Here at Kurt Kavanaugh Ortho, our Kansas City orthodontics services provide you with the very best dental care throughout your entire visit but also on an ongoing basis. If you’re looking to straighten your teeth and improve your bite, you have a few different options available. Part of the process includes wearing a retainer, and there are both removable and permanent varieties to choose from. While the experts at Kansas City Orthodontics can help you decide which one is the best option for you, we want to go over a little bit of information on this topic to get you started.
Pros and Cons of Permanent Retainers
While a permanent retainer might not sound like a flexible option for your orthodontic care, this is an item that gives you a lot of freedom with your dental care. A retainer will be bonded to your teeth, and there isn’t any need for removing it, cleaning it, and putting it back in. If you’re prone to losing things, a permanent retainer might be the better way to go.
Relapse is also something that a lot of people deal with after they’ve removed their retainer. A permanent retainer attached to the back portion of your upper and lower teeth can save you both time and money by allowing you to avoid new retainers or the need for additional treatment. Your orthodontist will know when it’s time to remove the retainer for good after the desired results have been achieved.
However, there is a little bit of additional care that goes into a permanent retainer. You have to spend extra time flossing, which can be an intricate process because of the metal that’s in the way. Most people get the hang of the process pretty quickly though.
Pros and Cons of Removable Retainers
Having the ability to remove your retainer opens up a world of possibilities with adult orthodontics when it comes to what you can and cannot eat. If you’re going to eat something that could gum up your retainer, you simply take it out and replace it when you’re done.
Removable retainers have come a long way. They are now available in different styles, some of which are completely clear and aren’t very noticeable even up close. You can work with your orthodontist to figure out which removable option is best for your situation while achieving the look that you want.
Unfortunately, some people don’t keep up with wearing their removable retainer. Getting lazy and skipping several days can result in relapse or not as impressive of results as you would like.
If you would like more information on our adult orthodontics services and removable vs. permanent retainers, reach out to us here at Kurt Kavanaugh Ortho. We would be happy to set up an appointment for you on a day and time that is convenient for you. We’ll make sure that you get the best care possible, so your teeth look beautiful but also function healthily.
