RETAINERS | Retainers |
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What are Retainers?
There are 2 types of retainer; a removable retainer, which is an unobtrusive removable appliance mainly made of plastic; and a fixed retainer, which is a small wire bonded out of sight behind the front teeth. Retainers are used to hold the teeth in their new positions after the braces come off; the gums and bones, as well as the muscles of the lips and cheeks, need a period of time to adapt to the new tooth positions.
Teeth will always tend to move back to their original positions, so proper retainer wear is important.
The length of time needed for retainers varies with each individual; most patients require 1 year, some up to 2 years, and occasionally longer. Some change is expected even after this time because of natural growth and development, we often overcorrect tooth positions in order to accommodate this.
In the majority of cases a fixed retainer is fitted behind the lower front teeth, until at least one year after the wisdom teeth are no longer a problem; usually around 22 years of age. Many patients prefer to leave retainers in place for much longer, for security and peace of mind! |