After months or even years of wearing braces, the teeth are finally aligned.
To ensure your teeth remain in their new positions, it's crucial to wear a retainer.
Retainer -- It is a custom-made device typically made of plastic and metal, that fits over the teeth and in the mouth.
Patients undergone orthodontic treatment needs to wear a retainer.
Retainers prevent the treatment reversal.
Retainers function by applying gentle pressure to the teeth and jaw, helping to maintain the alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment. They keep the teeth from shifting back to their original positions and promote stability in the corrected bite.
By wearing the retainers, you can preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment over time.
Retainers must be worn immediately after braces are removed and for full time, typically for first one year.
Retainers should be removed while eating and before teeth brushing.
Retainers must be cleaned before and after use.
Fixed lingual retainers:
Removable Hawleys retainer:
Removable Essix retainer:
Conclusion:
After completion of orthodontic treatment, retainers are mandatory to prevent relapse.