[Dental Health] Is getting braces a permanent solution? You still need a retainer to keep your teeth straight!
Do you think that once you've completed a long and arduous orthodontic treatment and your teeth are finally straight, you're done? Not at all! After completing orthodontic treatment, you enter the retention phase. Patients need to wear braces for life to keep their teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting, which would undo all your previous efforts!
Why is it necessary to wear a restraint device?
During braces treatment, the teeth move according to the force applied by the braces each time, causing bone regeneration on one side and softening of the alveolar bone on the other side, resulting in straighter teeth. However, gums have muscle memory; if retainers are not worn after braces, the teeth will move back to their original position, and they will quickly revert to their original shape. Whether choosing traditional wire braces or invisible braces, dentists will recommend that patients wear retainers after braces treatment.
How long do I need to wear the brace?
It is generally recommended that patients wear fixed braces for at least six months to a year initially, 24 hours a day, to allow the teeth to adapt to their new position and establish habituation as quickly as possible. Afterward, simply wearing the braces nightly will help prevent the teeth from shifting. Maintaining good alignment requires lifelong wear of fixed or removable braces. Doctors also recommend that patients have two braces, one as a spare. If any wear or deformation is found in the clear adhesive or wires of the braces, patients should seek medical attention as soon as possible for adjustment or replacement.
What are the different types of fasteners?
Like braces, braces come in both invisible and metal types. The braces on the market fall into three main categories: fixed braces, clear braces, and acrylic braces.
(1) Fixed fastener
This type of fixation uses a wire or metal wire and the resin material from the filling to firmly bond six consecutive teeth to the back of the tooth. Patients do not need to remove it themselves after choosing this fixation; even if they forget to wear it, the teeth remain fixed and can last for a relatively long time. However, it is more difficult to clean, and if it becomes loose, a dentist must be consulted as soon as possible for repair, otherwise the teeth will shift.
(2) Transparent fastener
This type of fixation appliance features a completely transparent design, resembling clear gutta-percha, allowing patients to easily remove and insert it themselves. It offers high aesthetic appeal, appearing virtually invisible when worn. However, the material is relatively fragile, resulting in a shorter lifespan. Furthermore, because the appliance remains in the oral cavity for extended periods, the film is prone to aging and accumulating dirt. Most patients using transparent fixation appliances require replacement every 6 months to 1 year.
(3) Acrylic adhesive fastener
This is the most traditional type of retainer, made of rigid acrylic and a steel wire. It can be placed under the tongue or on the upper gum, covering a large area, and is very durable, lasting about 5 to 6 years without needing replacement if it is not damaged. However, its comfort and aesthetics are inferior to the other two types.
If there was tooth extraction before braces were applied, dentists generally recommend using a fixed retainer, plus a clear removable retainer or acrylic retainer. If there was no tooth extraction, a clear removable retainer is generally recommended.
How should fixation devices be cared for on a daily basis?
When cleaning removable retainers, use a completely new toothbrush. The wires and edges of the retainer can damage the bristles, and using the same toothbrush to clean your teeth may harm your teeth and gums. Then, soak the retainer in a specialized toothbrush to remove stains, followed by a thorough brushing and cleaning.
When cleaning non-removable fixation, you can gently clean the fixation and the gaps between each tooth with dental floss, or use a water flosser to clean the fixation. You can also use mouthwash to reduce the accumulation of dirt on the fixation.
Author: Dr. Eric Chan
