A permanent retainer, also known as a bonded or fixed retainer, is a thin wire typically made of metal or strong fiber that an orthodontist bonds to the back surfaces of teeth, usually the front six teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. This device holds teeth in their corrected positions after orthodontic treatment, preventing them from shifting back. Unlike removable retainers, permanent retainers stay in the mouth long-term and are not taken out by the patient. While designed for durability, these retainers can sometimes become loose or detach, often due to daily wear and tear or biting into hard foods.
Immediate Actions
If your permanent retainer has come off or feels loose, contact your orthodontist or dentist promptly to schedule an appointment. Do not attempt to fix or adjust the broken retainer yourself, as this can cause further damage. If a loose wire is poking your tongue or cheek and causing irritation, applying orthodontic wax can provide temporary relief until you can see a professional. Avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods can also help prevent further damage to the retainer and protect your teeth.
Risks of Delay
Delaying the repair of a detached or loose permanent retainer carries risks for your orthodontic results. Teeth tend to shift back towards their original positions when not held in place, a process known as orthodontic relapse. This movement can begin quickly, with noticeable changes potentially occurring within weeks or months, especially if the retainer breaks soon after braces are removed.
Even small movements can undermine years of orthodontic treatment. Ignoring a broken retainer can lead to teeth becoming misaligned again, which might affect your bite alignment and overall oral health. If significant tooth movement occurs, additional orthodontic treatment, such as new braces or clear aligners, may become necessary to correct the relapse. This can be a more involved and costly process than simply repairing the retainer.
Professional Repair
When you visit your dental professional for a broken permanent retainer, they will assess the damage to determine the best course of action. If only a portion of the retainer’s bonding has come loose or if the wire is still intact, they may be able to re-bond it to your teeth using dental composite. This re-bonding process is often quick and can typically be completed in a single office visit.
If the retainer wire is broken or completely detached and cannot be reused, a new retainer will likely need to be fabricated. Fabricating a new retainer may require taking new impressions of your teeth to ensure a precise fit, and it might involve multiple visits if made by an external lab.
In some cases, if a permanent retainer is not suitable for re-bonding, your orthodontist might discuss alternative retention options, such as removable clear aligners or traditional removable retainers. The cost for repair or replacement can range from approximately $250 to $800, depending on whether the existing retainer can be reused or if a new one is needed.
Retainer Care and Prevention
Proper care for your permanent retainer is important for its longevity and to prevent future detachment. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential, including brushing and flossing around the retainer daily.
Special tools like floss threaders or Superfloss are often recommended to clean beneath the retainer wire and between teeth, helping to prevent plaque buildup. Interdental brushes can also be useful for cleaning the spaces around the wire.
Certain foods should be avoided to minimize the risk of damaging your retainer. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods, such as caramels, taffy, hard candies, nuts, ice, and tough meats, can exert pressure on the bonded wire and cause it to break or debond.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also important, as your dental team can identify and address any potential issues with the retainer and clean areas you might miss. If you also have a removable retainer as part of your retention plan, wearing it as instructed provides an important backup, especially if your permanent retainer becomes compromised.