Retainers are appliances that are given to patients post fixed orthodontic procedure. Retainers restrict movement of teeth to their earlier position,stabilize them in their new places till jawbone forms around their roots. They are usually suggested for 6-10 months after removal of fixed braces.
The types of retainers are:
Removable.
Fixed.
what are removable retainers?
Removable retainers are the most common type of retainers.
They are made of acrylic (plastic) plate and stainless steel wire.
They are custom prepared for each individual.
Removable retainers should be usually worn for at least 6-10 months.
These retainers hold the teeth in their new position.
What is a fixed retainer or bonded retainer?
Fixed retainer is used in cases where it is difficult to maintain the teeth in their new position as in the case of teeth with spacing or rotated teeth.They are active for 6-8 years in mouth
A fixed retainer is fixed on the inner surfaces of front teeth.
They neither affect speech nor food intake.
Fixed retainer is invisible to the world and hence is easily accepted by the patients.
