Retainers after braces: why they are needed and how to save results

Removing braces — a moment that has been awaited for months. The teeth have become smoother, the smile has changed, and it seems that the treatment is finally over. But the orthodontist will almost certainly talk about retailers. A logical question arises: why wear anything further if the braces have already done their job? Why teeth can become dislodged after treatment: The teeth are not held in immobile «cement», but in living tissues that respond to stress and change over time. After actively moving, they need time to adapt. Additionally, tooth position can change with age — even in people who have never worn braces. Therefore, after orthodontic treatment, a separate stage of maintaining the result is provided: retention. What is a retailer: Retainer — a device that helps keep teeth in position. It does not replace braces or aligners, but performs a different task: it maintains the result after active treatment. The doctor selects the retention scheme individually. Fixed retainer or kappa? A fixed retainer is usually a thin wire attached to the inside of certain teeth. It does not require daily wear, but careful hygiene is especially important around it. Removable retainer — for example, transparent kappa — is worn according to the schedule prescribed by the orthodontist. It needs to be cleaned regularly and remember to use it. Sometimes the doctor recommends a combination of two options. How long do you need to wear retainers: There is no single deadline for everyone. Retention often lasts for years, and in some cases the doctor recommends long-term or permanent use according to a certain regimen. This is not a sign of treatment failure: the retailer's task is to reduce the risk of re-displacement. You should not stop wearing it yourself, even if your teeth look straight. What to do if the retainer comes loose or the mouthguard becomes tight Do not try to glue the wire yourself and do not try to forcefully put on a mouth guard that has stopped fitting. Contact the orthodontist and arrange an examination. The sooner the doctor assesses the situation, the easier it is to understand whether the teeth have already moved and what to do next. How to care for a retailer: If the structure is not removable, clean the area around the wire especially carefully; The doctor will advise you on suitable hygiene products. Store the removable mouth guard in a case, clean according to the instructions and protect from high temperatures. Regular follow-up check-ups help to notice fixation and hygiene problems in time. What if the braces were removed many years ago? If you notice that your teeth are gradually changing position, you should not consider this a trifle or try to return them back with an old mouthguard without consultation. The orthodontist will assess the degree of displacement and suggest options. Sometimes it is enough to adjust retention, and sometimes separate treatment is required. How they treat it in «Triumph-Denta» In dentistry «Triumph-Denta» in St. Petersburg, it is important to discuss maintaining the result even before the end of orthodontic treatment. During a consultation with an orthodontist, you can clarify which retainers are suitable in your situation, how to care for them and when to come under control. Information about Renata Aleksandrovna Ivanova’s appointment and recordings can be found on the clinic’s website. Frequent questions If nothing hurts, can I refuse the retailer? Not having pain doesn't mean your teeth won't move. Is the retainer noticeable during a conversation? Fixed structures are usually located on the inside of the teeth, and transparent mouthguards are less noticeable, but the feel and appearance depend on the design. Can a retailer break down? Yes. If it is damaged, you need to contact an orthodontist. The main thing: Smooth teeth after braces — is not the final point, but the beginning of the stage of saving the result. Retainers help protect the time and effort invested in treatment. And it is better to choose the appropriate regimen together with an orthodontist.