A retainer belongs to the orthodontic appliances commonly employed when the brackets and wires have been removed from a patient’s teeth. Their main use is to hold the teeth in the desired position and make sure that even after the braces have been removed, they do not shift back to their original position. In this article, I will give details on the working of retainers, its types and the roles they play in the dental field.
Types of Retainers
There are two main types of retainers:
- Removable Retainers: These are claw like and can be removed by the wearer and are normally made of wire & acrylic or of clear plastic. Fixed retainers can be made of a metal wire bonded to the lingual side of the anterior teeth or can be bonded behind the teeth Using the lingual tubes while removable retention appliances include Hawley retainers and clear plastic retainers like Essix. For more information visit a Dentist in Lahore.
- Fixed Retainers: Also called permanent or bonded retainers, these kinds of retainers are cemented on the back of the teeth. They usually have a cross-bar formed by a thin wire that lays along the inner aspect of the front teeth.
How Retainers Work
Retainers function in that they place continuous removable pressure over the teeth to maintain the teeth in the new alignment after orthodontic treatment. Here’s how they function:
- Maintaining Alignment: This is the reason that after aligning the teeth with braces or aligners, it takes time for the periodontal ligaments and the bone to set into the new position of the teeth. Guests also use retainers in this period to ensure the teeth do not shift again to their previous positions.
- Preventing Relapse: Teeth have a natural disposition to move back to their state before the treatment was administered, a process that is referred to as relapse. Retainers on the other hand work in an opposite way of corrections made by orthodontic treatments for they keep the adjustments made intact.
- Supporting New Bone Formation: When teeth have been relocated they require a new blood supply and callus formation must occur in order to rebuild a new base of support around the tooth. Retainers are useful at this stage because they assist in maintaining teeth in a stable position while bones redevelop.
Cosmetic Dentist Worcester
According to Cosmetic Dentist Worcester, taking care of retainers involves several key steps:
1. Cleaning: Brush your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste daily. Avoid using hot water as it can warp the retainer.
2. Soaking: Use a retainer cleaning solution or a mixture of water and mild dish soap for soaking.
3. Handling: Handle your retainer gently to avoid damage.
4. Storage: Store your retainer in its case when not in use to keep it clean and prevent loss.
5. Regular Check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly to ensure the retainer fits properly and is in good condition.
Importance of Wearing Retainers
The importance of wearing retainers cannot be overstated when it comes to maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment. To avoid relapse of the teeth to their previous positions, wearing retainers as advised by your orthodontist is crucial. Failure to adhere to this can result in the teeth reverting to their initial position, rendering the time and money invested in orthodontic treatment ineffective. Regular use of retainers helps keep the teeth straight and ensures they remain properly aligned, which is essential for effective chewing and overall dental health.
Conclusion
They are part of orthodontic treatment necessities and are notably significant because of their function as stabilizers of the teeth soon after using braces or the clear aligners. Both fixed and removable retainers use forces that are light, but constant to help maintain proper alignment of the teeth, arrest any overcrowding or relapse and to aid integration of the tooth and bone. By wearing the retainer as advised and practicing good oral hygiene, these advantages of the orthodontic treatment can be enjoyed in the long run for good aesthetic outcomes. To know more about retainers visit a Best Dentist in Karachi.
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