Retention, the Important Stabilization Phase after the Treatment of Misaligned Teeth!
Retention - Stabilization Phase
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Teeth can shift continuously and throughout life. When the treatment after a tooth misalignment is finished, the important stabilization period begins.
The term retainer is a generic term borrowed from English for a group of devices (retention devices) that are removable or fixed and help to stabilize the treatment result of misaligned teeth. The essential stabilization phase lasts 2-3 years. Oral straightening for life may also be necessary on a case-by-case basis.
Retention and the costs of retainers:
The costs for the initial production are included in the treatment fee!
Braces and Retention - why stabilization after treatment is so important!
What is a Retainers?
A fixed or removable “device” that is used to maintain and stabilize the optimized tooth and jaw position (after orthodontic treatment).
Stabilization, retention, is extremely important from a medical perspective. Here are a few good reasons and all the necessary details:
- Braces, aligners, or ceramic brackets move teeth from their original position to the optimized position. The teeth are not yet very solid in this position and have a high tendency to move again. Through these movement processes, bone lamellae are loosened again and connective tissue fibers are stretched.
- Anyone who does not rely on retention, i.e. stabilization of the treatment result, runs the risk that the misalignment will quickly return.
- Return to the old position and other undesirable changes after treatment are one of the main problems in orthodontics.
If no retention measures are used, not only the good function but also the aesthetic treatment result is lost. Patients suffer from a real one gearing. Therefore, at the end of every orthodontic treatment, the treatment result must be stabilized using a fixed retainer or removable splints. Retention – orthodontics – why is stabilization after a tooth misalignment so important?
Notice! At the end of every orthodontic treatment, the treatment result must be stabilized using fixed retainers or removable splints.
Retention with removable devices, Advantages and Disadvantages
The right selection of retainers to stabilize the treatment result.
The selection of the retention device always depends on the individual situation. The original misalignment of the teeth is a yardstick here.
Advantage of removable retention devices
- Easy to use.
- Removable. Easy to insert and remove independently.
Disadvantages of retention devices
- Compliance or inadequate wearing of the device during the day.
- The recommendation is always to use retention measures constantly, throughout your life. Unfortunately, the motivation to wear the devices is very low.
Retention and the fixed retainer, the bonded retainer wire
The fixed retainer, the adhesive retainer, is a thin wire that is attached behind the front teeth of the upper and/or lower jaw using special adhesive technology. Mostly from canine to canine.
Retention and the benefits of fixed retainers:
- Invisible because it is inside.
- Stabilizes teeth day and night, 24 hours.
- Cannot be lost or forgotten.
- Comfortable and safe compared to the removable models.
Retention and the disadvantages of non-removable retainers:
- You have to brush the spaces between your teeth thoroughly.
- One must floss regularly.
The fixed retainer has the advantage of more efficient treatment success because it is permanently attached to the teeth. Of course, regressions can also occur with fixed retainers. For example, due to breakage of individual adhesive points or the retainer wire and the subsequent undesirable movement of affected individual teeth.
Retention with Aligners as Removable Braces
Also Clear overlay aligners can be used as a retention element in the stabilization phase.
How long does a retainer have to be worn for Stabilization?
It is impossible to predict which cases are prone to relapse and which are not.
Misalignment with a backward jaw position or a lower jaw front with crowding are always susceptible.
Long-term use of retainers, whether fixed or removable, may be necessary on a case-by-case basis to maintain the treatment results.
After treatment for jaw misalignment has ended, I recommend checking twice a year to ensure success.
It is absolutely necessary to check the retainer regularly and independently when brushing your teeth.
The Process in my Orthodontics:
- Free initial consultation for misaligned teeth in our orthodontics. Appointment only by appointment!
- Create treatment documents for individual treatment courses. Diagnosis with x-rays, photos and digital scans. Always without marks.
- Plan discussion and explanation. X-ray evaluation and the analysis discussion about which type of braces and/or brackets are necessary for the individual case.
- Start of treatment. Inserting the device and providing information about cleaning and wearing times
- Important and necessary check-ups every 6-8 weeks
- End of treatment. Removing the braces and discussing the results of the treatment
- Retention– the beginning of stabilization of the treatment result.
Here you will find the entire process in my orthodontics explained in detail.
