Retention

How will your teeth straightening endure throughout the years?

The active part of the  treatment has ended and the jaws have reached their planned position, or their optimal position. At this point, you enter the retention stage. The orthodontist will do everything possible to prevent any movement of teeth or jaws (in the event that the patient is still growing, during his/her teens). There is a wide range of orthodontic appliances utilized for retention: some of them are removable and some are permanently stuck to the teeth.

It must be borne in mind that teeth tend to move throughout our lives, due to pressures applied to them (such as chewing, swallowing and speech) and due to weakening of their supporting bone (gum diseases). In addition, there are other forces that are sometimes applied, such as "tongue pushing," when the tongue is pushed forward on swallowing, which cause changeability in the orthodontic treatment.

The dentist chooses the type of retainer and the duration of wearing it, depending on the severity of the case and the variety of forces being applied to the teeth. Therefore, no two cases are identical. Occasionally, it is necessary to wear a retainer (retention-plate) for many years and even for life.
The dentist's instructions must be carefully followed and periodical visits to the clinic must be made, since lack of care will almost certainly result in a regression of the orthodontic treatment.

There are two principal types of retainers:

Permanent retainer (Case No.1):

The permanent retainer (splint) is mainly made of metal wire and adapted to the shape of the teeth. The wire is usually fastened to the inside of the teeth and connects them thereby preventing them from moving. The advantage of this retainer lies in the fact that it is not dependent on the patient's cooperation and assures a stable result. The disadvantage of this retainer is that it might break with the teeth, accumulate food residue and plaque and it must be removed when teeth to which it is attached need treatment.

1. Oral hygiene is imperative especially in the retainer area. Sediment and plaque might accumulate under the retainer and cause gum infections. For effective cleaning, in addition to a toothbrush, other aids should be employed (special dental floss and toothpicks – it is impossible to clean between teeth that are joined by the retainer wire with regular means alone). An explanation and instruction will be given at the clinic.
2. Periodically, the orthodontist will decide to send you to an oral hygienist to clear the area of plaque.
3. Direct biting into food that might detach the permanent retainer from the teeth must be avoided (food must be cut into pieces manually with a knife prior to entering the mouth).
4. If any detachment or discomfort is felt, the clinic must be contacted immediately.
5. Replacement of a permanent retainer as a result of breakage, or repair of a retainer, will be charged.
6. A permanent retainer can remain in the mouth for a very long time and there is no necessity to change it, unless it breaks or detaches from the teeth.

A removable orthodontic plate (by the patient) – upper and/or lower (Case No. 2)