Permanent Retainers: Why We Don’t recommend Them for Our Patients

Permanent retainers break. It’s just a matter of time.

These types of retainers are called “permanent” because they are glued to the backside of your front teeth (usually the lower front teeth).

So it’s not that the retainer is permanent; it’s just not removable.

The problem with these wires is that the glue wears down over time.

When this happens, select teeth are no longer attached to the wire, which is supposed to be holding a section of teeth together.

The detached teeth that are separated from the wire now move and shift out of alignment.

And what’s more concerning is that most of the time people are unaware that the glue has worn down until the teeth have moved and it’s too late.

The way to fix this (typically) is to undergo orthodontic treatment again (hopefully only for a limited time).

You can imagine how frustrating this is for people who have already paid money to get their teeth straightened.

That’s why we prefer making a full coverage, REMOVABLE retainers for our patients.

These retainers are worn every night to sleep.

It holds all of the teeth in place (front and back teeth), unlike a permanent retainer, which only holds the front teeth.

We believe in protecting the investment our patients make in their smile, not only now, but for the long-term.

Have your teeth shifted because of a broken permanent retainer?

Or are you just unhappy with your teeth alignment and want them straightened?

Let’s see if we can help you straighten them aesthetically with Invisalign clear aligners as opposed to metal braces.

Contact us at our website below to book a call with our team for your free Invisalign assessment: 👇🏼

[thetorontogirl]

I've had my permanent retainer for almost five years now and I'm honestly so over it at this point. I've had the glue break off a couple times and I need to go back in again cuz another one just broke off.

The orthodontist obviously loves seeing constant money flowing in so of course he said that he doesn't recommend removing the permanent ones but I'm gonna stand my ground this time and ask for a removable one. I'm so done with this.

[Andrew]

My dad has had his since 85 and they have not broken yet

[asherone]

What's the time limit for retainers?