Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A retainer is a custom-made appliance made of plastic or acrylic that is designed to fit over the teeth. It will help maintain their alignment after braces or other orthodontic treatments. Once braces are removed, the teeth tend to shift back to their original position. It can even compromise the results of the orthodontic treatment.
Retainers are used to prevent this shift by holding the teeth in their new position until the bone and surrounding tissues stabilize. You need to wear your retainer immediately after the braces are removed. Therefore, they are gradually reduced to only at night over months or years, depending on the individual case.
Different Types of Retainers
Retainers can be removable or fixed in place, depending on the patient’s needs and the recommendations of the orthodontist. They are an important part of the orthodontic treatment process. They help ensure that the teeth stay in their new position and that the results of the treatment are maintained well. Each retainer comes with some pros and cons. You can choose the one that fits your requirements.Here are the different types of retainers:
1. Removable Retainer
A removable retainer is a type of orthodontic appliance. It is designed to help maintain the alignment of teeth after braces are removed. The retainer is custom-made to fit over the teeth. The person has to wear it for a certain number of hours each day or night, depending on the specific treatment plan. Removable retainers come in a variety of materials, such as plastic or acrylic, and can be clear or colored. You need to clean your retainer carefully and remove it for eating and brushing. Proper care of your removable retainer is also important.
2. Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are a type of removable dental retainer that is commonly used to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment. They consist of a thin, wire framework that is custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth. It is normally molded to the shape of their teeth and gums. The wire is usually made of stainless steel or other metals, and it is held in place by acrylic or plastic material. Hawley retainers are often used to treat minor orthodontic problems, such as minor tooth movements, and bite issues. They are also used for minor spacing or crowding issues.
3. Bonded Retainers
Bonded retainers are orthodontic appliances that are used to maintain the position of teeth after braces or other orthodontic treatments. They consist of a thin metal wire that is bonded to the back of the teeth with dental adhesive. It is easy to fix them behind the lower front teeth. Bonded retainers are an alternative to removable retainers, which are custom-made appliances that are worn over the teeth. They are popular because they are virtually invisible. Moreover, don’t require any effort to be cared for properly. The best part is that they are permanently attached to the teeth.
4. Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers are a type of orthodontic retainer that is fixed to the teeth to help maintain the results of treatment. These retainers are typically made of a thin wire that is bonded to the back of the teeth. Usually at the lower front teeth, after braces or Invisalign treatment. The purpose of a permanent retainer is to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position after dental treatment. They are called “permanent” because they are designed to stay in place for an extended period. However, they can be difficult to clean.
5. Plastic Retainers
Plastic retainers are orthodontic devices that are used to maintain the alignment of teeth after braces or other orthodontic treatments. They are usually made of clear plastic and fit over the teeth, similar to a mouth guard. Plastic retainers work by applying gentle pressure to the teeth, which helps to keep them in their new position. Two main types of plastic retainers are Essix retainers and Hawley retainers. It is important to keep regular flossing and brushing to prevent bacteria buildup.
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6. Wire Retainers
Wire retainers are designed to be worn for a certain period. Usually, several months to a year, depending on the individual case. During this time, the retainer helps to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position. They can be removable or fixed (bonded) to the teeth, depending on the orthodontist’s recommendation. Removable retainers are usually worn full-time for the first few months, and then gradually reduced to nighttime wear only.
