Permanent Retainers

Permanent or fixed retainers are a special type of retainer that provides non-stop retention. These appliances are made with a durable material that can stand up to the demands of almost any busy life.

Learn more about your retainer options during your free consultation.

What Is a Permanent Retainer?

Retainer wear keeps your smile in its ideal position. You will need to wear a retainer after finishing your initial orthodontic treatment. Teeth without retainers are at risk of relapsing to their before-treatment alignment. We offer permanent and removable retainers. A permanent retainer is bonded onto your lower front teeth. This is why it is sometimes called “a bonded retainer”. This way, the appliance provides round-the-clock retention without interfering with your daily life. The bonded retainer will stay in place for at least two years after completing braces treatment. If your family dentist has not noted problems with tartar buildup, Dr. Lazzara may recommend keeping the retainer in place.

Benefits of Permanent Retainers

There are many options for your retention experience. While permanent retainers provide great results in certain cases, Dr. Lazzara reserves recommending these appliances to patients with significant lower teeth crowding.

Some of the benefits of permanent retainers include:

Minimized risk of relapse.
Uninterrupted retention.
Doesn’t interfere with speech

Learn more about your retainer options during your free consultation!

What To Expect With A Permanent Retainer

An essential thing to know about any orthodontic treatment is that each requires cleaning and care. Permanent retainers are no exception. Because permanent retainers are always in your mouth, they can become a trouble spot for tartar and plaque build-up.

Following a few simple cleaning and care steps can help you avoid dental issues or tooth decay.

What If Your Permanent Retainer Breaks Or Comes Loose?

Permanent retainers are strong orthodontic appliances that stabilize your smile. However, it is not unheard of for permanent retainers to break or come loose.

If your permanent retainer breaks, do not try to fix it yourself. Acting quickly and having a professional repair the appliance may help cut down your overall damage. Call Lazzara Orthodontics at (904) 270-8750 as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

Permanent Retainers For People in Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra/Nocatee

Regular retainer use helps keep your smile looking fantastic. If properly taken care of, a permanent retainer can be an effective method of retention. Whether you need a permanent retainer or a removable retainer — all of our patients enjoy a premium orthodontic experience.

Dr. Lazzara has helped more than 1,000 people across the Jacksonville Beach, and Ponte Vedra/Nocatee area get stunning results with orthodontic treatment. Take the first steps on your smile journey by scheduling your free consultation now!

FAQs

How long do permanent retainers last?

Permanent retainers typically last 10-20 years with proper care, though many patients keep them for life. The bonded wire behind your teeth is durable but can occasionally need repair if you bite hard foods or experience trauma. We recommend check-ups every 6 months to ensure the bonding remains secure. Our Jacksonville Beach team monitors permanent retainers during routine visits and can make repairs quickly if needed. Many patients prefer permanent retainers because they work 24/7 without requiring daily removal like traditional retainers.

Can you eat normally with a permanent retainer?

Yes, you can eat most foods normally with a permanent retainer, but avoid biting directly into hard foods like apples or corn on the cob—cut them into smaller pieces instead. Sticky foods like caramel should be avoided as they can dislodge the bonding. The wire sits flush against your teeth, so most patients adapt within days and forget it’s there. Unlike removable retainers, permanent retainers allow you to enjoy meals without worry about losing or damaging a removable appliance.

Is it harder to clean teeth with a permanent retainer?

Cleaning around a permanent retainer requires modified techniques but becomes routine quickly. Use a floss threader or water flosser daily to clean beneath the wire, and an interdental brush for bonded areas. Our Beaches Braces hygienists demonstrate proper cleaning techniques and recommend specific products. Most patients master the routine within 2-3 weeks. Regular professional cleanings every 6 months are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth with a permanent retainer.