Eastboro Dental | Comprehensive Oral Health Care in Orleans
Retainers
Permanent and Removable Retainers
Retainers are dental appliances that help maintain straight teeth, especially after braces. Wearing a retainer helps keep the teeth aligned and prevents them from shifting back to their original positions once braces are removed, making them an important part of orthodontic treatment.
When Retainers Are Used
Retainers are most commonly used to maintain the position of your teeth after braces are removed. Once your orthodontist takes off your braces, your teeth may naturally begin to shift back. To prevent this, your orthodontist will likely recommend wearing a retainer for several months to a year. The exact duration varies depending on your treatment plan, so be sure to ask about the recommended wearing time.
Retainers can also be used to make small adjustments to the teeth’s positions. However, they are only suitable for minor corrections and cannot replace traditional orthodontic treatments, such as braces.
In some cases, patients may be given a single retainer for either the upper or lower arch. In other cases, retainers for both the top and bottom arches may be necessary.
Types of Retainers
Retainers may be permanent or removable. Clear medical-grade plastic removable retainers are the most common type used, but your dentist’s recommendation will depend on your treatment goals and the position of your teeth.
Bonded retainers are permanent retainers used to help support newly straightened teeth. Bonded retainers are made of wire that is bonded to the outer side of your teeth and must be removed by a dentist or orthodontist. They’re often recommended for patients who may not follow the directions for a removable retainer on a regular basis, such as children.
Hawley retainers are removable retainers that use both wire and medical grade plastic. They consist of a medical grade plastic component that is reinforced at the outer edge of the teeth with wire to keep teeth aligned. Although this type of retainer may be slightly more noticeable than clear medical grade plastic retainers, it can last far longer and can be adjusted by your dentist if necessary.
Clear medical grade plastic retainers are virtually invisible and can be easily removed. These types of retainers are custom–fitted around a mould of your teeth and need to be worn regularly to keep the teeth aligned. Clear medical grade plastic aligners need to be replaced more often than bonded retainers or Hawley retainers (usually about once a year). This makes them a good option if you will only need a retainer for a few months or a few years after having braces removed.
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3732 Innes Road, Unit 1
Orleans, ON K1W 0C8
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(613) 841-6100