Retainers are appliances that are given following active treatment with fixed orthodontic braces.
In fact retainers are considered the final phase of orthodontic treatment, which is complete only with the appropriate usage of the retainer appliance. Retainers are as important as active treatment in the success of orthodontic treatment.
Here are some of the vital information one needs to know regarding importance, usage and maintenance of retainers.
WHY RETAINERS
Once the orthodontic braces are removed following completion of the treatment, the teeth will have a tendency to shift back to their original position. Hence retainer appliances are used in order to hold the teeth in their new position. During the time the teeth are held by the retainers, the bone and the gums surrounding the roots of the teeth will remodel as per the new position and thus prevent a relapse. If a relapse occurs due to improper usage of the retainers, then the patient will have to undergo braces again to correct them.
TYPES OF RETAINERS
Retainers are basically of two types – Fixed and Removable. There are a few types of removable retainers namely the Essix and the Beggs retainer. Your orthodontist will decide and suggest the appropriate one for you.
In case of lower teeth the fixed retainers are invariably used. While for the upper, if fixed retainers are not possible (because of the bite), then a removable retainer has to be used. In certain special cases your orthodontist may suggest a combination of both the fixed and removable retainer.
DURATION
In case of fixed retainer it is most often left in place indefinitely. There is apparently no discomfort associated with it and hence no need to remove it.
In case of removable retainers, it has to be worn for a minimum period of one year. Some orthodontists suggest wearing the retainers for as long as the duration of fixed braces.
WHEN TO WEAR THEM
The removable retainers have to be worn throughout the day and night, except while eating and brushing. Probably after a period of 8-10 months based on a case to case scenario, your orthodontist might suggest using them only at night. It is however strictly advised to follow your orthodontist’s opinion.
MAINTENANCE
There is absolutely no maintenance required with the fixed retainers. The removable retainers however have to be cleaned everyday using a brush and a liquid soap or paste. Whenever they are removed, either for brushing or eating, they have to be kept in the prescribed box; otherwise there is always a chance of losing them. We have heard people mostly losing them in restaurants or in schools.
ORAL HYGIENE
Maintenance of oral hygiene is never a problem in case of retainers, especially the removable ones, as they have to be removed while brushing. With the fixed retainers little more additional care has to be taken while brushing the inner side of teeth where they are fixed.
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