, pears, candy bars, frozen foods etc...). All hard foods need to be cut and placed in the back of the mouth.
Because teeth begin to shift naturally as we age, a permanent retainer typically offers better long-term results for teeth straightening than a removable one. You can't forget to put it in — it's already there!
If the retainer is moving around at all, this could be a sign that the retainer is broken. Many people only notice the retainer is broken once the teeth have shifted. It is important to inspect the retainer regularly to see if any parts are loose or no longer attached to the teeth.
As long as your retainer doesn't hurt and still fits over your teeth, you can wear it – even if it feels tight. Your teeth may have slightly shifted, and you may need to wear your retainer longer each day to prevent your teeth from moving.
Though they are called “permanent” retainers, how long do permanent retainers stay in? The life of a permanent retainer is actually about 10-20 years or so, depending on how well it's treated. That means you clean thoroughly around it and you report any possible damage right away.
Permanent or fixed retainers are made of a metal wire that is glued to your teeth. Usually, this wire is smooth and solid or has a braided texture. It's attached to your teeth and adjusted to your bite to keep your teeth from shifting or becoming crooked.
If not repaired or replaced quickly the teeth will shift and move. Fixed retainers are made out of various metal alloys. Like all metal that are subject to stress they can stretch over time. If the retainer stretches some spaces and small movement can occur.
When a retainer feels tight and makes your teeth sore, most of the time it is because you have not been wearing it enough. Even a slight movement that is hard to visually see with your eyes can be enough to make your retainer feel tight.
They are more likely to cause gingivitis and bone loss
Most people avoid brushing and flossing around their fixed retainers causing plaque and tartar build up. Poor oral hygiene eventually leads to gingivitis and bone loss around the teeth that the retainer is attached to.
Most breaks happen within the first six months of having your permanent retainer. Biting into hard foods is the number one cause of broken permanent retainers. They may also wear down over time if they stay in place long-term, requiring replacement later in life.
Ultimately, permanent retainers can complicate oral hygiene practices. In some cases, the retainer will need to be removed to clean behind it properly. Left untreated, calculus buildup can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. It should be removed by a dental professional as soon as possible.
You'll have to wear your retainer for at least 10 years after you get your braces off or finish your aligner treatment. Many people wear their retainers for the rest of their lives. During the first three months after braces or aligners, you should wear your retainers most of the time.
First pass a piece of floss through the threader, and then insert beneath the wire. Pull the floss forward until it's beneath the retainer what's beneath the wire floss as you normally would. If the wire is glued to each individual tooth, you will need to pull the floss out, and then be inserted between each tooth.
It's natural for teeth to want to move back to where they were. Even if you wore braces for three years, your teeth have a long memory. Teeth movement can happen soon after braces, or take many years to occur. Teeth shift as part of the aging process.
Braces, retainers or dental fillings
Most metal tooth fillings or other permanent dental implants won't cause a problem. If you have detachable metal braces or a retainer, you should take them out before you get an MRI.
A permanent retainer, also known as a bonded retainer or fixed retainer, involves a metal bar or wire that holds your teeth where they are, preventing them from moving after an orthodontic treatment. This is typically used after a braces removal when your teeth are nicely aligned.
The retainer may cause a slight lisp, but don't be alarmed: speech usually returns to normal within a few days. The day after you receive your retainer, your teeth may be a bit sore. This won't last long. The tissue on the roof of your mouth may become a little tender.
When you forget to wear your retainers for one night or a few nights in a row, you may find that they are a little tight when you first put them in. This is ok as long as they begin to feel right again after a few hours. The teeth can often shift back into place when they are only slightly shifted.