Clear retainers after braces are an important aspect of an orthodontic procedure. Patients tend to believe that their work is done once those braces are off. But that’s not the case. The process of getting the braces and spending all that money can go to waste if the retainers aren’t given enough attention. You can get them attached from a orthodontist near me.         

Why Are Retainers Required?

Teeth are held inside the attachments of a bone, which permits them to be moved and rearranged. So what braces do is move the teeth inside those attachments, making the tendons on one side pack and simultaneously, extending the opposite end.

So once the braces are off, the teeth start moving back to their original place. So retainers help the teeth “retain” their new position, and with time the teeth adjust to the new place. The retainer may seem a little strange and might even affect speech, the patient may lisp a little, but with time the patient will get used to the retainer. If you have any issue regarding them, visit an orthodontist open on weekends.

At the start, orthodontists suggest that the patient should wear the retainer all the time for a few months. Then constantly they are required to wear during nighttime only and then to only a few nights per week. It is recommended that patients never fully stop wearing them.

Types of Retainers

There are three types of retainers.

  1. Hawley Retainer

These are composed of bendable wires and acrylic or plastic. The wire surrounds the six anterior teeth and helps retain the position. These are adjustable so that the orthodontic can fix the teeth if need be. These are easy to clean and come in a variety of different colors and styles.

  1. Essix Retainer

Essix retainers or vacuum-formed retainers are made of molded clear plastic. These retainers wear out in a couple of years so they need to be replaced. They also don’t align the top and the bottom teeth and thus are not preferred by orthodontists. These retainers trap liquid within the teeth and make it difficult for the interior surfaces to be cleaned. However, these are less visible and so are widely preferred.

  1. Permanent Bonded Retainer

These types of retainers are glued to the back of the patient’s teeth, so they are not visible. In some cases, orthodontists start with these retainers and then move on to the Hawley or Essix retainers. These retainers unlike others cannot be removed by the patient.

Clear retainer cost:

Traditional Hawley retainers may price between $150-600. Replacement clear retainers, like an Invisalign or an Essix retainer cost, may range between $400-$800. The first Invisalign retainer cost is usually involved in the cost of your entire orthodontic treatment. Permanent retainers cost may range between $150-$500 to place or replace.

This information can help you decide which retainer to go for if needed.