Braces vs Retainers: What You Need to Know

Braces and retainers are common dental appliances in orthodontics. They assist in achieving and maintaining a healthy smile. This article will provide a comparison of braces and retainers. It will assist you in choosing one of them if you are in such a need. We shall consider the definitions of braces and retainers, their definitions and the reasons for their use.

What Are Braces?

Braces are devices that fix crooked teeth and jaws. They move teeth into the correct position. Braces have brackets on the teeth connected by wires. Sometimes they use elastic bands too. Treatment with braces can last from a few months to a few years. The time depends on how much your teeth need to move.

Braces can help with many dental issues. They can fix:

Crooked teeth
Overcrowded teeth
Gaps between teeth
Overbites (upper teeth stick out too far)
Underbites (lower teeth stick out too far)
Crossbites (upper and lower teeth don’t align)

A dental clinic in Winnipeg can help you decide if braces are right for you. They will look at your teeth and explain your options.

Types of Dental Braces

There are different types of dental braces. Each type has its own benefits. Your dentist will help you choose the best type for you. Here are the main types:

Metal braces: Metal braces use fixed steel wires and are the most common type. They are cheaper compared to other types. Metal braces are mostly used for all forms of tooth complications.
Ceramic braces: This type has clear or tooth-coloured components. This makes them less noticeable than metal braces. Ceramic braces are as efficient as metal ones.
Lingual braces: These invisible braces are placed at the back sides of the teeth. They are not visible when a person looks at the person from the front. Lingual braces are ideal for individuals worrying that their braces will be seen.
Clear aligners: These are removable clear plastic dental trays and each patient wears a new set of trays after a few weeks. Aligner trays are most effective for the treatment of minor to moderate tooth issues.

Benefits of Braces

Braces in Winnipeg can help in many ways. Here are some benefits:

Fix your bite: A good bite helps you chew food better.
Make teeth easier to clean: Straight teeth have fewer hiding spots for bacteria.
Improve how your face looks: Straight teeth can change the shape of your face.
Make you feel better about your smile: Many people feel more confident after braces.
Reduce jaw problems: A good bite can help prevent jaw pain.
Improve speech: Some speech problems are caused by tooth position.

Braces take time, but the results last for many years. Good care after braces keeps your teeth straight.

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are devices you wear after braces. They keep your teeth in their new positions. Most retainers can be removed, but some are fixed in place. Retainers are important because teeth may shift back after braces.

You might need to wear retainers for a long time. Some people wear them for life. This helps keep their teeth straight. Your Winnipeg dentist will tell you how long to wear your retainers.

If you’re looking for braces near you, remember that retainers are part of the treatment plan. Ask your dentist about both braces and retainers.

Types of Retainers

There are three main kinds of retainers. These all serve their purpose but differ in the properties present in each. The following are:

Hawley retainers: In Hawley retainers, wire and plastic are used. These can be removed. While Hawley retainers are very durable, they last long and have far less discomfort than other retainers. The user can see the wire which is visible when it is in the mouth.
Clear retainers: These are used over teeth and do not have much bulk. This is difficult to observe and often overlooked in clear retainers. A great advantage is that they don’t need to be worn every day and can be gradually released. They tend to wear out quickly compared to other kinds of retainers.
Fixed Retainers: These are usually long wires that are stuck on the back side of the last teeth in the jaw where the fixed retainer is used. These are not removable. Fixed retainers are beneficial because one cannot lose them or forget to put them on. Yet they can complicate the proper hygiene of teeth.

Wearing and Caring for Retainers

The dentist will indicate the orthodontic appliances in your mouth for how long. In the beginning, you may use the separators as all-day wear. From then on, they may only be worn during the night. Instructions will also be provided by the orthodontist when you begin your treatment. For the care of the retainers:

Clean them every day
Keep them in a case when not in your mouth
Don’t use hot water on them
Bring them to all dentist visits

Good care helps your retainers last longer and work better.

Braces vs Retainers

Key Differences Braces and retainers are different in several aspects:

Purpose: Putting on braces is mostly about moving the teeth. Retainers are mainly used to keep teeth from shifting.
Time of use: You start with Braces and move on to the retainers.
Length of treatment: Braces have a maximum wear period suggested for months or years. Retainers may be needed for long periods, sometimes for life.
Removability: Most of the time braces are on the teeth. Several types of retainers are removable.
Visibility: The common assumption regarding traditional orthodontic appliances is that they are not very attractive, as they are inside the mouth and people can’t see them because they are wearing the appliance. Yet, many retainers are less visible.
Adjustments: Regular adjustment of braces is required. Retainers on the other hand do not require adjustment.

You can better plan for your treatment if you know about these changes.

Get a Great Smile at Greenwoods Dental

Braces and retainers both help create a healthy smile. Braces fix crooked teeth. Retainers keep your teeth straight after braces. Both are important for a long-lasting, beautiful smile. Looking for a dentist near you? Contact Greenwoods Dental to learn more about braces and retainers. We can help you get the smile you want.