Retainer Treatment After Braces Ensures Successful Orthodontic Treatment!
Orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth lasts an average of two years. Even if the apparent treatment ends after two years, treatment must continue. The period following orthodontic treatment is called retainer treatment.
Retainer treatment is essential to prevent teeth from returning to their pre-treatment positions. So, what is retainer treatment? Why is retainer treatment necessary after braces? You can find the answers to these questions in our article.
Preventing Re-Distortion of Teeth Is Possible with Retainer Treatment After Braces!
Due to genetic factors, teeth will tend to return to their pre-treatment positions. Preventing teeth from moving back to their previous positions is possible with retainer treatment after braces. Retainer treatment does not apply any force to the teeth. Retainers hold the teeth in place, preventing movement. Retainers will also not affect your appearance. The most preferred retainers today are the Hawley removable retainer, the clear aligner retainer, and the fixed retainer.
Hawley Removable Retainer: The Hawley removable retainer is also commonly known as a palatal retainer. It is custom-made according to the patient's measurements. Usually made for the upper jaw, the Hawley removable retainer can be inserted and removed by the patient. It is not visible in the mouth. The patient may experience minor difficulties speaking in the first few days of use, but speech will return to normal after a few days of adaptation. If the patient frequently removes the Hawley removable retainer, the risk of tooth deterioration increases.
Essix Clear Aligner Retainer: Using clear aligners after braces is one of the retention treatment methods. The clear aligner is custom-made according to the patient's mouth size. The clear aligner, which can be inserted and removed by the patient, will not prevent tooth movement if not used as recommended by the dentist. Clear aligner retainers offer an aesthetic advantage because they are unnoticeable.
Fixed Retainer: A fixed retainer is a fixed brace that is bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth, usually from molar to molar. Because it is bonded to the tooth, it cannot be removed by the patient. This ensures complete prevention of tooth movement. Because the fixed retainer is located on the inside of the tooth, it is not visible from the outside. Therefore, it will not be aesthetically disturbing to the patient. Fixed retainers will not affect the patient's speech.
The length of the post-brace retention treatment will vary from patient to patient. The retainer used and the patient's compliance with the instructions for use are other factors that affect the duration of the treatment.
Removable Retainers Should Be Used Regularly!
Retainer treatment after braces is crucial for the successful completion of orthodontic treatment. The first 6 months after braces are particularly risky. Removable retainers should be used regularly according to your doctor's advice. Failure to use removable retainers regularly can cause teeth to deteriorate again. Both fixed and removable retainers pose no threat to oral health as long as they are cleaned regularly. Retainer treatment after braces will prevent teeth from returning to their pre-treatment positions due to genetic factors.


















































































