Invisalign London

Category: Retainers

  • What are Replacement Retainers?

    What are Replacement Retainers?

    When you are done with your teeth aligning treatment, then start post-treatment, which involves wearing retainers. These retainers keep your teeth in the new position. They are just like the aligners, but they don’t push your teeth in any position but keep them in place. They are your precious property after getting treatment.

    But there are several reasons which may need you to replace your invisalign retainers with new ones. Every retainer set has life and expiry dates that may come sooner if you don’t take care of them. Thus, you may need replacement retainers.

    How To Know It’s Time For Replacement Retainers?

    There are different types of retainers available in the market, and each of them has a life after which they are useless. But there are telltale signs which indicate that it’s time for replacement retainers.

    These signs are-

    • They Are Loose

    With regular wear, your retainer may go wide and loose and won’t fit your teeth perfectly anymore. This is the biggest sign that they have served their purpose, and it’s time for new ones. Why you need a replacement retainer after them being loose is because they won’t keep your teeth in place any longer. It has nothing to do with the quality of the retainer. It is a process.

    • There Is Too Much Calcium In Your Retainers

    Calcium buildup is a process that is inevitable even if you take proper care of your retainers. It makes a person averse to wearing them as they don’t look good. Go get a replacement retainer.

    • There Are Cracks In Retainer

    If you have a retainer made of acrylic mold or plastic clear retainers, they start cracking after a year or two. If your retainers are old and don’t fit properly, check them for cracks. With time, these cracks enlarge and won’t serve their purpose so get a replacement retainer in time.

    • They are Warped

    Cleaning your retainers too vigorously may also be problematic. If you run hot water over them or place them in the dishwasher, they are warped and won’t fit in anymore. It may hurt if you try to wear such retainers. Discard them and get new ones after consulting your doctor.

    • They Are Lost, Stepped On, Or Chewed

    It is a common scenario that you didn’t put them back in the case, and now you can’t find them, or you stepped upon them. If you have a furry friend at home who is always curious and made a toy of your retainers, get new ones.

    How To Get Replacement Retainers?

    The process of getting a replacement retainer is simple.

    • Go see your doctor.
    • A 3D scan of your teeth will be taken.
    • This scan is used to create a model of your teeth.
    • They create your replacement retainers from this model. It may be created in an in-house lab or done by an outside lab.
    • Go to the orthodontist’s office and check if they fit your teeth flawlessly.

    This is it. This process is the same in almost all the offices. Some offices might give you a plastic model of your teeth or keep a store of the 3D scan. So, you can just ring them up, and they will create your retainers. It saves your visit to the doctor frequently.

    How Much Does Replacement Retainers Cost?

    It depends on the type of retainers you wear. There are several types of retainers available in the market. They are clear retainers, Hawley retainers, fixed retainers. Each of them has a different life as well. Your Orthodontist will suggest what is best as well as economical for you. The price of retainers ranges between $250 and $1200.

    What Are The Different Types Of Retainers?

    Following are the different types of retainers–

    • Permanent Retainers

    These retainers are simple and permanent and cannot be removed. They last for as long as you need to wear retainers.

    • Hawley Retainers

    They are made of plastic or acrylic with metal wire and are very comfortable and adjustable. They are removable and last for approx. 1-20 years.

    • Clear Plastic Retainers

    They are also non-removable and invisible as well. They are worn over teeth and are made of plastic. They need replacement every 6-12 months.

    Is It Alright To Get Replacement Retainers From A New Orthodontist?

    It is a practical situation where you may not have access to your old orthodontist, maybe because you got a job in another city or your family moved to another state. You can search for a trusted orthodontist in your new neighborhood and get your replacement retainers in such cases. Do share your history of treatment, though.

    Final Words

    Retainers are expensive. And if you have clear retainers, you have to incur the cost every 6-12 months. Thus, it is essential to take care of your retainers. Do change them after the expiry of time, clean them, protect them, and keep them safe.

  • How Much Do Retainers Cost?

    How Much Do Retainers Cost?

    The cost of retainers depends on the type of retainers you want. There are various types of retainers available in the market. The average retainers cost ranges between $150 and $1000. However, before spending your money on your retainers, you must consult your doctors about the types of retainers and which ones are the best. After all, you want the best for your teeth, don’t you?

    What Is A Retainer?

    Whether it is an Invisalign treatment or braces, you need to wear retainers afterward. These are worn at the last stage of the orthodontic treatment when you have given up your last set of aligners and have gotten rid of your braces.

    Both Invisalign and braces are worn to get your teeth in place if they have a gap in between, they are crooked, or there is an underbite, crossbite, or overbite. As the word clarifies itself, retainers are something that is worn to retain your teeth in the desired position. After your treatment is over, there is a possibility that your teeth slip back into their original place, called relapse. So, to make your teeth and jaw get accustomed to the new position, the retainers are worn.

    The two basic types of retainers are permanent and removable. The orthodontist prescribes you a retainer based on your case and requirement. The prices of the different retainers depend on their specifications.

    1. Wired retainer- These are permanent retainers that are only fixed once and can last a lifetime. The advantage of using wired retainers is, you don’t need to remember wearing them or losing them.
    2. Hawley Retainers- These are removable retainers that are made of acrylic or plastic with metal wire. They are available in various colors, but you must remember to wear them. Losing them can cost you money.
    3. Clear Plastic Retainers– These are short-lived retainers as they only last for 6-12 months. They are very comfortable and removable. If you need to wear retainers for a short time, clear retainers are a good option.

    Can I Stop Wearing My Retainers After 2 Years?

    It depends on your treatment plan. Your Orthodontist will decide how long you need to wear your retainers. Usually, if you wear Invisalign or braces for 1 or 2 years, you must wear your retainers for a little longer than this time.

    Your Orthodontist will suggest if you should go for a permanent retainer or a removable one. Usually, fixed retainers are recommended initially. You can eat, brush and floss without worrying about a thing. Only the orthodontist can remove them and suggest you wear removable retainers after some time. As time passes, you can wear your retainers only a few days a week or only during the night.

    Some people may need to wear retainers for a lifetime. In that case, wearing retainers every other night is sufficient to avoid a relapse.

    How Much Do Plastic Retainers Cost?

    Plastic Retainers are expensive as they need to be changed every 6-12 months. And if you lose them, that’s another story. There are three types of clear plastic retainers available in the market- Essix, Zendura, and Vivera.

    Essix and Zendura cost $100-$300 for one. Vivera comes into a set of four and thus costs $400-$1200 per set.

    How Much Do Permanent Retainers Cost?

    Permanent retainers cost includes the cost of retainers plus initial placement. Then, there are three types of permanent retainers- fixed, lingual, or bonded. These retainers will cost you somewhere around $200- $550 for one arch. If you have to wear retainers for a lifetime, then they are a good investment as they don’t need any replacement every year or after a few years like removable retainers.

    Yes, you may need to get them repaired if you bit into hard food and displaced them.

    How Much Is A Night-Time Retainer?

    A night-time retainer is like an Invisalign retainer which can be slid over your teeth during night-time so your teeth don’t relapse. Generally, night-time retainers are worn after one or two years of braces when you don’t need to wear your retainers for long hours of the day. You wear them only during the night. They cost approx—$ 300.

    How Long Do Clear Retainers Cost?

    It depends on how you use them. If you eat food that is too hard or you don’t clean your retainers, they will be damaged way before their time. While fixed retainers have an indefinite life, the life of clear retainers is limited. Clear Retainers last for 6-12 months if you follow all the instructions and keep them properly. They can also last for two years, but getting them checked is important. Hawley retainers last only for a few years say five to ten or a maximum of 20.

    Final Words

    Just because it’s only about teeth, many people don’t take post-treatment requirements seriously. It takes thousands of dollars to get your teeth straight. Then again, it costs hundreds of dollars every time you get a new retainer set. It is essential that you keep them safe, clean them regularly, and most importantly, wear them with responsibility; else, all your money spent on treatment will go down the drain.

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  • How long do you have to wear a retainer?

    How long do you have to wear a retainer?

    Sometimes your orthodontics may recommend you wear a retainer after completing the bracing or Invisalign treatment. The doctor will suggest you wear retainers to ensure your newly positioned teeth get adequate support not to move back to their previous position. But, how long do you have to wear a retainer depends on the severity of your orthodontic issue. In case of a serious one, they might suggest a permanent retainer for you. Otherwise, wearing a removable retainer will work.

    However, there are different types of retainers available, and the working period may vary for each. So yes, every retainer has its advantages and disadvantages, and the duration of wearing is also not the same. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide for you so that you know which retainer takes how much time to do its job. This will help you in choosing the best-suited one for yourself. To learn ‘how long do you have to wear a retainer’ in the section below.

    Types of retainers:

    As mentioned, there are 3 different types of retainers. Each of them is unique in terms of the purpose of use and material. Have a look:

    How long do you have to wear a retainer?

    If your orthodontist recommends you to wear a clear retainer, then you may use it for a lifetime period. However, a clear retainer is considered a cost-effective and health-effective one. Still, you must consult your dentist to know how long you will need to wear the retainer. In most cases, dentists recommend wearing it just for two months. The orthodontics will provide you with complete guidance on wearing and maintaining it. The proper maintenance will help you to expand the longevity of the retainer.

    How long does a clear retainer last?

    Clear retainer material: Plastic or polyurethane.

    If you properly care about your retainer, then it will last for many years. On the other hand, if you do not maintain proper care, then it will last for just about six months. The clear retainer may be worn down in the biting surface of your teeth. If you tend to clench or grind during the night, then you will require a frequent replacement of the retainer. Since these are made of clear plastic, clear retainers are prone to stain, which eventually decreases the lifetime. 

    How long can you wear a Hawley retainer?

    You can wear a Hawley retainer for the first couple of months after your orthodontist treatment. You can also wear it all through the day and night for a rapid and effective result.

    How long does a Hawley retainer last?

    Hawley retainer material: Plastic or acrylic, along with the metal wire.

    A Hawley retainer can last over the years. According to some users, it can last for about 10 to 20 years. If you are wearing a Hawley retainer for a long period, you may find that the wires of the retainer are getting fatigued and breaking off. Sometimes, the acrylic of the retainer might break eventually. If so, then you will need to replace it. 

    How long can you wear a permanent retainer?

    The permanent retainer is perfect dental equipment to use for a longer period. The longevity of the permanent retainer depends on your hygiene maintenance habit. If you maintain all the hygienic factors properly, then you can avoid gum issues and cavities. But it is difficult to maintain oral hygiene while having a permanent retainer. Due to this reason, most people prefer to avoid a permanent retainer.

    However, if you are dealing with a problem with your permanent retainer, then you can replace it with a removable one. But, if you did not wear any retainer, then it will shift your teeth into their previous position.

    How long does a permanent retainer last?

    Permanent retainer material- metal wire: usually nickel, titanium, copper, or a combination.

    A permanent retainer can last over several years. However, as we have mentioned before, the longevity of a permanent retainer depends on its maintenance. Sometimes, the longevity of the permanent retainer depends on the user’s bite. If you tend to bite the same area, then there will be a high possibility of breakage. However, orthodontics can support you in repairing your broken permanent retainer.

    Is it safe to use a retainer for a long time?

    The answer is yes, it is safe. You can use a retainer for a lifetime period. After using a retainer for over a year, you will become habituated to wearing it all day. But, you need to take care of the maintenance properly to avoid any further damage to your teeth.

    Conclusion

    In short, how long you have to wear a retainer depends on your orthodontic issue. If you have a major issue, you must use it for life, but you can use a removable one if you have a minor. In most cases, it takes a lifelong period to keep your teeth in their actual position because retainer only works when you wear it consistently. As a concluding word, we can say you must maintain a lifelong habit of proper oral hygiene.

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  • Permanent Retainer Broke: What To Do?

    Permanent Retainer Broke: What To Do?

    Permanent retainers are permanent, but it doesn’t mean that they are invincible. They can break, but when they do, it’s a big deal. Why? Because they are expensive, and they can halt the progress you have made with your teeth. Retainers are essential to keep your teeth in their new place after orthodontic treatment. There are several reasons why permanent retainers broke up. Some of them are-

    • The dental composite, which keeps the retainer in place, goes thinner and eventually becomes debonded from the retainer wire.
    • A sports injury in the mouth
    • Biting down on very hard foods
    • Lower enamel quality for dental bonding.
    • Filing or crowning on front teeth.

    Permanent retainers have a long life if you don’t indulge in any of the above situations.   

    Is A Broken Teeth Retainer An Emergency?

    It depends on how the permanent retainer broke. If the wire has been debonded and not broken, or your dental composite has shifted a bit, you don’t need to immediately rush to the dental clinic.

    If it is something that isn’t going to hurt your teeth or tongue, you can wait until your appointment. If it’s a weekend, you can definitely wait until Monday in such situations. However, if the wire is broken and is troubling your teeth or tongue, better get the latest appointment.

    Your tongue travels to the unwanted change in your mouth, and you may injure it. Plus, it is not wise to wear the broken retainer, or your teeth will start shifting. Not wearing permanent retainers for weeks can be unfavorable to your orthodontic treatment progress.  

    How Long Does A Permanent Retainer Last?

    If you are careful and follow all the related rules, a permanent retainer lasts for almost ten years or even more. But most people don’t need to wear them for such a long time. You may need them for a year or two, or maybe a lifetime.

    They last until they are broken. They are metal wires and fixed at the back of your teeth with dental composite, which is used for fixing cavities. It is strong. It cannot be broken by day-to-day eating and chewing. After a few years, they may get weaker and break. A repair is also possible, and it costs far less than a replacement.

    How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Permanent Retainer?

    If your permanent retainer broke, they are not always salvageable. There are certain conditions only when a permanent retainer can be fixed. If your enamel is weak and the composite gets detached from the tooth, the dentist can save the wire and reattach the retainer. It is a simple process, but the cost depends on how many teeth need to be rebounded. The cost of fixing dental composite is $30-$100.

    But if a wire is broken, then it is removed entirely. It is a costlier choice as the retainer will be replaced entirely. It will cost around $200-$500. It is also time-consuming as a new retainer needs to be made. However, some clinics offer free repairs or the cost of retainers for a while. If your permanent retainer broke and you are not in the vicinity of your dentist, you can go to any orthodontist available near you and get your retainer fixed.

    How Can I Temporarily Fix A Permanent Retainer?

    Thinking practically, you cannot rush to the orthodontist as and when your retainer breaks. It can be midnight, a holiday, you can be out of town, or several other similar situations. You can always try to fix your permanent retainer temporarily until you visit your doctor.

    Follow these steps to deal with your broken retainers-

    • Get your teeth examined by a person you can trust. A friend or family member. It will help you understand the problem with your retainer and ascertain if you can use it or the wire is broken.
    • Get a mouthguard until you visit the doctor. It will save you from any injury.
    • If your wire is broken, use a pencil eraser and push the wire towards the teeth to minimize the damage it can cause.

    Until you visit your dentist, avoid hard foods, sports activity, or any activity that can harm your teeth or retainer anymore.    

    Will My Teeth Move If I Remove My Permanent Retainer?

    Generally, when your permanent retainer breaks, and you visit the dentist, they give you a fresh pair of retainers. It’s best to start using them as soon as you can. If you leave them for more than a week or a few weeks, your teeth will start shifting to their former positions.

    It’s advised that you wear your removable retainers until your new permanent retainers arrive. If you don’t have one, try to get your pair back as soon as possible.

    Final Words

    After your Invisalign or braces have been removed, permanent retainers play a major role in keeping your teeth in place. If you break them, visit your orthodontist at the earliest and get them fixed or replaced. They are costly, so you must take great care of your permanent retainers.

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