The next phase of orthodontic treatment is retention. It is the phase where you have to wear retainers to maintain your teeth in their new position. Some retainers may also be used to provide minimal changes to your tooth alignment.

Here at York Mills Orthodontics, we commonly use two types of basic retainers – the removable and fixed retainers. In this post, you will learn the difference between removable and fixed retainers.

Removable Retainers

There are different types of removable retainers, with the most common ones being made from acrylic with wires or thin clear plastic that wraps around the teeth. These removable retainers are custom made to match your mouth perfectly. They are comfortable to use, and you can remove them when needed. Your orthodontist will inform you on how you need to wear your removable retainers. You will know how often you should wear them. Initially, you may need to wear them full time. But, ultimately they will only be needed for night time.

Fixed or Permanent Retainers

The other basic type of retainer is the fixed or permanent retainer. It is a thin wire often made from stainless steel, which is bonded behind your front teeth. Fixed retainers are placed on your teeth immediately following the orthodontic treatment. In some cases, you may be wearing removable retainers right after your treatment with fixed retainers.

If you have any questions regarding retainers, contact our orthodontic team at York Mills Orthodontics, in North York.

-The York Mills Orthodontics Team