Confused about the difference between a retainer vs braces?

With millions of Americans wearing braces, it’s hard to see why retainers are any different. However, retainer dental treatments have a large distinction from braces. Retainers have various features that better serve your dental condition.

Read on as we show the differences between braces vs retainer treatments. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each dental procedure along with their costs.

What Are Retainers?

Your teeth can shift back to their original places after finishing orthodontic treatment. To prevent it, your dentist will provide retainers. It helps hold your teeth in place to prevent teeth misalignment from happening again.

Retainers can come in two forms: permanent and removable. Permanent retainers are round wires glued to the tongue side of your teeth.

It’s common to find these retainers in the back of your six lower-front teeth. You can also find these in the back of your four upper-front teeth.

With proper care, permanent retainers can last over two decades. They aren’t immune to damage since they can wear out over time. However, they’re more durable than removable retainers, making them worth your while.

Pros of Using a Permanent Retainer

Maintaining your smile after orthodontic treatments is a game-changer. However, younger patients tend to forget the importance of wearing retainers every night. It’s why permanent retainers are the best.

Here are some benefits of using these retainers:

1. Discreet Appearance

It’s one of the greatest advantages of permanent retainers. People around you won’t realize you have them on every day. With their placement at the back of the teeth, they’re almost invisible.

2. Always On

You need not worry about forgetting your retainer. You won’t lose it or forget to pack it when going on a vacation. In short, you avoid experiencing the most common problems associated with removable retainers.

3. No Speech Problems

Permanent retainers ensure that you don’t have difficulty speaking. Speech impediment is a common side effect of removable retainers.

4. Comfortable

Fixed retainers are small, comfortable, and stable. It will help retain your lower jaw alignment the entire day.

Cons of Using a Permanent Retainer

Retainers have some drawbacks you must consider before availing. Keeping your teeth clean while wearing permanent retainers can be a challenging task. You must thread the floss under the wire before reaching below the gum line.

If you don’t like floss, you can opt for small, plastic floss threaders instead. They’re available at most drugstores within the country. Seeing your dentist and hygienist now and then will also help keep your teeth free from plaque.

On their own, fixed retainers can’t prevent all dental movements. Its specialty is holding a space closed. Shifting can happen and tilt the teeth forward when it’s away from the wires.

Average Cost of Permanent Retainers

Depending on your office choice and location, the cost can vary. In most places, they come as part of an orthodontic treatment package. However, a fixed retainer can cost anywhere between $500 and $1,500.

Braces

Dental braces are treatments that aim to straighten or move your teeth. They help improve their appearance and function. They do so using pressure to move them toward the right direction gradually.

As the pressure mounts, the bone in the jaw will change. It allows both teeth and roots to move without destroying anything. It’s perfect when you have teeth alignment issues like crooked or overcrowded teeth.

Braces have various material options that offer varying benefits. For the sake of uniformity, this guide will use traditional metal braces. The most common ones use metal.

Pros of Using Traditional Braces

The benefits of straight teeth are undeniable. Traditional braces offer this and more. 

1. Availability

Traditional braces are what comes to most people’s minds. Almost every orthodontic practice offers these as a consistent treatment option. You’ll have no problems looking for this treatment as it’s available in every office.

2. Consistency

Orthodontists use braces to correct and straighten crooked teeth well before other treatments. The consistency of this treatment gives you peace of mind. It’s also impossible to misplace or lose since you can’t remove them.

3. Right Treatment Duration

You can’t remove traditional braces without the help of your orthodontist. Their discretion is necessary and crucial to the final results. It makes treatment faster and within their expected completion period.

4. Consistent Checkups

While wearing braces, you must visit the orthodontist every month. It allows them to check the progress and tighten them when necessary. They can remedy any abnormality during treatment.

These checkups ensure that your treatment is successful and faster. All the while, the adjustments ensure maximum comfort in the long run. It’s also the best solution for more complex cases.

Cons of Using Traditional Braces

The primary drawback of using traditional braces is their visibility. When comparing Invisalign vs braces, the latter is visible even from afar. You can choose more neutral colors for your treatment, but it won’t hide them completely.

Traditional braces also bar you from eating some food items. You may have some food restrictions to avoid damaging the wires and brackets. It makes it harder for you to brush your teeth after eating these dishes.

The monthly orthodontic visits might also feel taxing. If you have trouble remembering appointments, this treatment might not be as good. This may not be the best option for you if you have a hectic schedule.

Since it’s more difficult to clean your teeth while wearing braces, it makes them harder to maintain.

Average Cost of Traditional Braces

Like retainers, the cost of traditional braces differs depending on your area. However, expect anywhere between $3,000 and over $6,000.

Some insurance policies cover these, so check with your insurance company. Visit this website to check out available prices and pick the right one for you. 

Retainer vs Braces: The Right Choice for You

These are some comparisons between a retainer vs braces. Instead of picking one, it’s better to use them one after the other. Braces will help in realigning your teeth while retainers maintain the results of the treatment.

Looking for more interesting dental guides? Read some of our blog posts and learn how to take better care of your teeth today.