What is included in the retention period
The orthodontist selects the type of retaining device for a specific situation - a permanent retainer, a mouth guard, a plate or a combination of them, and determines the wearing mode. Then there are follow-up examinations every 6 months: the doctor checks the integrity of the retainer, the position of the teeth and closure. At the first signs of displacement, the device is corrected - at an early stage this can be resolved quickly, while an advanced relapse requires re-treatment.
Why retention is mandatory
After the braces are removed, the teeth tend to return to their previous position: the ligaments and bone tissue around them have not yet completely rebuilt. This process is called relapse, and without restraint devices it develops in most patients.
The retention period is not a formality, but a full-fledged part of orthodontic treatment. Its duration is usually no less than the period of wearing braces, and a retainer is often left on the lower incisors for many years.
Types of retention devices
- non-removable retainer - a thin wire glued to the inside of the teeth, works around the clock
- removable transparent mouthguard - put on at night, invisible and easy to remove
- removable plate with a plastic base - holds both the teeth and the shape of the dental arch
How to care
Plaque easily accumulates around a non-removable retainer, so you need dental floss with a guide, brushes or an irrigator, and professional hygiene every six months. Removable devices are cleaned with a brush and stored in a container - hot water will deform them.