No matter what method of braces treatment is used, if you want to keep your teeth beautifully stable on the jaw, without shifting back to their old position. What is needed is to wear the retainer after removing orthodontic appliances. However, what types of retainers are there after braces? What are the advantages and disadvantages for each type? The information in this article will help you understand the types of retainers after braces.
Learn the types of retainers after braces
Braces is a technique that applies force to teeth through a system of brackets and wires to move teeth to the correct position on the jaw. The purpose is to adjust the bite and aesthetics in the most effective way. Normally you need from 1.5 to 2 years, depending on the condition of your teeth. After finishing orthodontics, you need to use retainers after braces to help keep your teeth from moving back to their old position.
Currently, in dentistry there will be 2 types of retainers: fixed jaws and removable jaws. Depending on each person’s needs and preferences, you can choose to use the appropriate type.
Removable retainer made of transparent plastic
If you have ever applied the technique of teeth whitening at home, you will see that the design of the transparent plastic removable retainer is similar to whitening trays. This type of braces retainer is made from transparent plastic and is crafted based on each person’s jaw impression.
Advantages
- Removable retainer made from transparent plastic material has the ability to hug the tooth crown and ensure correct measurements of the jaw, helping to effectively retain teeth.
- Patients can wear the retainer for 24 hours without feeling uncomfortable, achieving high aesthetics and ease of cleaning and eating.
Disadvantages
With different types The retainer after braces can be removed and installed by the user, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. If they forget to wear a retainer, it will likely affect the results after orthodontics.
Removable retainer made from metal
This type of removable retainer is made of metal wire, which the doctor attaches to an acrylic mold located on the roof of the mouth or under the patient’s tongue after braces.
Advantages
- With high fixation ability, the jaw’s structure and metal wire always ensure stability and bring high efficiency.
- The retainer is highly durable, users can use it for a long time and do not need to replace a new one.
- Easy to remove and install, you will be able to control the time you wear your jaw, without worrying about aesthetic effects.
- Dental care process is made easier.
Disadvantages
Besides the highlights, metal removable retainers also have a few disadvantages small:
- At the first time of use, users will find it quite cumbersome and uncomfortable.
- Some cases also cause irritation in the oral cavity environment.
- When cleaning your teeth, you must pay attention to doing so carefully so as not to affect your health.
- Because the removable metal retainer has obvious holes in the teeth. Therefore, it does not ensure good aesthetics like transparent jaws. At the same time, users should only use it at night, so the time to stabilize teeth is longer than other types of jaws.
Fixed metal retainer
The fixed retainer is made with a steel wire of many sizes and shapes such as straight or twisted and is fixed to the inside of the front teeth, with Composite material. With this type of retainer, users cannot arbitrarily remove it and only a doctor can do it.
Advantages
Supports to keep teeth fixed and from running On the other hand, retainers are also very useful in cases where braces require tooth extraction.
Disadvantages
Because this type of retainer is attached with Composite, it can sometimes still come off. At this time, you need to see a doctor to reattach it. On the other hand, while eating or cleaning your teeth, you also need to know how to clean properly to avoid affecting the lips and gums in the oral cavity.
Time needed to apply a retainer maintain
No matter which orthodontic braces method you use, you still need to use retainers after braces. According to the doctor, the time needed to wear a retainer is in the first 3 to 6 months, wearing the retainer continuously for 12 to 20 hours a day. This recommendation is made based on a number of factors such as tooth misalignment, age (adults will need to wear it longer than children) to complete the treatment period.
For the next 6 months, you only need to wear the retainer after braces every night. Once you have worn the retainer continuously for 12 months, the doctor will recommend using it 3 to 4 days a week, mainly at night when sleeping.
At My Auris dentistry, after removing braces, you still have to see the doctor regularly for monitoring. At this time, the period of wearing a retainer is the period when the orthodontist will be accurately diagnosed by the doctor, to ensure that the teeth are in a stable position and will not move back to their old position.
Notes when wearing different types of retainers after braces
Retainers after braces need to be worn according to instructions from a specialist. At the same time, you need to note the following key points:
Clean your teeth regularly according to instructions and properly
Oral hygiene is always an important issue for you to have beautiful, healthy teeth. Therefore, whether you are wearing braces or wearing a retainer, you should maintain clean oral hygiene habits.
In the early days, when wearing a retainer, you will sometimes feel quite uncomfortable and need to pay attention to hygiene:
- Fixed retainer: Use dental floss and water flosser to clean plaque in the oral cavity. Limit tooth decay, periodontitis,…
- Removable retainer: Use soft bristle brushes to gently clean the removable retainer. On the other hand, if using plastic removable dentures, avoid using hot water or detergent solutions to clean the tray. The process needs to be gentle so as not to damage or break the tray.
Eating and drinking while wearing the retainer
- In the early days when you are not used to the retainer, you should eat soft, liquid foods such as soup, porridge, and smoothies to ensure your body is provided with enough nutrition.
- Limit and avoid eating hard, chewy foods that affect your teeth, as well as causing them to shift back to their original position.
Wearing time jaw
As mentioned above, you need to wear the jaw for the time prescribed by your doctor. Wear it correctly and sufficiently, avoid forgetting to wear it to stabilize your teeth and avoid unwanted diseases and defects in the future.
Hopefully after this article you will understand better about the types of retainers after braces. Depending on each person’s condition and needs, you can choose the most suitable type of retainer after braces. On the other hand, with a visit to Dr. My Auris, orthodontics and braces will become a breeze. The team of doctors here will fully support you, provide appropriate treatment techniques and bring expected results.
Yen Nhi
