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Permanent vs. Removable Retainers

Home » Blog » Permanent vs. Removable Retainers

Once you’ve finished up the hardest part of your orthodontic treatment and are finally free from braces or clear aligners, you deserve to celebrate all the results of your hard work and dedication – a beautifully aligned, healthy, and fully functional smile. It can be tempting to think you’re through with brackets, wires, or aligners forever, but before you get too carried away, remember that you’ve got one more step to go – retainers! Braces or aligners are only the first steps in the orthodontic treatment process. The second step begins once your teeth have been straightened, and it may surprise you to learn that it’s every bit as important as the first is when it comes to maintaining your new smile.

The importance of retainers

If you’ve been a patient with us here at Craig & Streight for any length of time, you’ve undoubtedly heard us talk about the importance of retainers on more than one occasion. Retainers play an essential role in rounding out the treatment process, and the second phase revolves around using them regularly. Our teeth have a natural tendency to drift back towards their original positions after they’ve been straightened, a phenomenon known as “relapse.” Wearing your retainer as directed by Dr. Craig or Dr. Streight is the key to preventing this kind of drifting, keeping your teeth in their new and improved positions.

When your braces or clear aligner treatment is complete, your teeth are not the only things we want to stay in place. To understand why retainers are so crucial for long-term success, it helps to know more about the teeth and how orthodontics work to move them. Teeth aren’t just fixtures in the jaw. Each one is held in its socket by elastic ligaments attaching the roots to the bone. These ligaments are living tissue affected by the movement of the teeth, and it is this attachment that allows for the small movements of the teeth during treatment.

When tension is placed in and around the teeth through braces, new ligaments, and sometimes even bone, are formed. The first phase of treatment is also known as the remodeling phase, and once it is complete, those tissues, ligaments, and bone will need some time to stabilize. Left to their own devices, the teeth will almost always migrate back to their old positions. Patients who don’t follow through with wearing their retainer properly may eventually find their teeth shifting back to their old positions, undoing almost every step of their orthodontic treatment.

Fortunately, this kind of relapse is easily avoidable. Keeping your newly straightened smile in place requires nothing more than wearing your retainer as directed! But first, you’ll need to know if a permanent or removable retainer will work best for you. While our doctors will look at the specifics of your case before recommending any particular retainer for you, it’s good to know the different types available, and how they work to keep your teeth right where they’re supposed to be.

Comparing a retainer to an Invisalign aligner

The different types of retainers

Fixed retainers

A fixed retainer consists of a thin wire that is positioned across the interior surface of the lower or upper front teeth, then bonded or glued into place. Since this wire stretches across several teeth, your oral hygiene routine will require about as much care as a braces patient, particularly when it comes to flossing. These can be a particularly helpful option for patients who have had a large gap between the two upper front teeth. Once braces or aligners close that space, a fixed retainer can be used to keep its space closed. Even though this type of retainer may take a little more work to keep clean, it often has the best overall outcome due to the bonded wire holding the newly straightened teeth in a more ideal alignment over a long period of time. And you never have to remember to wear it!

Removable Retainers

When it comes to removable retainers, there are a couple of options available. One is made of a wire and acrylic material (the Hawley retainer) and the other is composed of a clear plastic material similar to a clear aligner (the Essix retainer.) Both are custom-made to fit your mouth following orthodontic treatment.

Hawley retainers

This appliance is one of the oldest retainers, and the one most people recognize due to its popularity through the years. These retainers are made of stainless steel, and kept in place by a wire wrapping around your teeth that combines with an acrylic arch resting against the roof of your mouth. The metal wires can be adjusted to continue minor movement of the front teeth if needed. Although many orthodontists are currently moving away from this more traditional retainer, it can still be useful in some cases. Hawley retainers can be a bit fragile, so it’s important to take good care of it if you are given one to use.

Essix retainers

Essix retainers are made entirely of a transparent plastic material and look very similar to the clear aligners used with a system like Invisalign, making them much less noticeable than traditional wire retainers. Each one is molded to the unique shape of your mouth, and should last as long as you need it as long as you care for it properly.

Cleaning your teeth is incredibly easy with either removable retainer, but you do have to remember to wear them as directed. They are also a lot easier to misplace or damage, so be careful with them, and mindful of where they are at all times.

In some special situations, it may be necessary for us to use both permanent and removable retainers together to ensure no relapses occur, but this is something we will discuss with you if it ends up being applicable to your case.

Young blonde lady with Invisalign

Let Craig & Streight Orthodontics keep your smile straight

At Craig & Streight Orthodontics, you’re more than just a patient, you’re family. Our doctors are dedicated to finding the right orthodontic treatment for you, your smile, and your lifestyle, including the right type of retainer! If you’re finishing up your braces or clear aligner treatment and want more information on why retainers are essential going forward, get in touch with us any time. Our team is always happy to answer any questions you have, discuss any concerns, or simply offer advice or encouragement. With offices in Norman, Mustang, and South OKC, and a skilled staff providing the highest quality orthodontic care, your smile is in the very best hands with us, before, during, and following your treatment!

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Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

Kari C.
This is our second child receiving braces at Craig & Streight and we could not be happier. The staff is kind, efficient, and happy to answer all of our questions.
Michael T.
Everyone at the Mustang location is amazing... They are always polite and know exactly what they are supposed to do... Very professional... I have and will continue to refer people to use Craig and Streight Orthodontics...
Response from the owner:Hi Michael. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that our Mustang team has made such a positive impression on you. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we’re dedicated to maintaining the high standards of professionalism and care that you’ve experienced. We appreciate your support!
Lacey C.
Friendly, explained everything well, felt very comfortable there. Had great games for the kids while waiting.
Response from the owner:Hi Lacey. Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you felt comfortable and that our team took the time to explain everything. It's great to know the kids enjoyed the games while waiting. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to seeing you again!
Sherree M.
We always have a good experience at Craig & Streight. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They make my son at ease and he loves to earn "punches" so he can get a prize after so many visits.
Response from the owner:Hi Sherree. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your visits enjoyable and that your son is having fun earning his prizes. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to continuing to provide a positive environment for you and your family!
Q E
Goodbye, braces! I have finally completed my treatment! I want to thank all the staff members, especially Francis, who was exceptionally kind and went above and beyond to help me. I have hearing loss in one ear, and she was able to understand me perfectly. She is truly an amazing person.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear about your successful treatment and the positive impact our team, especially Francis, had on your journey. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing exceptional care. Wishing you all the best as you embrace your new smile!
Christina C.
Friendly staff. They answered all of our questions and put my daughter at ease to start her braces journey.
Response from the owner:Hi Christina. Thank you! We are thrilled that you had such a positive experience with our orthodontic practice!
JoAnn T.
Wow!! This place is so friendly! Makayla was so informative and friendly.
Response from the owner:Hi Joann. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience and that Makayla made a great impression. Our team is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment, and it’s fantastic to know we’re hitting the mark. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Nicole C.
We had such a great initial visit at C&S! My kids can’t wait to go back!!
Response from the owner:Hi Nicole. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had a great first visit. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Melanie M.
Staff is always so kind, informative and they answer all the questions you may have. Both doctors are amazing and do not rush you out. They explain everything and take their time with each patient. They are a 10/10
Response from the owner:Hi Melanie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that our staff and doctors made such a positive impact during your visit. We look forward to seeing you again!
Teri J.
Great place! Everyone is friendly. Great experience for all 3 of my kids. They did awesome with my autistic son.
Response from the owner:Hi Teri. We're thrilled to hear that you and your kids had such a positive experience with our team. Creating a welcoming environment for all families is our priority, and it’s heartening to know that your son felt supported. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to seeing you all again!
Jaidyn S.
Had a great experience! They were quick and helped me decide the best option for me!
Response from the owner:Hi Jaidyn. Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're delighted to hear that our team was able to assist you efficiently and help you find the best option. :)
Jessie W.
Easy to work with and very flexible with scheduling! Orthodontists and staff are very kind and thorough as well!
Response from the owner:Hey Jessie. Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that our team has made your experience smooth and accommodating. Your kind words about our staff and their thoroughness mean a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care!
Amanda H.
We had the best experience. They were all so kind and patient with my girl!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words about us and our staff!
Blair B
I'm a fairly new patient but the office staff provides a very warming, thoughtful environment and I love the app and feedback I receive with my Invisalign process. I've been quite impressed with the clinic and Dr thus far and can't wait to receive my final results... a beautiful smile!!!<3
Response from the owner:We appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. We work very hard every day to exceed our patients’ expectations!
Sharkbait M.
I had a fantastic experience at this clean and modern orthodontist office! From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the bright, welcoming atmosphere and the state-of-the-art equipment. The staff is incredibly friendly, professional, and attentive, making every visit comfortable and stress-free. The orthodontist took the time to explain my treatment options clearly and answered all my questions with patience and care. I truly appreciate the attention to detail and the commitment to maintaining a spotless environment. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for top-quality orthodontic care in a contemporary, inviting setting!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience in our office. Creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing attentive care are top priorities for us, and it’s great to know that our team made your visits comfortable and informative. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent orthodontic care!

Our locations

Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

1476 N. Mustang Rd.
Mustang, OK 73064
12100 S Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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