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Are Permanent Retainers Perfect for You?

Posted on 12/23/2021 by Office of Dr. James A. Krippaehne

Retainers, both permanent and fixed, are made up of a metal wire attached to your teeth. The wire used is usually smooth, with a braided texture attached and adjusted to prevent the patient's teeth from shifting and misaligning. Most orthodontists or dentists will recommend having permanent retainers, especially after removing braces to prevent teeth from reverting to their original position.

If a patient cannot adhere to the guidelines of removable retainers, then permanent retainers are recommended. However, if permanent retainers are to be placed, there must be sufficient tooth surface for the bonding material to secure the retainer. Although removable retainers are commonly used for top teeth and permanent retainers for bottom teeth, orthodontists may combine them for the best long-term results.

Benefits of Permanent Retainers

The most common reason permanent retainers are preferred is that they resemble actual teeth, and people won't tell if you have retainers on. Most people opt to place retainers on the backside of the mouth, making them less visible to others as you go about your day-to-day professional and social interactions.

The problem that most people with removable retainers experience is that it is not always easy remembering to put it on. This can lead to deterioration of your teeth after treatment, which is not suitable for your general oral wellbeing. You don't have to worry about not putting them on since they are ever-present in your mouth with permanent retainers.

Removable retainers are usually associated with a slight speech impediment, which is an issue you won't experience with permanent retainers. Since fixed retainers rest at the back of your central lower teeth, you can enjoy comfortable speech as it aligns your teeth all day, every day.

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Dr. James Krippaehne

West End Dental
833 SW 11th Ave Suite 300
Portland, OR 97205

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Dental Blog | West End Dental | Portland, OR
West End Dental, 833 SW 11th Ave, Suite 300 Portland, OR 97205 ^ (503) 446-2957 ^ west-end-dental.com ^ 1/12/2025 ^ Page Phrases: dentist Downtown Portland ^