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Retainers are orthodontic appliances that maintain the new position of your teeth after orthodontic treatment. This is because teeth tend to move back into their original positions due to growth-related factors affecting the gums and tissues of the periodontal ligament.
Getting older can also affect tooth movement. Because of this risk, the devices are necessary to ensure teeth stay straight long-term after treatment.
New retainers are custom-made for your upper and lower teeth directly after braces or clear aligner treatment is complete.
Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment used to correct misaligned teeth and reposition the jaw. There are a few different types of orthodontic braces, including traditional, clear, and lingual retainers.
After treatment is complete, an orthodontist makes a mold of your or your child's newly straightened teeth. Then a technician makes a fixed or removable retainer to keep the teeth in alignment.
Clear aligners (invisible aligners) are a removable type of orthodontic treatment that corrects misaligned or crooked teeth. Invisible aligners are a flexible and convenient alternative to braces.
A new set of aligners is sent to your house every 1 to 2 weeks and must be worn 22 hours a day. Like braces, retainers are custom-made for each patient after treatment to keep the teeth in alignment.
Relapse is when your teeth return, partially or completely, to their original misaligned positions after successful orthodontic treatment.
Maintaining teeth in their corrected locations after treatment can be very difficult. If the devices aren’t worn correctly or for the right amount of time each day, relapse can occur.
Retention is the phase of treatment after removing braces or clear aligners. It minimizes the risk of relapse.
If your child's teeth were severely misaligned before orthodontic treatment, a small amount of “relapse” is common. This is typically nothing to worry about because minor relapse does not affect the overall aesthetic improvement.
If only mild misalignment was present before treatment, relapse should not occur. Patients should also be made aware of their relapse risk before treatment.
There are a few different types of retainers available, including fixed (metal) and removable (clear) retainers. The type of retainer needed depends on the patient’s risk of relapse, original malocclusion (teeth misalignment), and growth pattern.
How long an orthodontic retainer must be used is different for everyone. The only way to guarantee teeth positioning is to wear a retainer indefinitely.
Fixed retainers consist of a metal wire that is cemented to the back of your front teeth. The wire typically extends from canine to canine.
You cannot remove fixed retainers at home. Only your orthodontist can remove the device in-office. Also, fixed retainers do not affect eating or speaking abilities. After a few days of wear, you should not be able to feel it.
Orthodontists usually give patients backup removable retainers in case the fixed retainers fail or if you have a high risk for relapse (when the teeth move back into their original position before treatment).
Removable retainers are clear or metal appliances that only need to be worn at night. Unlike fixed appliances, you can remove these retainers at any time.
Removable retainers are easy to maintain and do not impact your oral health as they can be removed, and you can use your normal toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Although, they do affect speaking abilities when in use. You should also remove the device before eating.
Clear retainers are the best option for patients who can wear a retainer part-time and do not have a high risk for relapse.
There are three different types of removable retainers, including:
Hawley Retainers, also called wire retainers, consist of a metal wire and an acrylic base. These retainers keep the six anterior teeth in the correct position after orthodontic treatment.
Hawley retainers do not interfere with your natural tooth contact and are often more comfortable than clear retainers.
Essix Retainers, also called clear retainers, are made of a slim, clear plastic material. These retainers hold the teeth in place after clear aligner treatment or braces.
Clear retainers can cause more discomfort than Hawley (metal) retainers because your teeth will not touch naturally.
A Vivera retainer is another type of clear retainer that holds the teeth in place after Invisalign treatment. This retainer is made exclusively for Invisalign patients.
The average cost of orthodontic retainers:
How long you must wear a retainer is different for everyone. However, the only way to guarantee teeth positioning is to wear a retainer at least part-time for the rest of your life.
Clear retainers can cause more discomfort than Hawley (metal) retainers because your teeth will not touch naturally. Hawley retainers do not interfere with your natural tooth contact and are often more comfortable. Both types of retainers can interfere with speaking abilities when in use and must be removed for eating and cleaning.
Permanent retainers cannot be felt or seen and do not disrupt eating or speaking abilities. However, they are prone to plaque buildup over time and can affect your oral hygiene without regular brushing and flossing.
Clear plastic retainers need to be replaced every 2 to 6 years, while metal (Hawley) retainers can last 5 to 10 years. Permanent retainers can last up to 20 years with proper care.
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