What Are Retainers?

What are Retainers and why are they so important?

A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic device composed of clear plastic and metal wires. Retainers are designed to hold teeth in position after a patient has received orthodontic care such as braces. Retainers can also work after surgery has taken place to hold individual teeth in their location. There are several different types of retainers that orthodontists use for different types of treatments that may be required. Depending on an individual patient's needs a retainer may need to be worn at all times, or even just at night. By wearing a retainer a patient can work to maintain their smile and assure that their teeth do not move back into their original positions or misalign themselves.

Types of retainers:

Hawley retainer: one of the most commonly used types of retainer is this one. The Hawley retainer consists of a metal wire that will surround six teeth to keep them in place. The metal wires can be adjusted throughout treatment to gain a better grip on teeth and to ensure that teeth are moving into their appropriate positions over the treatment process. Vacuum formed retainer: VFR’s are commonly used by a number of orthodontic offices as they are much easier to wear then Hawley retainers. This type of retainer does not allow the upper and lower teeth to touch and is made of a PVC material that is vacuum formed from a mould of the patient's mouth. Thermoformed retainer: these retainers work very similar to Invisalign. By wearing this type of retainer a patient can stop their teeth from moving out of position after they have completed treatment. Fixed retainers: a fixed retainer is a permanent retainer that is bonded to the incisors. Fixed retainers cannot be removed during the course of treatment. This retainer will protect the reversal of treatment after it has concluded, but this is usually an appliance that the patient may have to wear for life.

Why are retainers important?

Retainers can not only help us to speed the course of treatment, but they can also ensure that all of the work that patient's went through with their treatment isn't wasted. Some teeth will naturally fall back into their original positions after they have been straightened. Preventing this is paramount and this is why we use retainers. Should you have any more questions about retainers as a treatment option for straightening your teeth, or maintaining your smile do not hesitate to contact King Orthodontics in Centerville or Fairborn Ohio.

King Orthodontics 6460 Far Hills Ave Centerville, OH Phone: (937) 433-0830

What Are Retainers?