Permanent Retainer in Atlanta, GA
At Patel & Womble Orthodontics, your comprehensive orthodontic plan doesn’t usually end when your braces are removed. In many cases, our patients from Norcross, McDonough, and the Atlanta area will require a retainer to maintain the position of their teeth. Since there are several retainer options, it is important to choose a specialist like board-certified orthodontists Dr. Ruchir R. Patel and Dr. Brian A. Womble to help you select the right retainer for your specific needs. One possible option that is frequently chosen is the permanent orthodontic retainer.
What Is a Permanent Retainer?
Like other types of retainers, the permanent retainer provides a reliable method to keep your teeth straight after orthodontic treatment. However, it differs from other retainers in that it is not removable and will remain in your mouth 24 hours a day. Depending on your situation, this may be the best option for your teeth and lifestyle. Fortunately, you won’t have to travel far to find out if a permanent retainer is right for you. The offices of Dr. Ruchir R. Patel and Dr. Brian A Womble is conveniently located near Atlanta to help answer all your orthodontic related questions.
The Benefits of Permanent Retainers
Many of the advantages of permanent retainers are related to the fact that they are permanently attached to your teeth. A durable bonding agent is used to secure a small wire or band along the back of your teeth. This wire will keep those specific teeth from shifting or slipping back to their original position, a process that we refer to as “relapse.” When you choose this type of retainer, you can:
- Worry less about misplacing or losing your retainer
- Enjoy greater aesthetic appeal since the wires are hidden behind your teeth
- Eliminate the likelihood of shifting teeth
- Less interference with other prescribed types of appliances
- Forget worrying about remembering to put your retainer in before bed or after meals
Why Would Someone Choose a Permanent Retainer?
Wearing a permanent retainer means that you never have to remember to take your retainer in and out or risk losing it. It’s always there, stabilizing your teeth without getting in the way. You wear your permanent retainer 24/7 to prevent relapse of teeth that are more prone to shifting out of place, such as the ones at the front of your mouth.
How Do I Care for My Permanent Retainer?
With a permanent retainer, it is important to keep the areas around it thoroughly clean. Without brushing and flossing, excessive tartar buildup may develop around the wire. Since the small wire may interfere with your ability to access certain areas between your teeth, it may be helpful to invest in other oral hygiene devices, such as an electric toothbrush or water flosser.
Additionally, you should be careful about the types of foods that you eat. Gummy or hard foods that damage braces can also break your retainer if you are not careful. For a more specific list of what not to eat, refer to our page on foods to avoid.
How Long Will I Have to Wear a Permanent Retainer?
Some people wear their permanent retainers for the rest of their life, while others have theirs removed after a few years and switch to a removable retainer. If cleaning around your permanent retainer is difficult or the retainer ever falls off for any reason, you may decide to switch to a removable one.
Contact Us
At Patel & Womble Orthodontics, we know it can be a challenge to make all your expenses fit neatly into your budget. For the residents of McDonough, Norcross, and the greater Atlanta area, we offer helpful dental financing options through CareCredit® that can make it easier to afford your permanent retainer or other orthodontic services. Schedule a visit with our board-certified orthodontists, Dr. Ruchir R. Patel or Dr. Brian A. Womble, to find out how we can help you have a straighter, healthier smile.