Wearing a retainer is usually for maintaining surgical outcomes after an orthodontic treatment. This is a rather important process. Many failures after orthodontic treatments are due to negligence of this process. But what retainer should you choose? I would suggest that you get yourself one that fits your tooth condition best.

Actually your teeth are constantly moving in the middle of an orthodontic treatment. When moved to the right position, your teeth are not totally fixed and stable. So in most cases, you need to wear a retainer immediately after your teeth are properly aligned and the brace is removed. By doing this, your teeth will go fixed and stable in the arranged position.

What tooth retainer should you choose after an orthodontic treatment?

There is more than one retainer and their performance is highly identical. If a patient cooperates to wear the retainer and goes to a dentist when something goes wrong, the outcome usually turns out to be satisfactory.

A steel wire is often seen from outside after wearing a retainer. This kind of retainer is called hawley retainer. It is traditional and removable. The outcome of the treatment remains stable if you wear it. Moreover, it can be taken out if necessary.

There is another retainer that is transparent and good-looking. You will only find it visible with a close look. It is called transparent full-arch wraparound retainer and looks quite like an invisible bracketless brace. But they are totally different. Do not mix them with each other.

Furthermore, another mysterious retainer is called lingual wire retainer. It is more aesthetic than transparent full-arch wraparound retainer. You will not see it despite a close look. A wire stuck onto your teeth is invisible unless you open your mouth wide and look at the inner side of lower teeth. Lingual wire retainer can keep the outcome of your treatment long-term stable, but it can not be taken out freely.

You can choose one according to their characteristics introduced above. Be sure to choose one that adapts to your tooth condition. Do not worry about the price, because the price of them is roughly the same.

One more thing, if you want to keep the outcome of your orthodontic treatment stable, you can also make two or three retainers and wear them alternatively in the daytime and at night. Doing this will guarantee the outcome and does not affect your everyday life and work.