Retainers for teeth after braces: why are they needed, how are they installed and how much

It takes a long time to straighten teeth and correct a bite. Even in the simplest cases, braces have to be worn for at least 5–6 months. In addition, you need to understand that after treatment, the dentition will not remain in perfect condition until the end of life, as the teeth tend to their original position. To prevent repeated bending of the teeth, a retainer must be worn.

What is put on the teeth after wearing braces and why

Retainer is an orthopedic design that is worn after removing the bracket system or as an independent device for straightening teeth. It is installed on both the upper and lower jaw.

Teeth before and after wearing braces

There are two types of retainers: removable and non-removable. Retainer is a retainer, the main part of which is nitinol wire. The braces themselves are made of the same material. Under the influence of heat, the metal returns to the form that it was originally assigned to. Due to this, the arc resists the movement of the teeth and holds the dentition in the correct position. It is for this that such products are needed.

Fixed tooth retainer

A fixed tooth retainer has a lot of advantages:

• There is no risk that the patient will forget to put on the latch on time.
• After prolonged wearing of braces, the wire does not cause any discomfort. The patient quickly gets used to it.
• The design is placed on the inside of the dentition, which makes it invisible.
• Slightly complicated dental care.
• In case of peeling off, the system is easily returned to its place.

Fixed system does not cover the entire dentition. Usually, only incisors are fixed with it, as in the photo on the right.

Installing the retainer is done using composite glue or individual retainers. In the first case, the arc is attached to all the teeth through which it passes. Therefore, it is not scary if it peeled off in one place.

The second type of fastening is not so strong, since the latches are installed only along the edges of the structure. They often come off, so a similar method of installing retainers is used only for short orthodontic treatment and with increased sensitivity of enamel. The wire can be placed even when braces are still standing on the teeth.

How much to wear non-removable retainers after removing braces, the orthodontist decides. Sometimes just a few weeks is enough, but in most cases the period of wearing the construction is delayed for years.

Removable tooth retainer

The removable orthodontic system also has its advantages:

• It does not interfere with oral hygiene, as it is easy to remove and wash.
• A removable retainer is often used as the main tool to correct minor problems with teeth and bite.
• During meals, the plate should be removed, so that it does not interfere with this process.
• If the retainer comes off, the person will immediately feel it.

Usually, removable retainers set immediately after braces, how often and how much to wear, the doctor decides based on the individual characteristics of the patient. Externally removable design is very different from non-removable. In addition to the main arc, it includes a plastic base, as in the photo on the right, which repeats the shape of the sky or gums.

To increase the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment, it is better to wear a removable plate on the upper jaw, and a fixed plate on the lower jaw. An orthodontist may recommend using both types of retainers at the same time.

In most cases, orthodontists give patients a fixed retainer, and a removable plate is recommended to be worn at night. And it’s better to do this all the time, because the teeth move and change their position throughout life.

How the retainer is made and installed

The manufacture of a fixed orthodontic system takes a little time, since it consists of only one arc and is rarely supplemented by clamps. If the wire is installed immediately after removing the braces, it is first recommended that you professionally brush your teeth with an ultrasonic device or a laser. Prior to the removal of the design, such an opportunity will no longer be presented.

After brushing, the surface of the teeth is treated with a special preparation that strengthens the mount and prevents the structure from falling off. The arch joins the dentition from the back and is covered with glue. He completely envelops the wire and perfectly holds it on his teeth after solidification. If the installation method by means of clamps is used, only they are glued to the teeth, and the arc is inserted into their grooves.

The installation of a removable retainer begins with the removal of the plaster cast of the jaw, on which the plate is made. At this time, the patient is advised to do a tooth brushing and a complete diagnosis of oral health.

For the first time, a doctor puts a finished design on a patient a few days after taking a cast. If the plate is installed correctly, but it causes great discomfort, an adjustment is made to its shape and size. Sometimes, several similar fittings are required to give the design a perfect shape.

Photo: retainer installed after braces

How much do retainers need to wear after braces

Several factors influence how much retainers should be after braces:

• Duration of wearing the orthodontic system.
• The age of the patient.
• The initial condition of the teeth.
• Enamel and gum condition.

Usually the retention period lasts 2 times longer than the main stage of orthodontic treatment. If the wearing of braces lasted 1 year, the retainer, after removing them, is placed for a minimum of 2 years. Most often, a fixed structure is installed for a similar period, and after it is recommended to wear a removable, but exclusively at night.

If orthodontic treatment is carried out before the age of 18, then you do not need to wear a plate or an arch for such a long time. In childhood, the teeth straighten much faster.

If tooth extraction was carried out before installing the retainers, then the period of wearing the structure increases. In this case, the risk that the dentition begins to bend is much higher, so it is better to play it safe.

It should be understood that the condition of the teeth and gums also affects the wearing of the retainers after braces. If the patient experiences severe discomfort or pain, the period may be reduced. Although, even in this case, the orthodontist will look for a more optimal way to solve the problem, since it is impossible to not wear the fixing structure at all.

How to care for your teeth when wearing a retainer

In the presence of retainers on the teeth, oral care is somewhat complicated. But for those who wore braces before installing the fixing structure, it will be easy to adhere to some rules:

• Teeth should be cleaned, as usual, 2 times a day. Better after every meal. Rinse aid and dental floss should be used.
• When wearing the plate, you need to brush it with a toothbrush 2 times a day. Caution should be exercised, since fragile fragments of the orthodontic system can break or fall off from excessive friction and pressure. It is not worth gluing them yourself, it is better to consult a dentist.
• When wearing a fixed arc, it is better to use a brush with soft bristles.When cleaning the structure, make sure that it does not come off.
• Every 5-6 months you need to undergo professional brushing, regardless of the type of retainer.
• The removable system is removed from the oral cavity before each meal.
• Before putting on the structure, rinse it. It is advisable to use boiled or purified water.
• As soon as a person has removed the plate, he must place it in a special container.
• At least once a week, the retainer is lowered into a disinfectant solution. To do this, disinfectants for dentures are used, which can be bought at each pharmacy.
• If the orthodontic system has fallen off or broken, you should immediately contact the orthodontist. Both the arc and the latch can be glued again.
• With aching toothache, you should immediately visit a dentist.

How much does the manufacture and installation of a retainer cost?

Typically, prices for orthodontic constructions and their installation are included in the total cost of the course on straightening teeth and correcting the occlusion. If this is not so, be prepared to pay more than 6 thousand rubles for a fixed retainer. In private dentistry clinics, prices for such products can reach 10 thousand rubles.

Removable retainers are cheaper. On average, they cost 2-3 thousand rubles. But it should be understood that the service life of the plate is somewhat shorter, moreover, it is easy to damage or even lose it. In this case, it will need to be replaced, which will result in additional costs.

You need to understand that wearing braces is not enough to get a perfect smile, the result should be fixed with the help of a retainer. Be patient and go through all the stages of orthodontic treatment from beginning to end.