Why Are Retainers Necessary?
Braces apply pressure to the teeth, forcing them to move into anatomically correct positions. However, it takes time for tissues to form around the tooth roots to hold them in this position. If braces are simply removed, the teeth will soon revert to their original positions, negating the results of orthodontic treatment. Therefore, retainers are needed to maintain the corrected position, preventing the need for further correction.
Retainers serve the purpose of fixation. They hold the teeth in place while the bones and ligaments adjust to their new positions. The period during which these orthodontic appliances need to be worn is called the retention period.
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Types of Retainers
Several types of orthodontic appliances are used to secure the results achieved with braces. The choice depends on the patient’s dental condition, age, and other individual factors.
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers, also known as lingual retainers, are usually placed on the inner side of the teeth, next to the tongue, making them completely invisible. These retainers are metal arches fixed with composite material, the same used for fillings.
Advantages of Fixed Retainers:
- Constant pressure on the teeth
- Do not interfere with eating or speech
- Do not require periodic adjustments
- Easy to clean without food getting stuck
Indications:
- Need for rigid stabilization of teeth
- Lack of self-discipline in the patient
Removable Retainers
Patients can remove and wear these retainers by themselves:
- Plastic plates fixed with metal arches and additional loops on the molars
- Transparent silicone trays that are inconspicuous and can be worn round-the-clock, except during meals
- Positioners - elastic trays designed to hold the lower jaw in the correct position
Advantages of Removable Retainers:
- Easy dental care
- Can be removed if necessary, such as for dental treatment
Combined Installation
In some cases, the dentist may recommend a combination of fixed and removable retainers, depending on the severity of the dental issues on different jaws.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Retainers
Retentive systems have both advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to have at least a general understanding of the issues that may arise when wearing them. At the AESTHETE Dental Clinic, the dentist will provide all the necessary information during the consultation.
Advantages
Retainers:
- Secure the results of orthodontic treatment, making them irreversible;
- Are inconspicuous when worn – lingual retainers are placed on the back surfaces of the teeth, and removable trays are made of transparent material, which can be worn only at night;
- Do not cause discomfort when worn, and are easy to get used to;
- Do not require complex care, do not contribute to the accumulation of bacterial plaque, and do not interfere with tooth cleaning;
- Do not require additional adjustments.
Disadvantages
- Retainers must be worn according to the dentist's recommendations. Otherwise, the results achieved with braces or aligners cannot be maintained. If removable retainers are prescribed for a child, parents need to ensure they are worn and cared for regularly.
- In some cases, the retention system must be worn for a lifetime. In such instances, a lightweight fixed retainer is usually installed, which does not cause discomfort to the patient.
- It is necessary to visit the dentist once or twice a year for check-ups and professional teeth cleaning.
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Indications and Contraindications for Retainer Installation
The need and suitability for wearing retentive systems depend on various factors. Diagnosis is required before installation. The dentist will examine the teeth, assess their condition, and identify or exclude any contraindications.
Indications
Retainers are recommended after the active phase of orthodontic treatment to secure the results and prevent relapse. They are installed after removing braces or aligners, regardless of why they were used. Common reasons include:
- Bite correction;
- Teeth alignment;
- Correction of tooth crowding;
- Elimination of gaps between teeth.
Contraindications
Fixing orthodontic appliances are not installed in the following cases:
- The correction of bite abnormalities is not complete, and braces or aligners need to be worn further;
- Tooth decay – installation is possible after treatment;
- Dental plaque or tartar – these need to be removed beforehand;
- Thinned enamel – remineralisation and fluoridation are performed first.
How Are Retainers Installed?
Retainers are installed after removing braces or other orthodontic devices used during treatment. The process involves several stages, depending on the type of retainer being used.
- Preparation:
- The dentist removes any remaining adhesive, cleans soft plaque and hard deposits, and polishes the enamel surface. If necessary, enamel-strengthening and desensitising compounds are applied.
- Removable Retainers:
- These are made before braces are removed. 3D scanning is performed to create trays or plates based on the results. The dentist shows the patient how to wear them, and the patient will do this independently in the future. Although there may initially be some issues with speech and increased saliva production, patients quickly adapt.
- Fixed Retainers:
- The installation process for fixed retainers is longer and more complex:
- The dentist takes impressions of the teeth. These are used by technicians in a laboratory to create the retainer with the necessary shape.
- Before installation, the teeth are treated with a special solution, making them slightly rough to ensure good adhesion.
- The dentist then installs the retainer, securing it with composite material.
- Any excess composite is removed, and a final polish is done to ensure there is no discomfort.
- The dentist provides instructions on how to care for the teeth and retentive system.
The installation takes about 15-20 minutes and is painless. However, during the first few days of wearing a fixed retainer, it may rub against the tongue, feel too large, or affect speech clarity. These issues typically resolve within a week.
How Long Do You Need to Wear Retainers?
The duration of the retention period varies for each patient. Only the dentist can determine how long the retentive orthodontic devices need to be worn, adjusting the duration during routine check-ups.
Factors affecting the retention period include:
- The patient’s age and lifestyle
- The complexity of the treatment – the more significant the changes, the longer the adaptation period.
Typically, the retention period is twice as long as the time spent wearing braces. However, teenagers and young adults may adapt more quickly than older adults. On average, retainers are worn for 3-6 years.
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Care Recommendations
To prevent tooth and gum pain, it is essential to take proper care of your oral cavity regularly. When wearing a retainer, additional rules must be followed.
- Brushing: You can use your regular toothbrush and toothpaste, but take extra care when cleaning the inner surfaces of your teeth.
- Additional Cleaning Tools: For better effectiveness, use an irrigator, dental floss, and special interdental brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Mouth Rinse: Fluoride mouth rinses can help strengthen the enamel.
- Retainer Care: Handle your retainer with care. Avoid biting into hard foods like crackers, nuts, and chips, and do not use your teeth to open bottles or cut threads.
- Active Lifestyle: People who lead an active lifestyle or participate in extreme and contact sports should be especially cautious. If the metal wire retainer becomes detached or broken, contact your dentist as soon as possible for a replacement.
- Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleaning and to check the condition of the retentive system. If you experience pain or discomfort while wearing the retainer, do not wait for your next scheduled visit; make an appointment as soon as possible.
Specific Care for Retainers
The care routine depends on the type of retainer you have:
- Fixed Retainers: Clean them during your regular tooth brushing.
- Removable Retainers:
- Wash them twice a day with water and soap or a disinfectant, or clean them with a toothbrush. Elastic trays should only be washed with warm water, not hot, to avoid deformation.
- After washing and drying, store them in a special container.
- Once a week, soak them in a solution for orthodontic appliances for 15-20 minutes. Tablets for this solution are available over the counter at pharmacies.
- Before putting the removable retainer back in, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with mouthwash.
Retainer Installation at AESTHETE Dental Clinic
Located in Bluewaters Island, Dubai (UAE), AESTHETE Dental Clinic ensures that the results achieved with braces are maintained. Our dentists will find the optimal solution and monitor the condition of your teeth throughout the retention period. We offer necessary consultations and services for installing, replacing, and removing orthodontic appliances. Our clinic administrators will promptly answer your questions, provide information on service costs, and help you schedule an appointment at your convenience.
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