A permanent, or fixed, retainer is a thin wire custom-bonded to the back of the front teeth, typically on the lower arch. Its primary function is to maintain the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment, preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions. This fixed appliance provides continuous support but creates a physical barrier that complicates routine flossing. Special tools and techniques are necessary to clean thoroughly under the wire, ensuring the health of the teeth and gums.
Mastering the Floss Threader Technique
The floss threader technique is the standard manual method for cleaning under a permanent retainer, acting like a large, flexible needle to guide the floss. Start with a piece of standard dental floss, about 12 to 18 inches long, and loop one end through the eye of the threader. The threader’s stiff, plastic tip allows you to carefully navigate the floss beneath the retainer wire.
Gently insert the tip of the threader between two teeth, passing it over the gum tissue and under the retainer wire until the floss emerges on the opposite side. Pull the threader completely through, leaving the strand of floss positioned between the two teeth and under the wire. If your retainer is bonded to each individual tooth, this threading process must be repeated for every gap.
With the floss in place, wrap it around the side of one tooth in a “C” shape, gently sliding it up and down against the tooth surface, extending slightly beneath the gumline. This action mechanically disrupts and removes the bacterial plaque that accumulates at the gingival margin. Next, slide the same piece of floss over to the adjacent tooth and repeat the C-shape cleaning motion.
Also, gently slide the floss back and forth along the underside of the retainer wire itself. This ensures that any plaque or food particles clinging to the wire are dislodged before the floss is carefully pulled out from one side. A specialized product like Superfloss, which features a stiffened end and a spongy middle section, can also be used as a one-step alternative to the separate floss and threader.
Utilizing Specialized Cleaning Devices
While manual flossing is thorough, specialized devices can simplify the routine and offer supplementary plaque removal. The water flosser, or oral irrigator, uses a pressurized stream of water to flush out debris and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. This device is effective at quickly cleaning the space between the teeth and the underside of the retainer wire.
To use a water flosser, fill the reservoir with lukewarm water and lean over the sink. Aim the water jet at the gumline and the area directly above the retainer wire, pausing briefly between each tooth. The pulsating action helps remove loose food particles and bacteria, and the gentle stream can also stimulate the gum tissue.
Interdental brushes, also known as proxy brushes, offer another targeted approach to cleaning around the fixed wire. These small, bristled brushes resemble miniature pipe cleaners and come in various sizes to fit snugly between teeth. Guide the brush head beneath the retainer wire and use a gentle back-and-forth motion to scrub the wire margins and adjacent tooth surfaces. These tools are useful for spot-cleaning areas where plaque accumulates most heavily.
Protecting Your Retainer and Oral Health
Neglecting the area around a permanent retainer can lead to localized oral health issues because the wire creates an ideal shelter for bacteria. The most immediate consequence of inadequate cleaning is the buildup of dental plaque, which can quickly harden into tartar, or calculus, that can only be removed by a dental professional. Plaque accumulation directly at the gumline often triggers gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily.
Over time, this continuous bacterial presence increases the risk of tooth decay on the lingual, or tongue-side, surfaces of the teeth covered by the wire. The trapped bacteria produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, potentially leading to cavities that are difficult to detect and treat. Regular professional care is therefore an important layer of defense against these problems.
You should schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings, typically every six months, to allow a hygienist to remove any hardened tartar buildup. During these appointments, the dentist or orthodontist will also inspect the retainer wire for any signs of damage, such as a loose bond or a break in the wire itself. Promptly addressing any damage is necessary because a broken or loose wire can allow the teeth to shift, compromising the orthodontic result.