Retainers are simply unavoidable in almost every orthodontic case to prevent the teeth from relapsing after a treatment. Practically speaking every patient who has undergone an orthodontic procedure or the other must wear it to the teeth at the end of the treatment.
Why is orthodontic dentistry so strict or so highly dependable on retainers? This question pops up naturally! If you do not wear it at the end of an orthodontic treatment. Your teeth have significant chances of sinking back into their initial position before the treatment. In other words the teeth will rewind back to crookedness again without retainers.
The hard work goes down the drain and the stunning results that you achieved through the treatment over the months get completely negated. It is because of this reason that a leading orthodontic expert in London tells patients. That they should only go ahead with their orthodontic braces treatment only. If they think they can commit to the regimen of wearing retainers after the treatment.
What are the reasons to wear retainers?
According to busy oral health practitioners working at the reputed 1A Orthodontics in London. There are two primary reasons to wear it to the teeth. The reasons include the following –
- It is a natural phenomenon for the teeth to sink back into their initial positions and in dentistry terms. people call relapse of the teeth.
- As we grow older the teeth may show the tendency of shifting their positions unpredictably. This obviously results in certain levels of crossing over as well as crowding.
According to a large number of dentists by wearing fixed retainer after braces over a considerable period of time. It is possible to correct these age-related changes to the position of the teeth. The equation is quite simple they say; the longer you stay on retainers the longer your teeth stay straight.
So far we have been discussing about retainers but do we know what this range of orthodontic appliances actually is? Many of us are obviously using to with the definition of it. But for those who do not, we have the following section of this post.
What retainers are
Retainers are a kind of orthodontic appliances that are fitted to your teeth. Once your orthodontic treatment comes to a successful end and the braces are finally removed from your mouth. Retainers have broadly divided into two categories – permanent and removable. However the range of appliances can also divide into several other categories.
As a patient you choose your type of it based on quite a few factors and obviously your personal preferences. While choosing the best type of retainers for your teeth it is best to let yourself be guided by the recommendations of your dentist or orthodontist. These dental professionals will obviously know both your individual condition and requirements in details. And thus can easily recommend you the best possible option that particularly caters to your precise needs perfectly. In order to avoid relapsing of the teeth in rare cases patients are told to wear more than one type of retainers. Although such cases are quite small in number.
Different types of retainers to choose from
Now let us explore different kinds of retainers that exist in the market.
- Vacuum formed retainers
This is an example of clear retainer and usually you have to wear this range of appliances on a part time basis. You must always be conscious with this variety of retainer. You should never ever eat or drink any item wearing it in the initial stages the retainer grips the teeth very firmly but in a short time most patients adapt very well to it.
- Bonded retainer
It is an example of fixed variety of retainers. This version of the appliances is stuck onto your teeth and mostly remains hidden on the inside of the teeth. In other words, this type of retainers stays out of sight and is not easily visible. It is stuck to the teeth full time and therefore you do not have to remember wearing. It explains a dentist in dentist in London who deals with permanent retainers over the years.
This is one of the biggest advantages bonded retainers offer. But it is important to invest a little more time and effort in cleaning the teeth around this retainer to maintain optimum oral hygiene. If in case the retainer becomes loose then you must visit your dentist to fix it without any delay.
- Hawley retainers
Hawley retainers are easily removable and come with a plastic bit. This bit either fits behind the teeth in the lower row or in the palate behind the teeth in the upper row. The retainer system also includes a thin wire made of metal that runs across the teeth in the front. This metal wire is meant to retain the teeth in the front in their corrected positions. Initially this range of retainers could affect your normal speech.
Following instructions is important with retainers
From Denture Disaster to Dental Delight – The Power of Emergency Denture Repair in London
Every type or variety retainers has its own list of do’s and don’t. It is your duty to follow each of those instructions minutely says a dentist who deals with invisible retainers. Your orthodontist or dentist will guide you thoroughly about the specific type of retainer you use. Following those instructions is utmost crucial to maintain the results you achieved through your treatment in aligning the teeth. If you ignore those instructions your teeth are most likely to relapse back into their initial positions.
How much retainers cost in the UK
As far as the UK is concerned, fixed retainers are costlier than the removable ones. The fixed ones are priced within the range from £100 to £400 while removable retainers are more reasonable costing between £60 and £200. The price varies depending on few factors like the type or variety of retainer. You choose and the type of orthodontic problem you have been treated for.
Fixed retainers are thin wires of metal that remains fixed to the back of the teeth starting from the canine and ending on the canine. On the other hand, removable retainers for the teeth are meant to be removed from the mouth while eating and brushing the teeth. Moreover, when you follow the instructions of your dentist or orthodontist at 1A Orthodontics. Regarding the use of your specific set of retainers there is no chance of any damage for your teeth and the gums.