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How many types of retainers are there, and what are the advantages and limitations of each type?
1. Clear Retainer
A clear retainer is made from transparent plastic and is colorless. The production process starts with taking an impression of the teeth using alginate impression material. After that, the patient will need to wait for 3-7 days to receive the retainer from the clinic. It is ideal for those who do not want their orthodontic appliance to be visible.
Advantages of Wearing Clear Retainers
- It is made of clear plastic, making the appliance virtually invisible.
- The appliance fits securely, maintaining the alignment of the teeth effectively.
- The material is relatively thin, making it convenient for speaking.
- It can be worn for events or special occasions.
- It takes a short time to create, with no long waiting period for the appliance.
- It is affordable.
Limitations of Clear Retainers
In cases where the patient removes or wears the clear retainer incorrectly, it can crack or break.
2. Metal or Wire Retainer (Hawley Retainer)
The metal retainer has an acrylic base and wire covering the teeth. The production process is similar to that of clear retainers, starting with taking an impression of the teeth using alginate. The patient will then need to wait 3-7 days to receive the retainer from the clinic.
Advantages of Metal Retainers
- It comes in beautiful colors, with the option to add your favorite cartoon designs and choose colors as desired.
- It is strong and durable.
- The production time is short, so you don’t have to wait long for the retainer.
- It is affordable.
Limitations of Metal Retainers:
- The base is made of acrylic, which is relatively large and may affect the patient’s speech.
- The metal wire on the tooth surface can be visible when the patient smiles, making it unsuitable for those who need to attend events or work in professions involving a lot of speaking or negotiations.
3. Fixed Retainer
Fixed retainers are suitable for patients who are aware that they cannot be disciplined to wear dental equipment all the time. This type of retainer cannot be removed by the patient. You only need the doctor to dismantle it. It looks like a wire that is firmly attached to the tooth on the inside of the tooth surface. It is beautiful because the wire in front of the metal retainer teeth is not visible. And there is no need to remove the retainer before we eat. Anyone who has worn it probably knows when to wrap a retainer with a tissue. When I realized it, it was thrown in the trash or forgotten at the restaurant.
Advantages of Fixed Type Retainers
- It has a natural beauty because the wire holds the teeth inside.
- Do not remove it when eating.
- Suitable for those who like to forget when to take off the retainers before eating.
- Discomfort may occur on the side of the tooth that is attached to the tongue due to the wire attached to it.
Limitations of Fixed Retainers
- Because the wire is bonded with composite materials, it is easier to make limestone rise than usual. If not taken care of properly, it can lead to gum inflammation.
- It is difficult to clean because the area attached to the wire cannot be cleaned with floss.
- There is a chance of falling off. Once the retaining wire has come off, immediately visit the dentist for correction. If you come in too late, it may cause the teeth to move.
4. Vivera clear retainer
Vivera Retainer is made by Invisalign and the treatment process is different from other retainers, where the Vivera Retainer will create a model of the teeth from a 3D tooth scan by the iTero machine, which is the same treatment process as the start of Invisalign.
Advantages of Vivera Retainer
- Acrylic material is highly durable. Colored and smelled from food eaten little or hardly at all.
- Created from a model made by 3D scanning of teeth, the specimen is highly accurate.
It has the advantage that in case the patient loses it, there is still a spare piece and there is no need to reprint the tooth. - Reduce the chance of tooth relapse compared to other types
Limitations of Vivera Retainer
- It takes about 1-2 weeks to wait for the workpiece because the parts are made in the United States, so it takes longer to produce and transport than other types of retainers.
- Because the material used is relatively durable, and it is different from the material used to make regular retainers, the price of Vivera is higher than other types.
5. Ecodont Retainer
, and is safe and BPA-free, confident every time you smile.
Benefits of retainers ?
Wearing retainers regularly will help maintain the results of your braces for a long time, and there are many other benefits. As follows:
- Maintain the position of the teeth, because after orthodontics, our teeth are always likely to return to their original position. Retainers help hold the teeth in the correct position after braces.
- Prevent tooth fall This helps prevent teeth from falling or tilting, which can occur after braces.
- Increase confidence A beautiful smile will boost your confidence in socializing.
What kind of retainer should I recommend?
Choosing the right retainer depends on the following key factors:
- The dentist’s advice will be the most suitable retainer for each individual.
- Convenience does not interfere with speech or chewing food;
- Lifestyle If there are frequent social activities, you may choose a transparent one that is not noticed.
- Each type of price is different, so you should choose the right one.