Correcting a bite is a complex and lengthy process that requires a lot of patience. But not everyone knows that treatment does not end with wearing braces. The fact is that the design of brace systems requires a fairly quick correction of the patient’s tooth position, but it cannot guarantee the stability of the result. This is due to the structure of the jaw and other natural factors. To consolidate progress After braces a retainer is installed and leave it for the required period.
About retention, the mechanisms of its occurrence and consequences, read the article: What are impacted teeth, why do they appear and how to treat them...
What are they and for what purposes are they installed?
What are retainers after braces ? This is the name of a type of orthodontic splint that is worn during the retention period. This is the time when the tooth tends to return to its original position. The retainer prevents curvature until the bite becomes permanent.
A return to the incorrect position of the teeth in the mouth occurs due to the peculiarities of their structure. The fact is that in addition to the usual position, the tooth has a ligamentous apparatus. The ligaments are much more conservative than the bite itself; they strive to return everything to the way it was. It takes a lot of time to retrain ligaments and muscles. Orthodontic retainers help fight muscle memory, which tends to ruin your teeth again.
Until recently, doctors believed that after correcting the bite, teeth remain straight for life. Today it has been proven that this is a myth.
Types of designs and their differences
There are several types of retainers for teeth after braces . It is better to choose the most suitable one together with your doctor. Devices can be classified by size and type of material, but the classic basis for dividing products into groups is the ability to independently remove the simulator. So, there are fixed and removable retainers . Each type has its own characteristics and advantages.
Fixed retainers
Models that cannot be removed are more popular, so first you should understand what it is - a non-removable retainer . The device is a small fixing wire that is attached to the inside of the teeth. It is installed by the doctor immediately after the braces are removed.
The non-removable structure is almost impossible to see
There have been many studies on the effect of wire on teeth . Most dentists agree that the product is absolutely safe for enamel. It is attached with a special composite material and practically does not interfere with the patient.
On average, after the installation of retainers , a week must pass for the patient to stop noticing them. The only inconvenience he faces is the need for more thorough brushing of his teeth. While wearing it, it is recommended to use a special irrigator with an attachment that provides more thorough oral care.
Removable structures
A removable retainer is also called a “retention mouth guard.” At its core, the device is the same aligner with a metal arch, which does not need to affect the bite. Unlike removable systems, such systems require diligence and pedantry from the patient: it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions, wear the products for the prescribed time, day and night.
Often, a removable retainer becomes an addition to a fixed model. Then it is worn overnight and removed for the day, but the wire remains on the teeth for 24 hours. Such measures are necessary if the doctor notices very strong bite resistance or if the wire is not effective enough for some molars or incisors.
Removable retainers are easy to put on but still noticeable on the teeth.
There are two types of removable retainers after braces :
- for both jaws. They are usually prescribed to be worn during the night, since such designs do not allow talking or drinking;
- retainers on the upper jaw or lower jaw - as necessary. Such models can be prescribed instead of a non-removable device, then they will have to be worn more often.
If non-removable models require the patient to spend time thoroughly cleaning the oral cavity, then when wearing removable ones, you may notice that this dental retainer requires more attention and care. It is advisable to regularly rinse and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another type of removable retainer. It is used less often, because hard elements harm the teeth and are very noticeable.
In some cases, the doctor gives preference to newer means - trainers. Read more about them in a separate article: Trainers for teeth straightening: description, varieties, tips for use...
Care instructions
Caring for orthodontic structures is simple, just follow these steps:
- You need to brush your teeth at least 2 times a day
You need to brush your teeth at least 2 times a day;
- To better clean the interdental space, it is recommended to use a special thread and irrigator;
- when working with a brush on the inside of the teeth, it is important not to apply force or pressure so that the structure does not come off;
- After each meal, the mouth should be rinsed with fluoride-containing liquid;
- It is periodically necessary to visit the dentist for professional cleaning;
- the removable retainer is removed before meals and stored in a special box;
- before fixing it on the jaw, the product is rinsed with water;
- twice a day, the removable structure is placed in a disinfectant solution.
What are the pros and cons
The pros and cons of retainers after braces are removed depend on the type of design used. The general advantages are the consolidation of the treatment result, after which the doctor can guarantee that the teeth will remain straight for many years.
Advantages and disadvantages of fixed models
The main advantages of models that are permanently attached to the bite are:
- constant impact on the tooth, reducing the risk of reducing the effectiveness of procedures;
- absence of unpleasant sensations during the installation of retainers and their subsequent wearing;
- quick adaptation to the product (some get used to it immediately, others within a week);
- absence of external signs of the presence of a dental retainer , which is especially important for patients who need to work with people.
Patients who use such models say that a non-removable retainer is a tool that creates inconvenience only at first. Brushing your teeth is a little difficult at first, but compared to cleaning your teeth while wearing braces, it's nothing. Also considered disadvantages are the need to visit the dentist and periodic damage to the wire, due to which it is necessary to organize an unscheduled visit to the doctor.
Many people choose non-removable models, because such a retainer is not visible in the photo and it does not interfere with the smile. If you don't tell the person you're wearing a device, no one will know about it.
Advantages and disadvantages of removable models
The removable retainer gets a lot of good reviews thanks to the following advantages:
- you don’t need to wear it all the time, you can put it on only at night (the timing and regularity of wearing it depend on your doctor’s recommendations);
- allows you to get a break from the presence of hard structures in the mouth after treatment with braces;
- Easy to clean with a special brush and paste.
The main disadvantage of the appliance is that it is a visible dental retainer . During the day, when the plate is in the mouth, it significantly changes the appearance of the smile. This can cause complexes and inconveniences. Also, for some, the design leads to increased salivation, which is quite inconvenient.
There are cases when a doctor prescribes the installation of two types of retainers at once: a fixed structure on one jaw and wearing a mouthguard on the other.
How does the installation process work?
A retainer after braces is placed in the doctor's office. The process takes place in several stages:
- Preparation of the oral cavity. First you need to make sure that years of wearing braces have not damaged the enamel. The doctor also checks for the presence of caries, removes plaque, and applies a protective layer to the enamel;
- Manufacturing of a retention apparatus. Since retainers are placed on specific teeth, they are usually made specifically for the patient.
- The wire-tire is fixed with special composite materials.
In the video below you can see how retainers are installed using the indirect fixation method.
If we are talking about a mouthguard, you can put it on yourself. But usually the doctor controls the process, because this helps to adjust the dental retainer to the shape of the jaw. There are models that are made to order, and there are thermally modeled ones that can be adjusted to the bite after heating.
Manufacturing
Orthodontic structures are made from individual impressions taken from patients. The process of creating a model takes from 2 to 7 days.
Stages of manufacturing an orthodontic product:
- taking an impression;
- production and 3D scanning of the model;
- 3d printing of jaw;
- creation of a transparent mouthguard on a press former.
There are also standard retainers in the form of plates, which, when fixed, are adjusted to the patient’s jaw. But this method is inferior in effectiveness to the individual approach.
How long will you have to wear the structure?
Only a doctor can tell you how long to wear retainers For one person a year is enough, for another it will take several years. You can only estimate approximate times: to do this, multiply the time you spent with the bite correction system by two. The average is from 3 to 6 years, but everything is very individual.
There are exceptions in which there are no strict terms for wearing a retainer after braces . If the process of muscle training is very slow, you will have to walk with the plate all your life.
How does the withdrawal process work?
The aligners are easily removed from the teeth and must be removed from the mouth for morning and evening care. But a non-removable retainer will have to be removed by a doctor after the braces are removed . But don't rush into this decision. If the product does not bother you, continue wearing it.
Is it possible to remove the wire yourself?
The composite material on which the tape is attached sometimes flies off on its own. Therefore, in theory, the device can be removed independently. But you need to understand that removing a dental retainer without a doctor is a big risk. You can damage the enamel and tooth. Just ask your orthodontist for help, and he will remove the wire in a few minutes.
How much are?
Compared to installing braces, the cost of treatment with retainers is negligible . It depends on the level of the clinic, the presence of a dental workshop, the qualifications of the orthodontist, the material used, and the region.
Often, the set price includes a course of therapy using braces and their subsequent replacement with retainers.
Sometimes payment is made separately.
Fixed devices are more expensive; their price is 6,000 rubles or more (for one row of teeth), the cost of plates and trays is from 2,000 rubles and more. Doctor's fees are added to the total amount.
Frequently asked questions about wearing retainers
Retainers are a popular product many people wear after braces Therefore, many questions arise about him. The DENT-HUNTER team has prepared answers to the most important of them. If we didn't take something into account, ask questions in the comments.
How to brush your teeth with a permanent retainer?
With retainers, after removing braces, you need to pay maximum attention to brushing your teeth. It goes like this:
- First, you brush your mouth by running the bristles over your teeth from top to bottom several times.
- Take a brush and use it to clean the gaps behind the retainers.
- If there is food left between the teeth, it is removed with floss.
Many patients believe that fixed retainers are a device that provokes the appearance of tartar. It is a myth. But caries can actually develop due to poor care. Therefore, it is advisable to use an irrigator and regularly have professional cleaning of the oral cavity.
An irrigator will make brushing your teeth easier
How to care for a removable retainer?
Caring for removable structures is extremely simple. You need to brush them regularly with a toothbrush, rinse them before placing them in your mouth, and use a special disinfectant solution once a week. Don't forget to wash the device both inside and outside - bacteria and dirt accumulate on both sides.
What to do if the retainer breaks or comes off?
The patient’s behavior in the event of a breakdown depends on how long the retainers need to be worn and how long has passed since installation:
- If you have recently put on the device, it is advisable to go to the doctor immediately. The reason is that teeth can break apart in a very short time, and other treatment will have to be prescribed.
- For those patients who have been wearing a retainer after braces for several years, you can wait a few days. But don’t delay anyway – the cost of delay can be quite high!
Is it possible to do an MRI?
The resolution of an MRI depends on the type of metal used in the wire. MRI is a magnet that attracts metal, which can be dangerous for those who wear retainers. In general, it is better to avoid this procedure. Most often, MRI can be replaced with computed tomography.
Principle of operation
The use of a brace system is accompanied by a restructuring of the dentofacial apparatus. Damaged collagen fibers in the alveolar ridge and gum tissue are unable to repair themselves while the units are under pressure from the device. Stabilization of the unit in a given position and the formation of new tissues occurs after six months to a year. To prevent relapse after braces are removed, retainers are used.
Typically, an orthodontic permanent retainer is installed on both jaws. A thin metal wire or tape with the help of a filling compound is fixed on six units in the frontal area from the inside. The installation process is simple and painless. The procedure takes on average up to 30 minutes.
The wire does not cause discomfort. There are no diction defects or disturbances in the process of chewing food. The maximum adaptation period is 7 days.
Conclusions. Expert advice
The retention period is a very important part of correcting dental pathologies. If the patient behaves incorrectly at this time, the effect may well come to naught. The problem can be prevented using special removable or non-removable devices. They are called retainers.
Main features of orthodontic appliances:
- Requires regular wear for several years.
- They can be removed or attached to the teeth for life - it depends on the patient and the characteristics of his body.
- They require special attention to oral hygiene, the use of an irrigator and brushes.
- They must be worn under the supervision of a specialist.
Doctors know that it is the dental retainer that keeps the bite in the correct state until the muscles get used to the new position of the molars, incisors and canines. It is mandatory to wear the device. If problems arise with any type of orthodontic design, you can always choose another option that will better suit the patient.
