The role of the retainer (night brace) is to prevent displacement and stabilize the teeth after removing the braces and finishing the teeth straightening process.
It may be a fixed device (the iron wire that we glued to your teeth from the inside) or a mobile one (a retainer brace) and it is performed during the same appointment when the braces are removed or before.
Immediately after the removal of the orthodontic device, the teeth are in an unstable position and all patients must wear a fixed or mobile restraint device.
What are the causes of tooth instability?
- The gums around the teeth and the gum ligaments that hold the teeth in the bone are affected by teeth movement, are compressed or elongated. It takes time to organize and reshape according to the new position of the teeth. Some of the gum fibers that have been compressed regenerate very slowly and can cause the tooth to move back and even dislodge the tooth even after a year after the end of the orthodontic treatment.
- The pressures exerted on the teeth by the soft parts: the tongue, lips and cheeks can also cause the teeth to shift.
- The growth of the maxillary bone that changes the position of the teeth. Maxillary bone growth lasts up to 20 years, especially in boys. Some orthodontic problems related to the position and volume of the jawbones can cause the teeth to shift.
An acrylic brace – retainer must be used by all patients who received regular orthodontic treatment!
How long should a retainer brace be worn?
In order to prevent teeth shifting and maintain the results of orthodontic treatment, we recommend using a retainer brace as follows:
- Every day, for 24 hours, during the first 3-4 months after removing the braces.
A portable retainer (the clear acrylic mouth guard) is removed during meals and while brushing teeth. Other than that, it should be worn 24/7. - several hours during the day and throughout the night up to 12 months after the braces are removed.
- After one year, use at night only, for a period equal to the duration of the orthodontic treatment (two years, if the treatment lasts two years).
- And at the end the retainer is gradually removed, by wearing it every 2 nights, and then once a week.
- Potential changes in the position of the teeth should be checked. If they do not change position (the retainer is easily inserted and pressure is not felt) it can be canceled.
Some patients require a retainer brace throughout their lives:
- Incisors tilted forward too much.
- Arches are overextended to prevent dislocations.
- Harmful habits that have not been given up (nail biting, objects between the teeth).
Attention:
If you did the retainer at a later stage, it has been some time since you finished the orthodontic treatment and you feel that the teeth are stable or if the purpose of the brace is to protect the teeth from erosion or the veneers from falling, in these situations the brace can be used only at night.
Do you have any further questions?
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