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Permanent Retainer vs. Removable Retainer Options

Love Yourself, Love Your Smile

Beautiful woman with perfect teeth posing on pink shiny background
  • Dr. Monica Madan
  • February 1, 2024

One of the best ways to maintain your investment in orthodontic treatment is to get (and wear) a retainer. After spending the time and money to get your smile just how you want it, the last thing you need is for your teeth to shift out of position. A retainer is an easy way to hold your teeth where they are supposed to be for your best bite. But with so many styles and options, how do you pick between a permanent retainer vs. removable option?

What Does a Retainer Do?

Dental retainers are orthodontic devices designed to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment is finished. They can be either permanently bonded to your teeth or removable appliances. Because your teeth move constantly throughout your life, retainers help prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions and ensure the stability of your new bite. To maintain a straight and properly aligned smile, retainers are essential to the post-treatment phase.

Like all orthodontic appliances, you must wear your retainers according to your orthodontist’s instructions and clean them regularly, just like your teeth. Some retainers are worn overnight, while others are worn during the day. Immediately after orthodontic treatment, you may need to wear your retainer longer each day until your teeth have stabilized in their permanent position. Your orthodontist will give you clear instructions for your timeline. 

Permanent Retainer vs. Removable Retainer: Which To Choose

There are two main categories of dental retainers. You can choose between a permanent retainer vs. removable options. Each category has its advantages and disadvantages. The table below presents some of the unique considerations for each option.

Long-term replacement with excellent aesthetic outcomes and low additional maintenance.

Differences Between Permanent and Removable Retainers
Permanent Removable
Material
  • Metal
  • Dental cement/bonding
  • Thin, typically clear, plastic
Placement
  • Bonded to the back sides of teeth
  • Typically just the front teeth (incisors and canines)
  • Custom-fit trays
  • Cover all teeth
  • One tray for the top and one for the bottom teeth
Visibility
  • Not visible while talking or smiling
  • Discreet option
  • Visible when talking and smiling
Wear Schedule
  • Worn constantly
  • Not removable
  • Can be taken out for eating
  • Orthodontist will provide instructions
    • Begin with constant wear
    • Move to wearing overnights or a certain number of hours per day
Durability
  • Typically years to decades
  • May require replacement or rebonding
  • Require periodic adjustment or replacement
Oral Hygiene
  • Depending on which/how many teeth the device is bonded to, special floss threaders will be needed to clean under/around the wire
  • Require daily brushing (with their own brush, not your toothbrush) or soaking
  • Teeth can be brushed and flossed like normal
Effectiveness
  • Very effective
  • Based on patient compliance with wear times

Types of Retainers

There are many choices for dental retainers, even beyond permanent retainer vs. removable options, based on your specific dental needs and preferences. The table below lists some available types of retainers for you to choose from after orthodontic treatment.

Types of Dental Retainers
Hawley
  • A combination of acrylic and metal
    • The acrylic rests against the roof or floor of your mouth while the metal holds the retainer to your teeth.
  • Acrylic can be customized with different colors or patterns
  • Removable
Essix
  • Clear trays that fit snuggly along teeth
  • Made from transparent plastic
  • Discreet and less noticeable
  • Removable
Vivera
  • Clear aligners made by Invisalign
    • Similar to Essix retainers but brand-specific
  • Discreet and not noticeable
  • Removable
Fixed or Bonded
  • Metal wires attached to the back of teeth by dental cement
    • Often placed from canine to canine on the lower teeth
    • Occasionally used for the top front teeth as well
  • Provide continuous support
  • Permanent

The type of retainer you will get after braces or after Invisalign treatment will depend on several things. Your orthodontic needs will be first and foremost, as you want to protect your investment and maintain your great smile. Next will be your patient preferences for style, maintenance, and follow-up appointments. Ultimately, the decision will be made after consultation with your orthodontist. Whether you choose a permanent retainer vs. removable one, you will need to follow all of their professional recommendations for care and maintenance. 

Beverly Hills Orthodontics — Your Retainer Experts

Founded by world-renowned Dr. Monica Madan, the BHO team believes you deserve nothing but the best, whether you’re just starting treatment or maintaining your new award-winning smile. We know retainers are vital in keeping your teeth in position, so we work hard to get you the retainers you want to fit your lifestyle and orthodontic needs. 

Curious about the best permanent retainer vs. removable options for your after-treatment needs? Call us at 310-785-0770 or visit our contact page today. We’re here to answer your questions!

NOTE: All blog content is intended to supplement—NOT REPLACE—the expertise of a healthcare professional and should not be construed in any way as medical advice. Consult a professional orthodontist directly, like the ones at BHO, to assess your individual needs and advise the best course of treatment.

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Lola
I love it here! I looked a long time for an orthodontist who would take my case. I had a open bite and multiple gaps. BHO was able to correct my situation and are so nice every time I come in the office. Do yourself a favor and choose BHO!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Lola! We're thrilled to hear that our team was able to help with your open bite and gaps. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your recommendation!
Mariah M.
I love the service here! I've had quick and easy appointments since I started coming. The staff is friendly and communicates well. Lilly, Gabriel and Doctor Madan have taken care of me and they are always personable. I definitely recommend!

Angela and Nicole are amazing at the front desk, welcoming every guest with a smile and great customer service!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! Your vote of confidence in our practice is why we do what we do!
Peter W.
Have invisilign through them and they've been incredibly helpful through the entire process! Would recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Peter! We're thrilled to hear that you found our team helpful during your Invisalign journey. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Kevin C.
Good pricing and extremely experienced doctor that is an Invisalign top 1% diamond provider, took care of my bite case extremely well. Flexible appointment scheduling and always seated on time with no waiting. Would recommend to friends and family!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Kevin! We're delighted to hear that you appreciated our fair prices and attentive service. Providing a convenient and timely experience for our patients is a priority for us. We look forward to seeing you again!
Paige S.
The best. Dr Madden is running a first-class office filled with talented attentive staff. This was my second time doing Invisalign. The process was seamless and easy and my teeth look exactly the way I wanted them to look bc of thorough initial consult where the doctor actually asked me my preferences. When does that ever happen? Cldnt be happier.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Paige! We're thrilled to hear that you had a seamless experience with Dr. Madden and our team. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we appreciate your trust in us!
Chelsea C.
Went in for a free consultation. I saw Dr. Serena and Angela who helped answer all my questions. The staff that took my scans were also very nice and friendly!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Chelsea! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Serena and Angela addressed all your questions and that our staff made your visit enjoyable. We look forward to seeing you again!
valeria
Overall the best experience, definitely helped me get my self confidence back with my smile!!🥰
Response from the owner:We truly appreciate your feedback, Val! It’s fantastic to know that we positively impacted your self-confidence and smile. Thank you for choosing us and sharing your experience! We’re here for you anytime you need us.
Bardia A.
Monica and her team are so nice and professional. The experience has always been welcoming and the office was always clean and I felt totally comfortable coming in during the pandemic. They took every precaution and were so great to work with.
Response from the owner:We appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. We work very hard every day to exceed our patients’ expectations!
Justin H.
We have loved working with the team at Beverly Hills Orthodontics. We had 2 kids go through the Invisalign plan and they were always so nice and helpful in explaining everything. What a difference the program made!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the positive feedback. We are honored to serve each and every one of our patients!
Jade L.
Lose this dentist, the doctors are really nice and always answer my questions regarding my teeth.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words about us and our staff!
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