types of retainers - Davinci Clinic

 After completing orthodontic treatment, keeping your teeth in their new position is just as important as the treatment itself. That’s where retainers come in.

Retainers are specialized dental appliances created to keep your teeth in alignment and stop them from moving back.

It might be difficult to determine which retainer type best meets your needs because there are many different types of retainers available, each with certain advantages.

This article will describe what retainers are, why they are necessary, how frequently they should be worn, and the main differences between permanent and removable retainers.

By the end, you’ll be able to decide with confidence which choice is best for your smile.

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are custom-made equipment that keep teeth in their right positions after orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, preventing them from shifting back.

There are two main types of retainers: fixed retainers, which are permanent wires connected to the back of teeth, and removable retainers, which can be transparent plastic or contain wires and acrylic.

Why Are Retainers Necessary?

Retainers are essential, especially if you want to avoid getting braces in the future. Our staff at Davinci can use braces to straighten your teeth and move them into their proper positions, but once your braces are taken off, you’ll still need something to hold all of your hard-earned work in place.

Over time, any tiny force can result in tiny alignment and placement changes, which can then create larger changes and make your teeth go back into their original place. After braces are taken off, retainers can help stop these changes.

How Often Do You Have to Wear A Retainer?

After having your braces taken off, you are usually advised to wear your retainer day and night for two months. After that, it is advised that you wear the retainer each night.

Keep in mind that wearing your retainer as directed is the only way to keep your teeth in place. Remember to wear your retainer if you want to avoid having to undergo extensive orthodontic treatment again.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers come in different types, including:

Hawley’s retainers

These removable retainers, also known as wire retainers, are designed to suit the inside of your lower teeth or the roof of your mouth and are composed of thin metal wire and plastic or acrylic. To keep your teeth in alignment, the metal wire that is connected passes over the exterior of your teeth.

Clear plastic retainers

These are removable retainers that are precisely shaped to match your teeth’s new position. Another name for them is molded retainers. They are known technically as vacuum-formed or thermoplastic retainers.

This kind of retainer is made by creating a mold of the teeth. After that, a very thin layer of polyurethane or plastic is heated and drawn down around the mold.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers are made of a solid or braided wire that is bent to match the shape of your freshly straightened teeth.

To prevent them from shifting, the wire is cemented, or bonded, to the inside of your front teeth. They are most frequently used on lower teeth. Only your dentist or orthodontist is able to remove them.

They are often used when an orthodontist believes that the patient (such as a small kid) will not adhere to the directions for using a removable retainer or when the teeth are extremely likely to relapse.

Conclusion

Choosing the right retainer is just as important as finishing your orthodontic treatment since it guarantees that your teeth will stay in their new, straightened position throughout time.

With the different types of retainers available, you can choose one that best suits your dental requirements and lifestyle.

The ideal retainer is ultimately the one you will wear regularly and take good care of, guaranteeing that your smile remains straight, healthy, and attractive for many years to come.

Read More: Invisible Braces Near Me.