The Retention Phase In Orthodontic Treatment

What is the retention phase?

It is the phase that comes right after active orthodontic treatment. And it is as important, or more important, than the treatment itself, because it is in this phase that the results we have achieved with so much effort will stabilize.

It is very important to carry out periodic check-ups when braces have been worn, as the teeth have a natural tendency to return to their previous situation after moving them. This situation is controlled by wearing the retainers at night, at least during the first year without braces.

Types of retainers

The appliances that are usually used in the retention phase can be fixed or removable. The difference is that fixed retainers are, as the term indicates, non-removable, while removable retainers can be taken out and put in.

Removable Retainers

Within the range of removable retainers, there are 2 types. Depending on the state of the mouth at the beginning of the treatment, the orthodontist will choose one or the other model.

HAWLEY retainer. This consists of a resin and wire appliance with a small palate and is used by children who have undergone the 1st Phase of orthodontics and have mixed dentition, or by an adult who uses a discharge splint.

Splint or ESSIX: It is a transparent appliance, without palate and almost imperceptible to the eye. It is usually used at night and is the most commonly used.

Fixed retainers

The fixed retainer consists of a thin wire that is glued to the inside of the teeth allowing them not to move over time. It is usually placed on the front incisors.

Sometimes both types of retainers are used, combining them simultaneously for more secure results.

The choice of one type or another will depend on what is most convenient in each case, so it is essential to follow the orthodontist’s recommendation. And if you’re looking to buy the replacements, you can buy retainers online at SportingSmiles. The entire process is very simple, they’ll send you the impression kit, you need to send it back with your teeth impressions, and after that, they’ll make custom retainers for you and get it delivered to you, that’s it. That’s how you can buy retainers online.

Care of the retainers

Dental retainers require maintenance to ensure that they do not harm our health and dental hygiene. In the case of fixed retainers, they should form part of our hygienic habits, since, being an extra element in our mouth, they are usually a location where plaque or tartar is deposited. Removable retainers, on the other hand, should be brushed with soap and water or toothpaste after each use.

Both fixed and removable retainers require certain care, very similar to that of any orthodontic appliance. In the case of fixed retainers, it is advisable to avoid hard foods that could cause them to break. It is also recommended not to touch the appliance with your fingers, etc.

As for removable retainers, it is essential to wear them for the time indicated by the orthodontist, not to eat with the appliance in place, and to wash it at least once a day with cold water.

In addition to checking for any small relapses that may occur, we must also take a panoramic X-ray at the end of the treatment to check that the roots of the teeth are in good condition and how the wisdom teeth are evolving.

Orthodontic treatment does not end with the removal of the appliances. It is important to maintain good dental health during and after orthodontic treatment. Once braces or other orthodontic appliances have been removed, teeth tend to return to their original position. To prevent this, it is essential to use dental retainers to help fix them in their new position.

Thus, the orthodontist will place the retainers on both the upper and lower teeth, as they are necessary to stop their mobility in both arches.

To confirm that the retainers are adequately fulfilling their purpose, it is very important to have several check-ups with the orthodontist. In addition, if any type of deterioration is detected, the specialist should be visited to check if the retainers are broken or detached and are not performing their function correctly.