© Copyright 2015, Allen G. Davis, DDS, MS, All Rights Reserved
Retainers
About Retainers
A retainer is a custom-made orthodontic appliances designed to
"retain" or hold the position of your teeth. Once your braces come off,
your teeth need to settle into the jawbone and soft tissue that hold
them in place. Made of wire and plastic or solid plastic, your custom-
made retainer will keep your teeth from shifting and protect your
investment in orthodontics!
As you age, your teeth tend to shift. Your retainer will also help
control this naturally occurring, age-related shifting. Wearing your
retainer exactly as instructed is the best insurance that your
orthodontic treatment results last a lifetime.
Are Retainers Comfortable?
When you wear your retainers, certain teeth may feel pressure and
might even feel sore once in a while. If you experience this temporary
discomfort, don't worry — it's completely normal. The more your
wear it, the more comfortable it will be.
How Long Should Retainers be Worn?
Dr. Davis monitors patients wearing retainers for approximately one
year. During that time he will advise about full-time or part-time
wear, monitor stability of the teeth, as well as monitor growth and
development of wisdom teeth, if appropriate. After one year, wearing
your retainers just at night while you sleep is a good practice.
Types of Retainers
•
Hawley Retainers
The most common type of retainer, Hawley retainers have a
design that consists of wires and clasps embedded in a relatively
thick plastic body that covers over the roof of the your mouth or
lies along the tongue side of your lower teeth. The clasps grasp
selected teeth so the retainer is anchored securely. The retaining
"bow" wire arches across the front side of the your teeth and
holds and maintains their alignment.
•
Clear Retainers
These retainers are clear plastic vacuum-formed appliances that
are made by taking a cast of your teeth. They are less noticeable
and more comfortable than Hawley retainers.
•
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers are also referred to as "bonded" or "permanent"
retainers. And, as each of these names suggest, these types of
appliances are attached (bonded) directly to the backsides of the
front teeth (3 teeth left of center and 3 right of center). Fixed
retainers do not touch or hold the back teeth because it's not
possible to have a wire go round the entire mouth. Thus, the
back teeth may move over time. Because of the increased
potential for cavities and gum problems, these retainers have
become less popular with dental professionals.
Allen G. Davis, DDS, MS
Board Certified Orthodontist
(760) 781-1086