Orthodontic Retainers
Orthodontic Retainers
What are retainers?
Retainers should come as part of a complete course orthodontic treatment. After your teeth have been moved into an aligned position, a retainer serves to make sure they stay in this new position without returning to a state of misalignment.
There are different types of retainers that look different and might function slightly differently. It is worthwhile discussing what type of retainer your orthodontist will provide for you as part of treatment
How are retainers made?
Your orthodontist will take a mould of your teeth and a record of your bite. This can be done by analogue impression or a digital scan. The impression will then be sent to the lab for fabrication. On the next visit, your orthodontist will and issue you the custom-made retainers and provide you with instructions with regard to usage and maintenance.
Types of retainers
Bonded lingual retainers
These retainers are glued onto the back of your front teeth to hold them in their desired position. It can be very convenient if you feel you might not remember to wear a removable retainer regularly. However, it is important to maintain meticulous oral hygiene as it is more difficult to clean below the attachment
Removable clear retainers
These retainers are made of a semi-rigid clear plastic and are a similar material to clear aligner trays
Your orthodontist will typically instruct you to wear this full time for the first three months and night time wear only after that.
Removable plastic and wire retainers
These retainers are made of an acrylic and a piece of wire
Because there is a wire component to this retainer, it has the advantage of being adjustable
Your orthodontist will typically instruct you to wear this only while you sleep
How long do I need to wear retainers for?
Retainers should be worn for as long as you want your teeth to stay in their position
Unfortunately, teeth tend to move as we age. Sometimes they can move to get more crowded, particularly amongst the lower front teeth. Sometimes they can tend to move back to their original position from before orthodontic treatment.
Therefore, in order to prevent this unwanted movement, it is important to keep wearing your retainer on a regular basis (this usually means nightly for a removable retainer)