A permanent retainer is a device that holds the teeth in their positions after orthodontic treatment with braces. It is a thin wire made of metal or strong fiber that is fixed to the teeth using a special bonding agent. The wire usually rests behind four to six teeth at the front of the mouth, and it is usually used on the lower teeth. Permanent retainers are more common on lower teeth and usually only impact your front four to six teeth. They are designed to prevent the teeth from moving back into their original positions, and they are usually installed immediately after braces are removed.

Permanent retainers have some pros and cons. One of the best pros about choosing permanent retainers is that you don’t have to worry about forgetting to wear them. Since they’re bonded to your teeth, you can carry on your daily routine without worrying about forgetting to wear your retainer. They are also ideal in cases when relapse is most likely to occur. However, permanent retainers require careful cleaning and maintenance to prevent breakages, and good dental hygiene is essential to stop food from getting stuck behind the wires. Permanent retainers can also pose a challenge when it comes to flossing since the retainer is attached between the teeth.

In summary, a permanent retainer is a thin wire made of metal or strong fiber that is fixed to the teeth using a special bonding agent. It is designed to hold the teeth in their positions after orthodontic treatment with braces. Permanent retainers have some pros and cons, and they require careful cleaning and maintenance to prevent breakages.