When you are finished with your braces treatment, the work isn’t done. Your teeth have moved into their new, straight position, but they will still need some help to stay there. This is where retainers come in.
Retainers work to keep your teeth from shifting over time. Your orthodontist will suggest just how long and when you should wear your retainer, as well as help you choose the best type of retainer for you. One such option is a bonded retainer.
What is a Bonded Retainer?
A bonded retainer is sometimes referred to as a permanent or fixed retainer because it includes a metal wire that is bonded to the back of your teeth. It is not visible and works to prevent orthodontic relapse in which the teeth shift back into their original positions after braces are removed.
While these retainers can be used for both top and bottom teeth, many patients choose to have the bonded retainer on their bottom teeth and a removable retainer up top. It all depends on what will work best for your teeth at the recommendation of your orthodontist.
Unlike traditional metal braces, the metal wire that is bonded to the back of your teeth is smooth and non-disruptive to life - including speaking and eating. You will likely even forget it is there. And, since it is in the back of your teeth, no one else will know it is there, either.
Bonded retainers last for many years before they need to be replaced.
Advantages of a Bonded Retainer
There is a convenience to being able to remove your retainer whenever you want. But the benefits of having a bonded retainer often outweigh the others. For instance, if a retainer is needed to keep your teeth from shifting, what happens if you choose to not wear your removable retainer as much as you should? Or what if you forget? With a permanent retainer, you don’t have to worry about things like that. You can feel confident that your teeth will remain where your braces left them.
Another advantage of a fixed retainer is that you cannot lose your retainer. While adults tend to be more responsible with their retainers, kids are usually on the move. And popping out that retainer to eat at lunch can lead to many getting tossed straight into the trash. Believe it or not, it happens more than you’d think. A bonded retainer is permanently attached to your teeth so you don’t have to worry about it disappearing.
Finally, there are a few additional perks that set these retainers aside from others, including:
- Unlike removable retainers, the bonded option doesn’t impact your speech.
- It cannot be easily damaged.
- You can feel confident your teeth aren’t going to shift - without having to give much extra effort.
- No one can see it - even when you smile.
Learn More About Bonded Retainers
If you would like to learn more about bonded retainers, the experienced team at Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics can help.
Contact us at one of our convenient locations to learn more.