Nancy LeBrun is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning writer and producer who has been writing about health and wellness for more than six years

Permanent retainers, also referred to as fixed retainers, are custom-fit wires that your oral healthcare provider bonds to your teeth after straightening them. Retainers keep your teeth from shifting after orthodontic treatment and can only be removed by a healthcare professional. In some cases, permanent retainers may be recommended over removable retainers, which you take in and out yourself.

This article discusses permanent retainers, their benefits, costs, and cleaning techniques.

Your teeth are connected to your jaw by ligaments that stretch so your teeth can move. Braces or aligners can move your teeth into position for cosmetic or functional improvement. Afterward, you need a retainer to keep them in place or the ligaments tend to pull the teeth back toward their original position.

A permanent retainer is a wire, sometimes braided, that your healthcare provider (usually an orthodontist) fits to the back of your newly positioned teeth. They bond it to your teeth with a special cement, and the wire keeps your teeth in position. Sometimes, the wire is flexible, so it may not completely maintain teeth alignment after orthodontic work.

A permanent retainer actually can be removed but only by a professional.

Permanent retainers are bonded to the back of your teeth so you don't have to remember to put them in and take them out. They aren't visible to other people. A healthcare provider can remove them if needed.

Removable retainers are either wire and plastic or clear. You can take them out, but you have to remember to wear them or your teeth are likely to move. Clear removable retainers are not very visible, but they can discolor and they may tear. Wire removable retainers are more visible but also more durable.

Permanent retainers keep your teeth in position at all times, which is the most effective way to keep them in place.

Other advantages of a permanent retainer are:

Some people prefer the choice of being able to take a retainer in and out, which is not possible with a permanent retainer. Other disadvantages include:

The cost of a retainer is set by the healthcare provider, so it can vary quite a bit. As a guideline, a permanent retainer, per wire, will cost about $250 to $550 per arch, for an upper or lower retainer.

Providers tend to use permanent retainers for the bottom teeth and may recommend a removable retainer for the top teeth.

Insurance coverage for a permanent retainer varies with different insurance policies. It is possible that dental insurance will cover all or part of the cost of your retainer if your coverage includes orthodontics. You can contact your insurance company or discuss it with your healthcare provider so you understand what you'll be paying. If you are under 18, health insurance policies must offer dental insurance.

A permanent rather than a removable retainer can be a good option if:

Permanent retainers can make keeping your teeth and gums clean more challenging because food particles can get caught in the wire. It can be difficult to floss, but there are options to keep the wired teeth clean including:

It's important to keep up with professional dental cleanings as well.

Permanent retainers are durable, but if they are uncomfortable and need adjustment, or if they break or bend, you will need to see your dental healthcare provider to have them adjusted or repaired.

Permanent retainers are custom-fit wires that a dental healthcare provider bonds to the back of your teeth after you've had them straightened. They will help keep your teeth in place and not move after straightening.

A permanent retainer is very durable, and you don't have to remember to put it in or take it out, like with removable retainers. Another benefit is that no one can see it, because it's behind your teeth.

It can be hard to keep your teeth clean with a permanent retainer, but there are specialized flossers that can help. Professional dental cleanings are also important.

Retainers are an important part of keeping your teeth straight after going through the process of orthodontic treatment, and they protect your investment. No one can see your permanent retainer, which is a big plus for many people. Your provider will advise you on how long to wear your retainer, which can vary. They do take some getting used to, but you won't have to deal with taking it in and out, losing it, or forgetting it.

Permanent retainers are durable and can last up to 20 years. They may need adjustment or can bend or break, however. If your permanent retainer needs attention, your provider can remove it and repair or adjust it.

It is possible that your teeth will move even with a permanent retainer.

To minimize this, see your provider regularly. If you notice any changes in your permanent retainer that may indicate a wire or the bond is damaged, make an appointment to have your permanent retainer checked.

Permanent retainers come with pros and cons, just like removable retainers. They may cost a bit more but can last longer and are the most effective kind of retainer when it comes to keeping newly straightened teeth in place. Listen to your provider's recommendation about retainers, but ask questions until you feel you are able to make the best decision.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.

There was an error. Please try again.

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. How does the periodontium work?.

Al-Moghrabi D, Johal A, O’Rourke N, et al. Effects of fixed vs removable orthodontic retainers on stability and periodontal health: 4-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. 2018;154(2):167-174.e1. doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2018.01.007

Authority Dental. What is the difference between permanent, Hawley and clear retainer?.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dental coverage in the Marketplace.

American Association of Orthodontists. Taking care of retainers.

Shaughnessy TG, Proffit WR, Samara SA. Inadvertent tooth movement with fixed lingual retainers. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. 2016;149(2):277-286. doi:10.1016/j.ajodo.2015.10.015

Littlewood SJ, Kandasamy S, Huang G. Retention and relapse in clinical practice. Aust Dent J. 2017;62:51-57. doi:10.1111/adj.12475

Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.

There was an error. Please try again.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.