If you are about to undergo orthodontic treatment or already have braces on, then you probably know that you will have to make use of retainers as your final step toward straight teeth. In fact, wearing retainers is as essential to your success as wearing braces.
As it is with braces, retainers are available in various types. It is usually a thought-out decision to choose one, since you will need to consider many different factors such as durability, cost, appearance, etc. However, what is important is that you pick devices that work for you and that you feel comfortable with, as you will likely need them for quite some time.
In this post, we will look at the various types of retainers available in Singapore. Our objective is to give you details about each item's benefits and downsides as well as its cost. Hopefully, this will help you choose the best retainer for you.
Different types of retainers available in Singapore
Retainers can be divided into two general categories – removable retainers and permanent or fixed retainers.
As their name suggests, removable devices allow you to take them off when you eat or brush your teeth, while permanent ones are set on your teeth and you cannot remove them. The fixed retainer is just like normal braces except it is placed on the backside of the teeth.
Furthermore, removable orthodontic retainers are available in a few different types including clear plastic retainers and Hawley retainers. The main difference between them is the material from which they are made. Even though all types of retainers are considered to be effective, each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the price range of each retainer varies widely across Singapore.
Your orthodontist will usually advise you on what type of retainer is most suitable for your case and your needs. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to your preferences, whether you want something more affordable, something more durable or perhaps a more aesthetically pleasing option.
Removable retainers
As we mentioned earlier, the removable retainer can be easily taken off when it is needed. This is actually something that most people find very convenient.
You can remove the devices when you eat, brush and floss your teeth, or just when you need to go to any special event. Those of you who have gone under Invisalign treatment should be familiar with the procedure. The Invisalign is also a removable device that works in a similar way but is used to straighten teeth.
Advantages of removable retainers
- Obviously, one of the biggest advantages of these types of retainers is that they are easily removed. You can take them off whatever you need.
- They allow you to maintain better dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing will be much easier since the devices will not be in your mouth.
Disadvantages of removable retainers
- They are more likely to be misplaced or lost. Since these devices won't be in your mouth all the time, it's easy to forget where you left them.
- The same is true for damages. By leaving your retainer lying around, rather than keeping it in a case, you risk having it damaged.
- It is common for people not to wear their removable retainers for the recommended period. And when the devices are not worn correctly, this may lead to teeth relapse and unsatisfactory results.
- These retainers often cause hypersalivation (excess saliva production).
How much do removable retainers cost in Singapore?
Prices for removable retainers in Singapore range between S$350 and S$850. How much it will cost largely depends on what kind of retainer you choose.
As we said, removable retainers are available in two varieties - clear plastic retainers and Hawley retainers, and each of them is priced differently. Of course, there are many other factors that will have a great deal of influence on the price, including your specific needs, the provider you are working with, and so on.
Removable clear plastic retainers
Clear retainers are made up of plastic or polyethene material. One specific feature of these devices is that they are designed based on a model of your teeth. Therefore, they fit very well on your teeth.
Many patients opt for clear retainers and it is not surprising - the devices are typically durable, can't be easily seen by others, and come at an affordable price. However, like all appliances, they also have their downsides.
Advantages clear plastic retainers
- They are constructed from transparent material, which is why they are barely noticeable when placed on teeth.
- Another huge benefit of clear retainers is that they are thin devices that fit the teeth snugly and don't appear bulky.
- As a result of their compact size, the appliances not only look good but are also comfortable to wear.
Disadvantages clear plastic retainers
- Clear retainers cannot be adjusted if realignment is needed. If that occurs, you will need to purchase a new retainer.
- The same holds true for restoration. Your retainer cannot be repaired if it breaks or cracks, so you will need to get a new one.
- It is possible for the plastic material to change its colour with time especially if you smoke or drink dark beverages while the devices are in your mouth.
- Your lower and upper teeth won't feel like they touch naturally.
How long does a clear retainer last?
The life expectancy of your clear retainers may range from 1 to 2 years depending on how well you take care of them.
It is possible to extend the life of your orthodontic retainers by providing proper care to both the item and to your mouth. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene will prevent the plastic material from getting stained and the teeth from developing dental issues.
How much do clear plastic retainers cost in Singapore?
A single set of clear retainers can cost you around S$400-S$600 in Singapore.
Keep in mind that various dental clinics and service providers may charge different prices for the same procedure. Furthermore, clear retainers are available in a few different brands - Essix, Zendura, etc. - and their costs also vary slightly.
Removable Hawley (metal wire) retainers
Hawley retainer is a removable retainer that is composed of an acrylic base with metal wires. That is why these devices are often called metal or wire retainers. The metal part of the device goes on the front teeth and the acrylic is set on the backside.
Hawley retainers have been the standard of care for a very long time. However, one of the main problems with these smile correctors is the visibility of the metal wire, which makes them not very aesthetically pleasing.
Advantages of Hawley retainer
- Hawley retainers are adjustable. So if you need teeth realignment, your dentists can easily adjust devices so they fit better.
- Moreover, if you damage your Hawley retainer, you can have it repaired by your doctor.
- These types of retainers allow your upper and lower teeth to touch naturally.
- You are able to select the colour of the acrylic and make the piece more personalized.
Disadvantages of Hawley retainer
- This type of retainer is generally more noticeable since the thin metal wire is placed in front of the teeth.
- They are more likely to affect speech.
- They are slightly larger which is why they may look bulky on you.
- The metal wires that are used in these devices can irritate lips and tongues.
How long do Hawley retainers last?
The lifespan of a Hawley retainer can range from four to five years.
Keep in mind that the metal wire that is on the front teeth can break easily, especially if you are wearing the devices for a long period of time. The acrylic base is also prone to wear over time.
How much do Hawley retainers cost?
In Singapore, an individual set of Hawley retainers can cost between S$500 and S$800.
The price is usually influenced by a variety of factors, such as the complexity of your problem, your location, and the provider you work with.
Permanent (fixed bonded) retainers
Permanent retainers are also made of metal. The difference with them is that they have a solid or braided wire set on the backside of the teeth. Or, more specifically, it is bonded on the lingual side of the front teeth, so you can't remove it.
The devices go by several names, including fixed retainers, bonded retainers, and lingual retainers. These are suitable for almost everyone. However, it is crucial that you understand that fixed retainers require excellent oral hygiene, otherwise, you may experience unwanted dental problems.
Advantages of permanent retainers
- Fixed retainers usually do not cause speech difficulties.
- They are bonded to the teeth so, essentially, you cannot lose them.
- The permanent retainer is attached to the inside of your upper/ lower teeth so that others will not even notice that you have it.
Disadvantages of permanent retainers
- Cleaning your teeth can be challenging, especially flossing. This makes your teeth more prone to tartar buildup, which is actually the main culprit of gum disease.
- Fixed retainers might feel uncomfortable because of their solid and braided texture. They may also cause irritation to your cheeks and tongue.
- These types of retainers are more susceptible to breakage than other types.
How long do permanent retainers last?
Fixed bonded retainers can last for a long time. They can literally be worn until they break.
Sometimes, people with fixed devices may need to remove them as a result of an excess buildup of plaque on their teeth. But if they are properly cared for, they may last for more than ten years.
How much do permanent retainers cost in Singapore?
The cost of fixed retainers in Singapore is between S$350-S$600 for a single arch. You can get bonded retainers on both upper and lower teeth, or you can get them on just one arch.
Many dental practices include the price of fixed retainers in the overall cost of your orthodontic treatment. Make sure to check that with your dental provider.
It is also important to note that fixed retainers often require more visits to the dental hygienist. Obviously, this will incur more expenses.
Why do you need to wear retainers?
When your braces come off, your orthodontist will recommend getting retainers for a certain amount of time (it might be a few months or a few years). The role of the retainers is to help you maintain your teeth and keep them in the new position that you’ve achieved with braces. They will keep your teeth straight and preserve them from further shifting.
Right after you remove your braces, your soft tissues and bone will still not have adjusted to the new positioning of your teeth. Thus, if you skip wearing retainers after braces, you have a good chance of your teeth shifting back to their original position (that they were in before the orthodontic treatment).
By wearing retainers, your teeth will "gain" a new memory, so that you can enjoy a straighter, healthier smile for a lifetime. In order to get the best results, you should wear the appliances as advised by your orthodontist.
