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A permanent or fixed retainer is a metal wire cemented to your teeth. The wire is either smooth and solid or has a braided texture.
An orthodontist often recommends a fixed retainer with clear aligners or braces after finishing orthodontic treatment. The retainer ensures your teeth don’t shift or return to their original position.1
Your orthodontist may also recommend one if you have difficulties wearing removable retainers regularly. However, the bonding material must have a certain amount of natural tooth surface to fix the retainer in place.
Permanent retainers cost between $150 and $500 for the initial placement or to replace. Fortunately, permanent retainers don’t often need to be replaced.
The placement cost may be included in the total price of your orthodontic treatment. Some dental insurance plans may also cover the cost of permanent retainers.
According to John Reed, a dental health expert and founder of TestPrepPal.com, permanent retainers are generally better for people who’ve experienced significant orthodontic treatment. Because of this, their teeth need constant guidance to keep them in place.
On the other hand, removable retainers are better for people who need minor control. It’s also good for people with active lifestyles or dietary habits due to its flexibility.
Additionally, removable retainers are usually made for the upper teeth. While permanent retainers are usually placed on the back surfaces of the lower front teeth. However, both retainers have their strengths and limitations.
These are the advantages and disadvantages of permanent retainers:
| Pros | Cons |
| You don’t need to take them off, ensuring your teeth don’t shift | The process of fixing a permanent retainer may take up to one hour |
| It’s discreet because it’s bonded behind your teeth | Brushing and flossing around a permanent retainer can be challenging |
| It doesn’t affect how you speak | Increased risk of cavities and gum disease if you can’t properly maintain and clean them |
| You can’t lose it | Sugary foods like soda may wear away the natural tooth structure around the retainer, loosening it |
| It won’t get damaged by routine activities | Certain foods, like apples or steak, can bend the wire out of place |
| Sugary foods like soda may wear away the natural tooth structure around the retainer loosening it | |
| The metal wire may break off or debond, requiring replacement or repair |
These are the advantages and disadvantages of removable retainers:
| Pros | Cons |
| You can take out a removable retainer at any time | You need to remove them while playing sports or eating |
| It only takes about five minutes to make a mold of your mouth to create a removable retainer | You may easily lose or accidentally throw away a removable retainer |
| You can easily clean a removable retainer by soaking it in a cleaning solution | It’s usually more expensive to replace than a fixed retainer |
| It’s easier to floss and brush your natural teeth because you can remove the retainer |
If you can’t properly maintain or clean a permanent retainer, it can lead to dental problems. This includes:
If your orthodontic treatment has been successful, your permanent retainer shouldn’t cause movement or discomfort. However, a permanent retainer may cause some initial pain or discomfort as you get used to it. If the pain persists, your orthodontist may recommend some alternative options.
Brush your teeth as usual. Make sure to get the bristles in and out around the crevices of the teeth to ensure every area is cleaned.
It’s important to clean the areas near the bonded material and behind the metal wire. Although it can be difficult, you shouldn’t forget to floss.
Options for flossing include floss threaders and oral irrigators. These can help you remove food and plaque debris between teeth.
A bonded wire retainer can last 10 years or more with proper care. This is significantly longer than some other types of retainers. If your permanent retainer breaks, a repair might be possible. A repair will cost less than a replacement.
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