Retainers is the final and very important stage of orthodontic treatment. With these invisible mouthguards we achieve great results: they keep the jaw in the correct position and exclude the reverse process.
Retainers are orthodontic appliances designed to keep teeth in the correct position after the active phase of orthodontic treatment is complete. These appliances play a critical role in the long-term maintenance of the results of the corrected dentition by providing stability and preventing the teeth from returning to their original, undesirable position.
The use of retainers is essential to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. They play a key role in preventing additional orthodontic problems that can occur after teeth shift back. In addition, retainers help to maintain an even distribution of pressure in the mouth, which helps the chewing apparatus function properly and prevents wear and tear on the teeth and gums.
Thus, retainers are an integral part of post-orthodontic therapy, ensuring the long-term maintenance of a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. They contribute significantly to the health and self-confidence of each patient.
After completing orthodontic treatment with braces, it’s important to continue to maintain the results you’ve achieved with retainers. Here are some key factors why wearing them is essential.
Teeth tend to return to their original position after braces are removed. This is a natural process caused by tissue memory. Retainers help hold the teeth in their new position, preventing them from shifting.
After moving teeth, time is needed for the bone and gum tissue around them to stabilize. Retainers help to ensure this by allowing the tissues to adapt to the new position of the teeth and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Bite changes achieved with braces also need to be stabilized. Wearing retainers maintains the correct position of the jaw and prevents future problems with the chewing apparatus.
As you age, your jawbones and teeth can become pressurized and shift slightly. Retainers minimize these age-related changes and help keep your teeth straight throughout your life.
Daily chewing, biting and other mechanical stresses can affect the position of the teeth, especially immediately after braces are removed. Retainers serve as a protective barrier, distributing the stresses and maintaining the stability of the teeth.
When teeth move, the gums can change their position slightly and adapt to the new position of the teeth. Retainers help to control this process and ensure that the gums are properly aligned with the teeth.
They prevent unwanted tooth movement, preserving the results of orthodontic treatment for many years. There are several basic types of retainers, each with its own features and applications.
Removable retainers allow the user to remove and put them on independently, making them convenient for daily use. They come in several types:
Fixed or permanent retainers are fitted by an orthodontist and worn continuously. They have the advantage that the patient cannot lose them or forget to wear them.
The first step in the process of retainer placement is a thorough preparation of the oral cavity. Our specialists perform a comprehensive dental cleaning, treat possible carious areas and take measures to strengthen the enamel. This preparation ensures ideal conditions for the placement of the retainers and prevents the development of possible complications.
To create a customized retention system, accurate impressions of the dentition are required. We use special materials that allow us to obtain a detailed reproduction of the anatomical features of the patient's jaw. This process helps to produce the most comfortable and effective retainers.
Based on the impressions taken, retainers are created in our state-of-the-art dental laboratory. The materials used are hypoallergenic and durable, ensuring that the teeth are held securely in position. Depending on the type of retainer, whether it is a removable mouth guard or a fixed wire system, the fabrication takes into account all requirements for precision and quality.
The final stage is the fixation of the retainers. Non-removable models are fitted on the inside of the teeth using a specialized dental adhesive, ensuring a secure fit and invisibility in everyday life. Removable retainers are customized so that the patient can easily put them on and take them off on their own, and training in their proper use is provided by our specialists.
The length of time retainers are worn depends on several factors, including the initial condition of the teeth, the complexity of the orthodontic treatment performed, and the type of retainer. Here are some basic recommendations for the length of time that different types of retainers should be worn:
Removable retainers
Fixed retainers
The importance of wearing retainers consistently
Regardless of the type of retainer, it is extremely important to follow the orthodontist’s recommendations regarding their wearing schedule. Interrupting the process or shortening the recommended wearing time can lead to loss of treatment gains and the need for repeat orthodontic intervention. Regular visits to the orthodontist will help you monitor the condition of your retainers and adjust your treatment plan in time.
