The Importance of Retainers After Orthodontics

Question

Retainers are a crucial part of the orthodontic treatment process, especially after you've finished wearing braces. Their primary function is to preserve the alignment of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back to their original position. In this article, we'll delve into the world of retainers and explain their purpose.

What are retainers?
-----------------

Retainers are specifically designed thin pieces of plastic, designed to hold your teeth in place. They are typically worn by orthodontic patients after they've completed their treatment with braces. The type of retainer you'll need depends on your specific orthodontic needs and the type of appliance your dentist or orthodontist has used.

How do retainers work?
----------------------

The primary goal of a retainer is to keep your teeth aligned and prevent any movement or shifting. Here's how they work:

1. Teeth settling: When you wear braces, your teeth may move into a new position. However, your gums and jawbone take time to adjust to the new alignment. Retainers prevent your teeth from moving back to their original position in the process.
2. Pressure maintenance: Retainers apply gentle pressure to your teeth, keeping them in their new position. This pressure helps to stabilize the surrounding bone and gum tissue, ensuring long-term alignment.
3. Habit prevention: Braces and other orthodontic appliances can make it difficult for some patients to bite or chew properly. Retainers help to re-train your jaw to accommodate your new teeth alignment.
4. Bone adaptation: After orthodontic treatment, your jawbone and surrounding tissue take time to adapt to the new tooth alignment. Retainers help to guide the bone and tissue towards the new position, ensuring that your teeth remain in place.

Types of retainers

-------------------

There are two primary types of retainers: portable and fixed.

1. Removable retainers: ارتودنسی These are the most common type of retainer. They are removable and can be taken out when eating, brushing, or flossing. Removable retainers are typically made of acrylic or a combination of plastic and wire.
2. Fixed retainers: These are attached to your teeth using small brackets and a wire. They are less common than removable retainers and usually used in specific cases, such as when a patient has a history of teeth grinding or is prone to tooth movement.

How long do you need to wear a retainer?

-----------------------------------

The duration you'll need to wear a retainer depends on various factors, including your orthodontic treatment type, the complexity of your case, and your dentist's or orthodontist's recommendations. Typically, retainers are worn for as long as possible, often from 22 to 24 hours per day for the first several months after orthodontic treatment. Gradually, you'll be able to reduce the wear time to just nights.