Permanent Retainers

A fixed wire may be used after orthodontic treatment when keeping the lower front teeth aligned over the long term is the priority. It can also be paired with a removable retainer.

A permanent retainer is bonded to the inner tooth surfaces. Its wire is placed behind the teeth rather than across the biting edges, so it is designed to hold alignment without changing how the teeth meet.

Fixed retainers can collect more plaque and calculus than removable retainers. Steel lingual retainers have fewer periodontal complications than glass-fibre reinforced fixed retainers in the reviewed evidence.

A fixed retainer is used for long-term retention of the lower front teeth. Its continued effect depends on the wire remaining bonded and on keeping the bonded area free of plaque and calculus.

The wire is custom-fitted, bonded on the tongue-side of the teeth, and left in place. Unlike a removable appliance, it cannot be taken out at home.

There is no removable appliance to put in and take out after a fixed retainer is bonded. Day-to-day care centres on cleaning the wire and the tooth surfaces around it.

Removable retainers are the alternative that patients can take out. Hawley retainers use wire and hard plastic-like material, while clear Essix retainers are moulded transparent plastic appliances.

The retainer remains hidden on the tongue-side of the teeth. It is a fixed device, so any removal or repair is carried out by the orthodontist rather than by the wearer.

Permanent retention follows orthodontic treatment and uses a wire custom-fitted to the teeth. The appointment covers a bonded retainer rather than a clear, take-home appliance.