What is the difference between retainers and braces?

What is the difference between braces and retainers? Braces can be removable or fixed in the mouth. Removable braces are sometimes mistakenly called retainers, but strictly speaking retainers are only used to keep the teeth straight after the braces have finished their work. read more

Braces can be removable or fixed in the mouth. One common misunderstanding is that removable braces are sometimes called retainers, but strictly speaking retainers are only used to keep the teeth straight after the braces have finished their work. read more

The biggest difference is that braces are glued to your teeth, whereas retainers are removable. Braces consist of small metal brackets and rings that are glued directly to your teeth. A stiff metal wire connects the brackets and rings and is usually held in place by tiny elastics. read more

Best Answer: A retainer does not straighten your teeth, it just prevents them from getting more crooked. Braces straighten your teeth. read more

Once your braces come off, your orthodontist will fit you for retainers (either removable or permanent). Your removable retainer is custom-made to fit your teeth to prevent them from shifting. Your permanent retainer is bonded to the tongue side of the teeth (so it remains unseen!). read more

Braces are"fixed" or attached to the teeth and can not be removed daily for cleaning or eating, unless you are using a tray method such as Invisalign. In which case you would need to remove them for eating and cleaning. read more