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I think this is the first blog post I’m ever writing from parenting experience not personal experience! I never had a permanent retainer, but my daughter did.
I DEEPLY wish I had had a permanent retainer — I lost one retainer, then broke another, and my parents gave up on replacing them. Of course, my teeth shifted. I wish I’d had a permanent retainer at least until my wisdom teeth came in.
(All this to say — I know that basically no one is happy to get a permanent retainer, but you are sooooo lucky. Do it for your gorgeous smile.)
What is a Permanent Retainer?
A permanent retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth. Orthodontists use it to keep teeth in their correct position after braces or clear aligners. This fixed retainer ensures your straight teeth stay that way. Unlike removable retainers, a permanent retainer requires extra effort to maintain good oral hygiene.
Permanent retainers are commonly placed on the lower front teeth, though some patients also have them on their upper teeth. This orthodontic appliance works for the long term, helping teeth avoid new positions. However, proper care is crucial to prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Permanent vs. Bonded Retainers
They’re the same!
The terms “permanent retainer” and “bonded retainer” are often used interchangeably, but they describe the same device. Both refer to a thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth, usually the lower front teeth, to hold them in place after orthodontic treatment. These retainers are not removable and require specific cleaning techniques to maintain oral health.
While a permanent retainer is fixed and provides continuous support, it is different from removable retainers like clear aligners or traditional retainers made from a piece of plastic. A bonded retainer is a long-term solution but requires regular cleaning and dental visits to prevent issues like plaque buildup and gum disease.
How Do I Floss with a Permanent Retainer?
So, here’s the problem. The way that we’re taught to floss doesn’t work if you have a permanent retainer!
If you’re used to sliding the floss down in between your teeth, like most people, you can’t do that anymore. The floss won’t reach your gums, because it’s going to be stopped by the wire of the retainer. Basically the same problem you had while your braces were on, but now the wire is on the back instead of the front.
So, just like with your braces, you need a separate type of tool. The good news is, you probably already decided what you like to use while your braces were on. And really, it’s much easier to floss with a permanent retainer than it is with braces, because you don’t get stuck on the brackets. So overall this is good news!
Best Floss for Permanent Retainers
Regular dental floss often cannot fit through the tight spaces created by the bonded retainer wire. So you’re definitely using some kind of specialized floss here.
This is 100% not objective and there are lots of good options, but here’s my favorite:
Superfloss
- Stiffened end to floss under appliances.
- Spongy-floss to clean around appliances and in wide spaces.
- Regular floss to help remove plaque under gumline.
- 100 pre-cut strands.
- Mint flavor
I love Superfloss! Super floss is a type of dental floss with a stiffened end that makes it easier to direct floss around the retainer wire. It’s designed to clean under orthodontic appliances and around fixed retainers. This tool works well for removing food particles and plaque in hard-to-reach areas.
Lots of types of floss have the stiff end, but Superfloss has this spongy, fat section of floss. (I know I just made that sound so weird but go with me!) The thickness will fill the space between your teeth, and the spongy texture will take off more plaque than slick, waxed floss.
The combination of the stiffened end and the spongy section (I’m so sorry, I’ll stop saying that now) makes this ideal for flossing any kind of dental work. I love this floss.
Floss Threaders
- PERFECT FOR BRACES & BRIDGES : GUM Eez-Thru Floss Threaders are a flossing tool that’s specifically designed to thread your everyday dental floss under orthodontic braces, fixed bridges, and dental implants.
- SAFE AND COMFORTABLE : Each dental floss threader features a flexible nylon construction that safely and comfortably reaches into small spaces to remove plaque and food particles for fresher breath and healthier teeth & gums.
- DENTIST RECOMMENDED : Our floss threaders for bridges and braces are recommended by dental professionals as an important part of maintaining oral health while wearing fixed dental appliances.
- HYGIENIC TRAVEL CASE : Each set of GUM braces flossers come in a hygienic plastic carry case that fits easily into handbags, glove boxes, or toiletry kits.
- HEALTHY STARTS HERE : Research continues to show the connection between oral health and overall health. The GUM brand is committed to providing innovative oral care products that make achieving optimum dental health accessible for everyone.
Floss threaders are an effective way to clean around your permanent retainer. These little plastic needles help guide dental floss through the tight gaps around the metal wire. Using a floss threader takes a bit of extra time, but the results are worth it for maintaining a healthy smile.
I think the easiest way to use the floss threaders is back to front. So start in the inside of your mouth, and slide the threader through the back of your teeth and let it come out through the front of your teeth. The alignment is easier this way. Just my opinion! But if you’re finding threaders hard to use, give it a shot.
Water Flosser
I have written about 1000 posts about water flossing at this point, so if you’ve been around this blog at all, you already know. I love my water flosser, and I have written up the research that shows that water flossing is just as effective as string flossing. (Make sure you’re giving it a solid two minutes though!)
A water flosser, like a Waterpik, uses a stream of water to clean between teeth and around the retainer. This is a convenient and effective way to remove plaque buildup. Water flossing is especially useful for people who struggle with traditional flossing methods.
In my opinion, water flossing by itself may not be enough for a permanent retainer, because it’s much harder to properly clean the bonding on the back of the teeth with the spray. A water flosser is a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, but it might not be enough all by itself.
Small Brushes
- EASY & EFFECTIVE : Give yourself something to smile about with GUM Soft Picks Original. Our disposable tooth picks have soft bristles that slide easily between teeth to remove plaque and food for healthier gums, cleaner teeth, and fresher breath.
- ORIGINAL SOFT-PICKS : Perfect alternative to flossing. They’re particularly useful for cleaning between the front teeth and are a great choice if you have small interdental spaces, braces, bridges, or orthodontic appliances.
- DENTIST RECOMMENDED : Our dental floss picks are clinically designed by dental experts. Dentists and Dental Hygienists alike highly recommend them as a safe and effective way to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
- GREAT FOR ON THE GO : Each dental pick set comes in a convenient plastic case that can be carried easily in your wallet, car, or handbag for a confident smile wherever you go.
- HEALTHY STARTS HERE : Research continues to show the connection between oral health and overall health. The GUM brand is committed to providing innovative care products for people of all ages to achieve their healthiest life possible.
There’s no way around it: you either love how these feel, or you hate it. (I love it, thank you.)
Interdental brushes or small brushes can clean around the gum line and between the sides of the adjacent teeth. These tools are perfect for reaching the back of your teeth where the retainer wire is bonded.
Tips and Tricks for Flossing Around Your Permanent Retainer
Flossing around a permanent retainer requires patience and proper technique. Follow these tips for the best results:
1. Use Warm Water
Rinsing with warm water can help loosen food debris before you start flossing. This step can make the process easier.
2. Take Extra Minutes
Flossing a fixed retainer takes more time than regular flossing. Dedicate a few extra minutes to ensure thorough cleaning.
3. Try a Stiff End
Tools with a stiffened end, like super floss or floss threaders, make it easier to thread floss through tight spaces. This helps you clean effectively.
4. Focus on the Gum Line
Plaque tends to build up along the gum line near the retainer wire. Clean this area carefully to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
5. Combine Tools
For the best oral hygiene, use a combination of tools. For example, pair a water flosser with regular flossing or interdental brushes.
6. Visit Your Dental Provider
Regular cleaning at a dental office is essential. Your dentist or dental hygienist can clean areas you might miss and check for issues like plaque buildup or retainer breaks.
7. Monitor for Changes
Watch for signs like bad breath, swollen gums, or loose wires. These could indicate plaque buildup or a broken retainer. Contact your dental professional immediately if you notice problems.
8. Use Proper Tools
Choose tools designed for orthodontic appliances. They’re made to handle the tight spaces and unique needs of bonded retainers.
Maintaining Your Permanent Retainer for the Long Run
A permanent retainer can last a long time with proper care. Consistent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to ensuring your retainer keeps your teeth in their correct position. While it might take extra effort, maintaining your permanent retainer is an investment in your oral health and your beautiful smile.
By using tools like floss threaders, super floss, and water flossers, you can keep your bonded retainer and teeth in excellent condition. Follow these tips step of the way to enjoy fewer follow-up appointments and a healthy smile for the rest of your life.
