What is retainer?
Retention is a type of appliance used after completing the orthodontic alignment process. Its purpose is to maintain the stability of tooth positions on the jawbone, limiting issues such as tooth shifting and disruptions to the dental arrangement. Therefore, retention is highly essential after finishing your orthodontic treatment, ensuring that the results of your teeth alignment are sustained over the long term.
How many types of retainers are there?
In dentistry, there are two common types of retainers used, namely fixed retainers and removable retainers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages
Fixed retainers:
What is a fixed retainer?
A fixed retainer is made of steel wire and can have a coiled or straight shape, fixed on the inner surface of the teeth using composite material.
Advantages of a fixed retainer:
- Because of its fixed nature, there is no risk of forgetting to wear the retainer.
- The retainer is attached to the inner surface of the teeth, ensuring absolute aesthetic appeal.
- Ensures continuous stability for the teeth.
Disadvantages of fixed retainers:
- Difficult oral hygiene: Due to the retainer wire attached between teeth, it is prone to trapping food particles, making oral hygiene more challenging than usual. Individuals wearing this type of retainer need to spend more time on dental care, and the cleaning process is also more complicated.
- Being made of metal, fixed retainers can cause discomfort and abrasions to the mouth and tongue during use.
Removable retainers:
What is removable retention?
Removable retention is a type that can be taken out during use. There are two types of removable retention:
Removable retention made of metal:
Removable retainers made of metal are constructed from metal wires attached to an acrylic mold that fits over the palate or under the tongue.
Advantages of metal removable retainers:
- They can be easily removed for better cleaning of both the retainer and the teeth during wear.
- These retainers are durable and can be used for an extended period.
Disadvantages of metal removable retainers:
- They need to be taken out during meals to avoid breakage, which can be inconvenient for users.
- The removable nature may lead to users forgetting to wear the retainer, affecting the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment.
- The metal wires on the outside of the teeth may affect the aesthetics of the retainer.
Transparent removable retainers:
Clear removable retainers, made from transparent plastic material, are specifically designed to fit the unique contours of each individual’s teeth.
Advantages of transparent removable retainers
- High aesthetic appeal: Due to the transparent plastic material, people around you won’t know that you are wearing retainers.
- No risk of tongue or cheek irritation during communication.
- Can be easily removed for hygiene purposes during use.
Disadvantages of clear removable retainers:
- Due to their removable nature, users may forget to wear them regularly, affecting the results of orthodontic treatment.
- Prone to shape distortion when exposed to heat: It’s advisable to remove the retainers when consuming hot food to prevent deformation of the retainer’s plastic and avoid additional costs for a new one.
Why is it necessary to wear retainers after orthodontic treatment?
After orthodontic treatment, there needs to be a period for the gums and supportive tissues to stabilize. Because following the completion of the orthodontic process, the teeth and jawbone are still sensitive, and the bone structure has not yet fully solidified, there is a risk of the teeth shifting back to their original positions before braces. Therefore, retainers are a type of appliance that helps stabilize and maintain the results of orthodontic treatment after braces.
Retainers serve the purpose of keeping the teeth in their new positions after braces are removed, preventing issues like misalignment or the teeth reverting to their previous positions. This is especially crucial as the jawbone begins to stabilize and form new bone to secure the teeth in their new positions. Hence, after removing the braces, orthodontists often recommend wearing retainers continuously for about 12 months to ensure the stability of the results.
How long do you need to wear retainers?
Depending on each case, the doctor will provide a retainer-wearing plan for you. Typically, for many cases, it is necessary to wear retainers continuously for the first 3 to 6 months, requiring a minimum wear time of 20 hours per day. After that period, you only need to wear retainers at night while sleeping. After 1 to 2 years, the retainer-wearing time may reduce to 3 to 4 days a week, and the retention process can continue indefinitely.
Considerations when using retainers:
After removing braces is also when we need to pay attention to many issues, among which retainer care is one of the most important things to maintain the perfect orthodontic results. Some notes below can be helpful for you:
- While wearing a retainer, it is necessary to clean both teeth and the retainer thoroughly to avoid tooth decay and bad breath caused by bacterial growth.
- Adhere to the follow-up appointments and regular check-ups with the dentist to ensure long-term stable orthodontic results. Additionally, this allows for timely handling of any other oral conditions that may arise after removing braces, ensuring oral health.
- If the retainer is removable, when not in use, store it in a dedicated case to prevent breakage or loss. Losing or breaking the retainer may lead to additional costs for a replacement.
In summary, wearing a retainer is crucial after the orthodontic process ends. The retainer will be your companion throughout the following period, ensuring the stability of your teeth and maintaining long-term orthodontic results.
Nu Cuoi Duyen Dental Clinic – Address of reputable orthodontic services in Binh Duong
We at Nụ cười Duyên dental clinic are confident to be a reputable destination for every customer with orthodontic needs. We understand that customers not only want beautiful teeth but also desire healthier and aesthetically improved oral health when seeking our dental services. But don’t worry, at Nụ cười Duyên dental clinic, you can always find:
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Choose a reputable destination for your healthy and beautiful smile. Contact us now through
Hotline: 0834.122.312
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Address: 92 Tran Phu, Chanh Nghia Residential Area, Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong