How does the withdrawal work?
Using special forceps, the bracket is separated from the enamel - this is painless, only pressure is felt. Then the remaining adhesive is carefully removed with burs and the surface of each tooth is polished. This stage cannot be skipped: rough glue quickly collects plaque and pigment. At the same visit, an impression is made and a retainer is installed, because the teeth begin to shift in the first days after the removal of the equipment.
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.