Metal Bond Wire or Retainers After Invisalign?

As mentioned by Dr. Barnett, fixed retainers are good for patients who are not likely to follow instructions for wearing a retainer. Invisalign patients who have successfully completed treatment have demonstrated good cooperation and are used to wearing aligners that come in and out. As such, most seem not to opt for fixed wires, due to the increased difficulty of cleaning, and possibility of it coming off. Most of our Invisalign patients opt for using removable retainers after treatment.... more

Retainers are essential throughout life. Teeth can, and often will, move as we age and our faces change and mature. Even an adult who is done "growing" can still have orthodontic changes later in life if a retainer is not worn well. It can happen even if wisdom teeth have been removed. The only difference between the wire and the removable is the cooperation factor. With the wire, someone does not have to "remember" to put the retainer in. The wire does need to be... more