Relationship Between Retention and Retainers
Before committing to orthodontic treatment, it is important to understand that you are also committing to wearing retainers to hold the final result. As we age, the position of our lips, cheeks, tongue and soft tissues can change. The soft tissues determine the position of our teeth which therefore also changes with time.
Our teeth also have a tendency to move back to their old crooked position because of the fibres in our gums. Once orthodontic treatment is complete, the retention phase is important to hold your result.
Retainers should be worn as instructed by your orthodontist. Otherwise, another round of orthodontic treatment could be necessary.
Types of Retainers
There are two types of orthodontic retainers: fixed and removable.
- Removable retainers can be taken off to eat or brush your teeth.
- Fixed retainers are permanently glued to your teeth and should only be removed by your orthodontist.
The following are some of the more common retainers in use:
Hawley retainers consist of a plastic base that conforms to the shape of your mouth. This is connected to a wire that wraps around your teeth, keeping them in place.
Essix retainers are made of clear plastic. Some patients prefer Essix retainers because most people cannot tell you’re wearing one, but they don’t have the life span of Hawley retainers.
This is a customized wire that is bonded to the back of your teeth with a composite material. It should remain on your teeth for many years and should only be removed by an orthodontist. This fixed wire will protect your teeth as you get older.