Unfortunately, the process of teeth straightening and occlusion correction does not end when the braces are removed.
To consolidate the result obtained, so that the teeth remain the same even and beautiful, it is required to wear specially designed orthodontic appliances, retainers.
Retainers are an orthodontic construction that used in dentistry to consolidate the result after aligning the teeth with braces.
Why are they put on?
The course of orthodontic treatment, the purpose of which was to correct the occlusion or to straighten the teeth, includes the wearing of braces and then retainers. The moment the braces are removed, a new stage begins, the retention period. In it, it is extremely important to fix the teeth in correct position, this is how the achieved therapeutic effect is fixed.
This is due to the fact that there is a change in state bone tissue, muscles and ligaments, so there is a high probability that the teeth will begin a new movement, but in the wrong direction. Muscles and ligaments are able to quickly stretch and change the principle of work, it's only a matter of training. Bone tissue takes much longer to form.
The installation of retainers allows you to fix the teeth in the desired position until a new layer of bone tissue forms around them.
The need to install retainers is due to several reasons:
- consolidation of the result of bite correction;
- elimination of the problem of tooth displacement;
- preventing the appearance of gaps between the teeth;
- exclusion of the possibility of returning teeth to their original state.
Types of retainers
There are two main types of orthodontic retainers that differ from each other. appearance, purpose, shape, as well as the way of wearing:
- non-removable, which are installed on the jaw like braces and cannot be removed during treatment;
- removable, which look like transparent plates, similar to those worn by children for bite correction.
Non-removable The retainer is a metal arc made of twisted wire. The arch is attached with a composite material on the inside of the teeth.
After removing the bracket system, the retainer is placed in the front of each jaw, from one canine to the next. This design does not cause any unpleasant sensations, since the size of the arch is much smaller than in braces.
Removable Retainer is a transparent mouthguard with recesses for teeth, which is made of biopolymer. Some mouth guards are also equipped with a bow. They are used for both temporary and permanent treatment.
How is it installed?
The installation location is not randomly selected. First, the doctor will analyze the effect of orthodontic treatment, and then determine the optimal position of the teeth in which they need to be fixed.
Removable structures are installed if teeth were removed during the treatment. They will reliably keep the position of the teeth and will not allow them to shift towards the removed ones. The installation of removable retainers is not difficult, they are simply put on the desired jaw or both at once.
In that case, if the treatment did not go without removal, or the wisdom teeth were removed, the doctor will choose non-removable structures. is not taken into account, since their absence does not affect the bite and position of other teeth.
Before direct installation of fixed retainers, the oral cavity is carefully prepared. To do this, the dentist examines the presence or absence of teeth requiring treatment, removes plaque, processes the enamel with special materials.
In some cases, two types of retainers are used. A fixed arch can be installed on one jaw, and a mouthguard on the other. The devices are not visible due to the fact that they are installed on the inside of the teeth.
How long should you wear retainers?
Children retainers have been worn as long as they have been wearing braces.
For adolescents this period increases and on average ranges from 2 to 5 years.
With adults it is more difficult for people, in some cases it is allowed to wear retainers throughout their lives. This period is determined by the individual characteristics of the oral cavity.
The older the person and the more difficult the bite situation, the longer it will take to wear fixing structures.
Care features
Fixed designs require the same care as when wearing braces, that is, thorough cleaning of the teeth from the outside and inside. Particular attention should be paid to monitoring the external state of the retainer: to check its integrity, to evaluate the changes that occur with it when worn, and also to contact the dentist in time in cases when its fasteners come off.
Removable it is enough to rinse the trays with cool water, and also periodically wipe them. If the mouthguard is used at night, then in the morning you can wipe it with a 0.05 percent chlorhexidine solution. Under no circumstances should aggressive solutions such as hydrogen peroxide be used.
Retainers should be removed before eating and before brushing or flossing.
In order not to lose the retainer, you can purchase a special case for it. It is convenient to use when you are dining out in public places, restaurants and cafes, as well as at work.
Reviews
Julia:“I wore braces for 12 months, removal of the system and installation of retainers took about an hour, there were no unpleasant sensations. First, the teeth were sanded and covered with a special varnish. At first, the retainers got in the way, but over time I got used to them and hardly notice. "
Anya:“I went with braces for a year, then 5 years with retainers, and took them off completely for 3 years. The teeth are still even, they have not scattered anywhere. "
Alina:“Retainers are not braces, they are not visible at all, and over time they cease to interfere. Therefore, I see no problem to wear them at least all my life. "
Prices
An orthodontist and a dental technician are involved in the production of fixed retainers, in this regard, the corresponding cost of services is established. The cost of one plate is from 5000 rubles, depending on the clinic. The cost of the mouth guard is from 4000 rubles.
In general, the cost of an orthodontist's work consists of removing braces, polishing teeth and installing retainers, you should be guided by an amount of 6,000 rubles or more.
In some clinics, they can offer the service of inconspicuous splinting with silicone, which is more convenient, since it excludes the possibility of damaging the tongue with a wire. But, if you lay a wire retainer, then the cost of fixation for one tooth will be 500 rubles, and with silicone - 1000 rubles.
Questions and answers
What if the retainer gets in the way?
If the inconvenience arose in the first or second week after the installation of the structure, then this is nothing terrible and unusual. Getting used to a new object in the mouth can take several weeks and no action is required.
If the discomfort continues for a longer time, or occurs during prolonged wearing of retainers, then it is quite possible that the structure is damaged. In this case, you need to contact an orthodontist.
What to do, if ? Reasons and folk ways From what appear, and how to treat them correctly? Diet, medications and folk remedies, as well as the peculiarities of treatment in children.
How often do you need to see a doctor while wearing a retainer?
To assess the condition of the structure and monitor the effectiveness of its use, it is necessary to visit an orthodontist once every six months. But, if there are complaints or unpleasant symptoms have appeared, then you can deviate from this rule.
What if the retainer comes loose?
This happens infrequently, but due to the fact that the wire is small in size, therefore it is fixed somewhat worse than the bracket system. You should not postpone the visit to the orthodontist to glue the structure.
If there is a removable retainer or mouthguard, then it is worth wearing it for some time in order to exclude the displacement of the dentition.
Outcome
So, a beautiful smile and beautiful teeth require certain sacrifices, including material ones. Orthodontic treatment guarantees the greatest effect only in childhood.
In order to straighten teeth or correct a bite, an adult needs to control this process throughout his life. To do this, you will first need to install braces and then retainers.
A the total cost of treatment can range from 30,000 rubles to 300,000 rubles., depending on the type of braces and retainers, including a visit and consultation with an orthodontist.
Video: indirect retainer fixation
When the braces are removed, the teeth and surrounding tissues tend to return to their usual position. To avoid this, retainers were invented - they fix the effect of the braces on the bite.
How do retainers work?
They do not allow the teeth to "part" again, keeping them in the correct position. Compared to braces, these are lighter devices that you first wear around the clock, and then less and less, which allows your teeth and jaw to gradually "get used" to the new bite and fix it.
How many to wear?
In most cases, you can focus on the period of wearing braces: it will take about 2 times more for the fixing period (approximately 3-6 years).
There are also exceptions. Some people who decide to correct their bite after 25-30 years old will have to wear them for life.
Gradually weaning from retainers:
- In the beginning, you wear it all the time.
- Then you put it on only for the night.
- Then through the night, etc., until the results of the treatment are fully consolidated.
In any case, you should not give up retention structures ahead of time, so that all the years of wearing braces are not wasted.
Types of retainers after braces
Removable retainers - it's simple
This is a transparent mouthguard made of polymer materials, or a plastic plate with metal arcs, which you can easily take off and put on yourself. It is very easy to take care of her and her oral cavity.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- prolonged addiction (at first, there is abundant salivation, speech disorders, periodontal irritation);
- possible allergy to plastic;
- unaesthetic appearance.
Removable tooth retainers
Advantages and disadvantages of fixed devices
Outwardly, they resemble lingual braces. It is a metal arch that is attached to the inside of the teeth using composite materials.
The non-removable type has two significant advantages:
- it is easy and quick to get used to the wire retainer,
- the device is invisible to others.
Of the minuses, we note the higher cost compared to removable ones, the need for careful and careful oral hygiene, as well as constant monitoring by the dentist.
How is the installation and removal of the retainer going?
You can remove the plate or mouthguard and put it on yourself, the dentist will comment and show it only once.
Installation steps for fixed retainers:
- preparation of the oral cavity (plaque removal, caries treatment, enamel mineralization);
- taking an impression of the jaw and making a retention apparatus in accordance with it;
- fixing the finished tire-wire with composite materials.
The retainer can only be removed at the dentist's office. Usually it is cut with a bur. It is painless and harmless. After the procedure, refrain from hot or too cold food, sour and hard (nuts, crackers, etc.).
Which is better: mouthguards or retainers?
The best option is chosen by the attending physician, taking into account the malocclusion, the course of preliminary orthodontic therapy and individual characteristics.
The dentist may advise you to put on a removable structure on one jaw, and a fixed one on the other. Or, initially, an arc of metal wire is placed, and after a while it is replaced by a kappa or a plate for periodic wearing. So it will be more convenient for you, and the effectiveness of the retention period will be higher.
Frequently asked questions about wearing retainers
How to brush your teeth with a fixed retainer?
To avoid plaque and tooth decay:
- Use dental floss and an irrigator.
- Have you eaten? - Rinse your mouth, preferably with a fluoride liquid.
- Don't forget about professional dental cleaning in the dentist's chair.
How do I care for a removable retainer?
- take it off before eating and store it in the orthodontic box;
- place in a special solution for disinfection twice a day;
- rinse with water before putting on.
What if the retainer breaks or comes off?
See your orthodontist.
Sometimes a third party who is unfamiliar with your treatment plan can be harmful.
The detached part is fixed with a composite. In the event of a breakdown, if it is insignificant, it is not necessary to completely change the retainer. During the repair, the patient wears a splint or plate.
Can MRI be done?
Yes, you can. The presence of a retainer in the oral cavity will not affect the test results in any way. However, it is still worth warning a specialist about it.
Removable retainers care
The price of the issue
As a rule, retainers, their installation and removal, as well as supervision by a specialist are included in the cost of the entire course of treatment with braces. It is profitable and convenient.
If these services are paid separately, then the prices are on average as follows:
- a non-removable retainer will cost from 6,000 rubles. (one jaw),
- removable - from 2,000 rubles,
- fixation costs on average 3,000 rubles.
A prerequisite for successful bite correction is the implementation of the recommendations of the orthodontist. Choose the best orthodontists with our service!
Orthodontic treatment is the correction of the bite and the alignment of the position of the teeth in the row. A lot of people have dental problems in this regard.
Most dentition anomalies can be corrected at almost any age. For this, special orthodontic constructions are used, including braces.
Most people have to wear braces for quite some time. By the time these structures are removed, a person gets used to them and to unpleasant, often even painful, sensations, and ceases to notice these inconveniences.
Despite this, the day of braces removal is usually looked forward to. However, patients are expected to be a little disappointed - the doctor informs that it is necessary to install one more structure - retainers.
Why are they needed and what is it?
Our teeth are held in the jawbone by a special bonding tissue, which, despite its important function, is very flexible. This is what makes orthodontic treatment possible. The braces are placed in such a way as to "drag" the tooth into the correct position.
Photo: retainers installed after braces
On the side from which the tooth is moved, new tissue grows. After removing the bracket system, it still does not have time to fully fix. Therefore, as soon as the restraining force disappears, the teeth tend to return again to the position in which they were originally.
It is to exclude the possibility of this return that special supporting structures, called retainers, are used.
Retainers (from English to retain) are special devices that are used to consolidate the result in orthodontic treatment. They keep their teeth in the position they took after wearing braces.... If they are not used, then all the result that has been achieved can simply be nullified.
The entire period during which the patient has to wear retainers is called restorative, since at this time the results already obtained are consolidated. The installation of retainers is a mandatory procedure, which in any case ends with bite correction. Only this allows you to have straight teeth in the future.
The retainer can look differently. It depends on the specific type of device. They are divided into two main types - fixed, intended for permanent wearing, and removable. At the discretion of a specialist, they can be combined.
Installation
Since retainers are also special orthodontic devices, it is worth talking about the very process of their installation on the teeth.
First of all, it should be noted that these structures are placed as soon as the braces themselves are removed... However, not at the same moment. The fact is that a specialist must necessarily conduct a thorough and complete examination of the oral cavity for the presence of any diseases or problems.
If something turns out to be out of order, for example, an initial stage of caries is found or any inflammatory process, then you need to first carry out therapeutic treatment.
The entire installation and fixation process is painless. Moreover, even wearing them is much more hassle-free than wearing braces. The patient will practically not feel their presence in the mouth. Perhaps only a little in the first few days.
After that, the entire finished structure is transferred to its place in the oral cavity. For transfer, use a special device - a key.
The following video shows a step-by-step process for installing a retainer in great detail and with explanations:
Fixed
This view is a rigid arch made of metal wire, which is attached to the inner surface of the dentition... To strengthen the structure, only the use of special composite materials is enough, and there is no need to apply grooves.
In the first few days, a slight change in diction, increased saliva production and slight discomfort in the area of some teeth are possible. These are completely normal phenomena that are observed in the bulk of patients. Their complete disappearance occurs in a maximum of a week.
Fixed retention devices have a huge advantage from an aesthetic point of view in that they are completely invisible from the outside. In addition, a constant effect is exerted on the teeth for a full day, which contributes to a more rapid establishment of the dentition. However, they require more careful care, respect and periodic visits to the dentist.
Removable
Such designs can be designed to be worn at night or throughout the day. They come in several varieties. Depending on this, different materials are used, for example, metal wire and plastic - arcs, plates, special transparent mouth guards.
Removable devices can be adapted for one or two jaws at once. The second option assumes only intermittent wearing, while the first one can be used for permanent wear.
The main advantage of removable structures is that it is easy with them, both to maintain personal hygiene and to take care of the device itself... However, having to remove them may result in breakage, loss, or damage of any kind. In any of these cases, you should order the manufacture of a new device.
How much to wear?
The time of wearing these designs is determined on a case-by-case basis. The point is that it depends on a large number factors - the force of movement of the teeth, the specific type of occlusion pathology, the time of wearing the braces themselves, and so on.
The average period is from one and a half to two time intervals of active therapy... In order to assess the fixation of the teeth, you will need to periodically visit your doctor. After inspection, he will be able to adjust the timing.
It should be noted that in some cases the wearing period can be much longer, and sometimes appointed for life... In part, this may also be due to the age of the patient himself, because the older the person is, the longer it will take, both the treatment and the consolidation of its result.
Hygiene and care
The measures taken to care for similar structures of different types are slightly different from each other.
Care of fixed retainers
- It is imperative to check the integrity and condition of the apparatus both visually and tactilely. Do this in front of a mirror in a well-lit room. The structure must be gently felt. If there is mobility in any area or there is no fixing material, you should immediately visit your orthodontist.
- If there is a complete peeling off, then the visit to the doctor cannot be postponed completely. Moreover, during the period until the device was re-installed, a special mouth guard should be worn.
- Do not use toothpicks or similar items in the area where the machine is installed.
- It is recommended to have a professional cleaning in the dental office twice a year.
Removable retainers care
Prices
How much does a retainer cost for patients after braces? It all depends on what kind of design will be made, as well as on the complexity of the entire structure.... You can also trace the partial dependence of the price on whether the clinic has its own dental workshop and its own specialists.
Also important, what kind of materials are used for manufacturing... Private dental clinics often have more expensive and modern materials available, such as silicone.
Fixation of the wire fixed structure in conventional regional dental clinics will cost for about 500 rubles for each tooth... However, in large centers that use the services of serious specialists, this amount can be higher. Indeed, for the manufacture of high-quality devices, a well-coordinated work of a technician and an orthodontist is required.
The average cost for all structures is about 4-5 thousand rubles. At the same time, the simplest designs can cost from 800 rubles, and the price of the most expensive ones can exceed 10 and even reach 15 thousand rubles.
Correction of teeth irregularities does not end with the removal of braces. This is followed by a fairly long rehabilitation period. Correction of bite and other irregularities is an extremely difficult process, therefore the results must be consolidated, for this purpose retainers are used. So that the teeth do not begin to bend again, special designs are installed on them, replacing braces, they can be either schematic or non-removable.
Orthodontic retainer
Many patients are dismissive of such designs and refuse to wear them, but dentists are of the opinion that they are necessary. How long do you need to wear retainers after braces, what are their functions, can you do without them? To understand the principle of operation of the devices, you need to have an idea of the very process of correcting the irregularities of the teeth and its laws.
- It is necessary to wear braces for a long time, because they contribute to the rebuilding of bone tissue. How long it will take for this, only a doctor can say according to a specific clinical picture.
But these data are only indicative, it will be possible to more accurately determine the wearing period only after the braces are installed and their effect on the situation is taken into account.
But this process, in any case, is long, the tissue near the teeth and ligaments are rebuilt in at least a year.
- Bone tissue tends to return to its original place.
- The main function of retainers is to make the teeth stay in the correct position so that the tissues have time to get used to it.
The retainer is a special orthodontic construction. Not all patients can say for sure what they are putting on after removing the braces. Meanwhile, these devices are highly recommended by dentists to install them. It is not necessary to know a special term, retainers are placed after braces and these devices have been used for a long time, their effectiveness has been proven. Now they can be both removable and non-removable, the doctor recommends specific designs and takes into account the opinion of the patient himself, which type of apparatus seems most convenient to him. It should also be borne in mind that in adults, the position of the tissue and the structure of the bones have already been formed.
Not only is it required to wear braces longer, adults must wear retainers without fail, otherwise the entire expensive correction process may become completely useless.
Doctors additionally remind the patient of this. So, what are tooth retainers, their varieties are also named, but which devices are more convenient, what are the advantages of each type?
What are they
It is compulsory for adults to wear retainers
Tooth retainers can be permanent, that is, non-removable, and removable. Only a specialist can determine which type is most effective in each specific case.
What are the advantages of each type, what is the approximate cost of the structures? If prostheses are used on both the lower and upper jaw, then one of them can be equipped with devices that can be removed, and the other - permanent plates. In addition, the use of designs is often interleaved. In this case, the retention period will consist of two stages. First, the doctor will install the wire device, then a permanent structure will be applied. The cost, therefore, varies depending on the period of use and installation., and in each case it is different. The patient can consult with the doctor on how to build the retention period in such a way that both the duration of wearing is optimal, and the cost of the whole procedure is acceptable, as economical as possible.
The types of retainers have their own advantages.
Before installing both varieties, the patient undergoes a special procedure, the oral cavity is sanitized, and the impressions are taken. When manufacturing, the structural features of the jaw apparatus are taken into account.
The type of retainers after braces is easy to determine from the photo, you can imagine their features, but what kind of constructions to use is finally decided by the doctor.
Terms of wearing
There are no fixed periods for the use of such devices. Each case and patient is unique. Even having fully explored the entire clinical picture, the doctor will not be able to determine in advance the wearing period accurately enough. The body can react in different ways to foreign objects. Even in one patient in different situations, the retention period can be different in duration.
You can determine the approximate term of use by the following parameters.
- The age of the patient (in adults, this period will be longer, the ligaments and tissues are no longer so malleable).
- The complexity of a specific case of intervention.
- Features of the body, osteo-jaw mechanism of each patient. If the force of movement of the teeth is strong enough, it may take a significant amount of time to get used to the new position.
- Number of dentures delivered.
- Features of treatment, the duration of wearing the braces themselves.
Usually, the duration of the retention period is twice as long as the braces are worn.
Usually, the duration of the retention period is twice as long as the braces are worn. But it happens that retainers take off faster. In some cases, for elderly patients, dentists recommend lifelong use of these structures.
Combining different types of retainers is a common practice. Older patients need to be prepared for the dentist's recommendation to wear retainers at all times. Some specialists allow children not to wear such devices at all, if the case is not too difficult.
Care and rules of use
If the patient does not know what to wear after braces, this does not mean that he has abandoned the retention period. Not everyone can remember a particular term. It is much more important that the person who seeks help from the dentist takes proper care of these devices.
You cannot remove the retainers without the permission of a specialist. Failure to use them can lead to negative results when all efforts are nullified. If you are allergic to the devices, they are not convenient to use, you should consult your doctor. He will select the desired design, advise on how to use it. But you should not neglect wearing it. If a decision is made to correct the bite, uneven teeth, it is impossible to stop in the middle of the path, this can lead to serious consequences.
Braces are a salvation for those who are dissatisfied with the state of their smile. With this system, it is possible to align the dentition, although this process is slow and can take years. Those who have never experienced the procedure do not suspect that after the braces the patient is placed with retainers - a "fixation" period begins.
What is a retainer and what is it for?
Orthodontic retainers are a special dental device designed to maintain the bite in the desired position. The highest quality and most efficiently installed bracket system may not bring the desired result, if you do not fix it additionally.
Braces alone are not enough to correct the bite. Its main task is to change the position of hard and soft tissues, ligaments, vessels adjacent directly to the tooth, and after its removal, the achieved result is maintained with the help of dental retainers. If this is not done, the positive effect of wearing braces will gradually fade away, teeth will eventually return to the position prepared for them by nature.
Types of structures and their differences
Retainers are installed immediately after the braces are removed. The doctor first examines the teeth for the formation of caries and other diseases that arise due to insufficient hygiene while wearing the system. Then the teeth are cleaned of plaque, tartar and covered with a special compound to increase adhesion to the attachment mechanism of orthodontic retainers.
Retainers are divided into two main types: for permanent and occasional wear. They differ depending on the time of wear, convenience, material of manufacture. You can see both types in detail in the photo, they have their own advantages and disadvantages, as well as supporters and opponents among dental specialists, so you need to talk about them in more detail.
Removable
Removable retainers are made of metal or plastic. They can only be worn at night or throughout the day, depending on the recommendation of your dentist. Retainers are single-jaw, which are installed either on the upper, or on lower jaw(they can be used for permanent or temporary wear) and two-jaw (for temporary use only). The device is made in the form of plates, thin arcs or transparent plastic caps.
The Hawley Removable Retainer for wearing after braces, invented at the beginning of the 20th century, is still the most popular version of the system. Made from plastic and stainless steel, it is comfortable to wear and easy to clean. Another common design is the Osamu retainer, which was first used in 1980 by Japanese specialists. Unlike Hawley's product, the device has two rows of plates for the best fixation of the dentition.
Sometimes dentists prescribe the wearing of trainers (we recommend reading: Teeth trainer and its varieties: T4K, T4A). These are special retention plates made of soft silicone, which not only help to consolidate the result after the bracket system, but also relieve the patient of bad habits that contribute to tooth decay: mouth breathing, improper swallowing, etc.
Fixed
Fixed retainers differ from removable ones in the way they are worn. Their installation on the inside of the teeth does not cause discomfort to a person. The design features make it difficult to carry out hygienic procedures, and also require periodic monitoring by the dentist. This is due to the fact that the plate can come off at any time and, if left unattended, will nullify all previous treatment.
A fixed retainer looks like a metal wire that is attached to the dentition with a special glue or key. Modern technologies make it possible to install the structure in such a way that no grooves remain on the teeth. Painful sensations the patient is absent throughout the entire period of wearing the device, and after their removal, the teeth do not hurt.
Advantages and disadvantages of retainers
Both types of records have a number of advantages and disadvantages, they should be mentioned. First, let's talk about non-removable systems, the advantages of which include:
- aesthetic component: the design is invisible to others;
- no need to constantly remind yourself to put on the retainer, it is always with you.
It is impossible not to say about the disadvantages of the non-removable variety:
Removable retainers also have a number of advantages, including:
- there are no difficulties with hygiene, you can brush your teeth in the usual way;
- there are no restrictions on food;
- the probability of damage to the structure is minimal.
There are also disadvantages, and these are:
- the risk of forgetting to install the retainer at night;
- psychological difficulties associated with wearing a device that is placed on the front of the jaw, however, it should be remembered that, in comparison with a bracket system, retainers are much less noticeable to an outside observer.
Installation process
The orthodontist installs retainers immediately after wearing the braces (we recommend reading: how braces are placed: does it hurt and how long does the procedure take?). After removing the braces, the doctor first examines the oral cavity for any diseases that have arisen during the period of wearing them. If caries or other ailments are found, they are first treated. After the therapy, it is necessary to carry out professional oral hygiene, and then cover the teeth with a special compound for better attachment.
In addition to the direct method of installing retainers, another one is used. For it, an impression of the patient's jaw is preliminarily made, a wire is attached to it, and then a retention arc is installed on the jaw and mounted using a key. The procedure is completely painless, and while wearing it, there are no unpleasant sensations.
How long to wear and how are they removed?
The period of wearing fixed retainers is determined by the orthodontist for each patient individually. It is impossible to immediately answer how long it will take, but usually it is calculated as the period of wearing the braces, multiplied by two.
In some cases, plates will have to be worn all their lives, it depends on a combination of factors: the degree of jaw deformation, the patient's age, the absence of one or more teeth in the dentition, etc. Wearing removable braces at the end of treatment should not be stopped abruptly, gradual weaning is recommended: first, switch to night wear only, then use it every other night, etc.
Can I film at home?
Removal of the system is contraindicated at home, only an experienced specialist in conditions dental clinic can carry out this procedure quickly and safely. True, some patients believe that since the retention plate is installed only on the surface of the teeth, it will not be difficult to remove it at home.
We are obliged to warn that self-removal of orthodontic plates without special dental instruments and sufficient experience can lead to damage to the gums, teeth and oral mucosa, in addition, there is a risk of nullifying the entire procedure for aligning the bite. In addition, the patient is not able to independently determine whether the time has come to remove the device, or whether the treatment period should be extended. In the case of early removal of retainers, the teeth may eventually return to the position in which they were before the installation of the bracket system, which means that the entire lengthy and expensive treatment procedure was not successful.
What if the retainer comes loose?
Before installing the retainer, the doctor applies a special compound to the teeth that increases the adhesion of the material to the surface, however, cases when the structure comes off, still happen. Most often, this happens where there are fillings in the teeth, or the jaw was not properly processed before installation. Peeling can occur due to contact with solid food. What to do in this case?
The main thing not to do is to ignore the problem. Even if the retainer comes off or breaks only on one tooth, you should immediately contact a specialist. If you react in time, the situation does not pose a danger to the condition of the teeth, and if you let everything take its course, the dentition can "creep".
Of course, you do not need to run to the doctor on duty in the middle of the night if you have a problem, but be sure to visit the dentist within 2-3 days. An experienced technician will fix the problem in minutes.
Care features
Oral hygiene while wearing non-removable retainers is much easier than maintaining a bracket system. You don't have to have a bunch of cleaning tools, you just need to learn a number of simple rules:
- teeth with the plate installed can be cleaned with an ordinary toothbrush with paste, you just need to make gentle movements so as not to violate the integrity of the structure;
- removable devices must be washed every day using soap or a special cleaning agent;
- if you opted for a non-removable structure, you must use dental floss to clean the interdental space;
- removable systems must be removed before eating;
- rinse your mouth with fluoride twice a day.
If you ignore these simple rules, you can allow the beginning inflammatory disease, the treatment of which will take a long time and will require material costs. Remember, prevention is the best defense against such troubles.