To achieve a straight dental arch, using aligners or braces alone is not enough. After they are removed, teeth that have moved into the correct position tend to shift back. To prevent this and secure the results, orthodontists use a dental appliance called a retainer.
Purpose Based on Type
The period during which a patient is prescribed retainers is called the retention phase. This is an essential part of orthodontic treatment. To maintain the corrected position of teeth, the following types of retainers are used:
- Fixed retainer: A thin metal wire attached to the inner side of the teeth, making it virtually invisible. It is commonly used for patients who have corrected the alignment of several teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Fixed retainers are worn continuously throughout the retention period.
- Removable retainer: Looks like a clear plate or mouthguard. It covers the entire dental arch of one or both jaws.
Depending on the complexity of the teeth alignment, orthodontists may use one type of retainer or combine a fixed retainer with a removable one. The main purpose of these appliances is to hold the teeth in their corrected position and prevent shifting.
Duration of Wearing a Retainer
It is impossible to specify a fixed duration for the retention phase. The length of time a patient wears a fixed or removable retainer after braces is determined individually, taking into account the bite anomaly and the patient’s age.
On average, the retention period lasts about the same length of time as the braces were worn. During this period, the patient must attend regular check-ups so the orthodontist can assess the integrity of the appliance, the quality of its attachment to the teeth, and make adjustments if necessary. In some cases, fixed retainers may remain in place for life.
