What can I eat with my bonded (or permanent) retainers? You can eat anything that you want, but should avoid hard or sticky foods that apply heavy pressure in the location of the bonded retainers. Do not chew sticky or hard foods that apply direct pressure on the retainer. If this happens, it will and can break.
1. Do not eat any solid food for 2-3 hours after the retainer is bonded. 4. Our staff member will show you the flossing technique with the fixed retainer using floss threaders.
Potential Retainer Issues
Biting into foods like apples can break or damage the bonded retainer. Some people do not notice that the bonded retainer is broken until the teeth have started shifting.
You can not eat sticky or chewy food like gum or candies with the retainer. You should not eat food with artificial coloring as it will stain your teeth and retainer. Brushing and flossing your teeth before and after wearing your retainers is vital. Avoid eating any beverage or food while wearing your retainers.
With bonded retainers, avoiding biting into apples, corn on the cob, or any meat off of bones (i.e. ribs, etc.) is advised to help prevent breakage of the wire.
Most breaks happen within the first six months of having your permanent retainer. Biting into hard foods is the number one cause of broken permanent retainers. They may also wear down over time if they stay in place long-term, requiring replacement later in life.
Once they no longer have braces, they may wear the retainer 24 hours a day or just at night. Permanent retainers stay in the mouth all the time and can last for up to 20 years. This article discusses permanent retainers, including the advantages and disadvantages, costs, and removal procedure.
Because teeth begin to shift naturally as we age, a permanent retainer typically offers better long-term results for teeth straightening than a removable one. You can't forget to put it in — it's already there!
Wearing Permanent Retainers
You only wear braces for 1-2 years. However, permanent retainers stay put for years, sometimes even decades. Some people have even been able to wear their permanent retainers for up to 20 years.
Permanent retainers are very durable, but if the wire fails, it will need to be replaced. It can be uncomfortable or annoying at first. Once the retainer is put in place, it might be on for a long time! Some people find this appliance uncomfortable at first, although they do eventually adjust.
Braces, retainers or dental fillings
Most metal tooth fillings or other permanent dental implants won't cause a problem. If you have detachable metal braces or a retainer, you should take them out before you get an MRI.
Flossing with permanent retainers can be easy once you know how to use floss threaders. It may just take a little practice and some good dexterity. If you can't physically do it, don't beat yourself up. But it will take some getting used to before you find it an easy habit to add to your daily routine.
If you have started to experience pain or sensitivity around the area the retainer is located, that may mean that your teeth have shifted. In the cause of pain, you should contact your dentist or orthodontist so your teeth and retainer can be examined.
You might wonder “Do I need a removable retainer if I have a permanent retainer?”. Even when using fixed retainers you still need a removable retainer if you had an orthodontic treatment that changed your arch shape.
The bonded retainer may become loose from time to time as the "glue" it is stuck on with can wear away. You usually become aware that the wire is loose, because the wire will begin to feel rough against your tongue.
First pass a piece of floss through the threader, and then insert beneath the wire. Pull the floss forward until it's beneath the retainer what's beneath the wire floss as you normally would. If the wire is glued to each individual tooth, you will need to pull the floss out, and then be inserted between each tooth.
To remove a permanent retainer, your orthodontist will need to remove the bonding cement first with a specialized tool, generally a dental drill. Then, the wires and brackets can be detached. The final step will involve polishing your teeth.
What Happens if You Don't Wear Your Retainer? If you don't wear your retainer, your teeth will eventually shift back to their old positions. This is particularly true in the months and even years directly following treatment with aligners or braces.
Permanent retainers are often recommended by orthodontists after braces to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original place. Your orthodontist may also suggest one if you have difficulty adhering to their guidelines for removable retainers.
If not repaired or replaced quickly the teeth will shift and move. Fixed retainers are made out of various metal alloys. Like all metal that are subject to stress they can stretch over time. If the retainer stretches some spaces and small movement can occur.
You may notice a slight lisp in your speech for the first few days, until you learn to talk with the retainers in. Your mouth may also be slightly sore for a few days; over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment and fixed retainers were associated with an increased incidence of gingival recession, increased plaque retention, and increased bleeding on probing; however, the magnitude of the difference in recession was of low clinical significance.
Bonded retainers, which are bonded to the back of your teeth, can last three years or more. Conversely, removable alternatives have a shorter lifespan and typically last anywhere from six months to a few years.
Once your teeth have settled into place more permanently, you may find that you can go a few days without wearing your retainers and they will still fit. It is a good idea to wear them at least 3 times a week while you sleep to keep them fitting properly.