Retainers

At the "Kiadent" Author's Prosthetics Clinic, we install retainers after removing braces. This is the final stage of orthodontic treatment, conducted to stabilize the corrected bite.

We select orthodontic appliances after collecting medical history and conducting diagnostics. We provide consultations for adults and children at our dental clinic in the center of Odessa.

A retainer is a non-removable orthodontic appliance installed after correcting the bite with braces or aligners.

After being fixed onto the dental arch, the temporary dental splint holds it in the correct position, preventing teeth from shifting.

How does it work?

After removing the brace system or aligners, the bite looks correct, but changes continue. Tooth roots are in a new position, and periodontal ligaments try to return to their previous place.

The retainer supports the teeth, preventing them from moving sideways. The doctor installs a metal wire or provides a mouthguard to maintain the desired position of the teeth. While the patient wears the retainer, the volume of bone tissue is restored. After the tension in the periodontal tissues subsides, the doctor can remove the appliance.

As a rule, retainer wear is prescribed after braces during the adaptation period. Therefore, they are indicated after:

• eliminating interdental gaps;
• aligning crowded teeth;
• correcting the position of teeth;
• treating mild forms of periodontitis.

Full list of services for retainers

Removal of retainer (for patients from other clinics)
Metal retainer on one jaw
Oral hygiene before retainer installation
Retainer installation after braces treatment in another clinic
Retention mouthguard

The orthodontist selects a retainer for aligning teeth after removing the brace system. The size, material, and method of splint attachment are considered:

• fixed — installed in the clinic on the front section of 6-8 teeth;
• removable — the patient puts on/removes the appliance themselves;
• combined — during the day, a fixed appliance works, and at night, a removable mouthguard is worn.

Removable retainers

A plastic or silicone appliance that completely covers the dental arch. Types of removable appliances:

Retention plate

Fixes the teeth with a metal clasp attached to a plastic frame. Indicated for fixing teeth in the lateral section when retaining the width of the arch. The plate should be worn at night, and total wearing time may take 1-2 years.

Retention mouthguard

Made of transparent plastic according to individual jaw parameters. Initially, wearing the removable mouthguard is required around the clock. As you get used to it, the wearing time may be reduced (regularity and duration are determined by the doctor).

Advantages of removable retainers:

• Does not require constant wear
• Simplifies care — the mouthguard should be removed before eating or brushing teeth

Disadvantages of removable retainers:

• Changes the appearance of the dental arch, noticeable
• Long adaptation — may cause speech problems or increased salivation
• Requires self-discipline — if you forget to wear the mouthguard, the fixation effect will disappear

Fixed retainers for permanent wear

A thin metal wire fixed on the inner (lingual) side. The fixed retainer is installed on 6 front teeth of the lower or upper jaw. The orthodontist prepares the wire according to an individual impression of the jaw taken after braces installation.

Advantages of fixed retainers:

• Continuously acts on the teeth, providing maximum fixation
• Does not cause discomfort after installation; the wire is attached with composite material and practically does not bother the patient
• No external signs of a retainer in the oral cavity, invisible when smiling

Disadvantages of fixed retainers:

• Requires thorough cleaning, as when wearing braces

Stages of retention treatment for fixing the dental arch:

• How long do you need to wear a retainer?

  As a rule, the retention period lasts twice as long as wearing braces. The treatment duration is individual; in young patients, it passes faster. The older the patient, the longer the changes after bite correction.

  The duration of the retention period depends on:

  • the patient's age
  • the complexity of the treatment performed; the more changes, the longer the dental arch adapts
• How soon can the retention appliance be removed?

  As a rule, the removal of the appliance is carried out in several stages. The fixed wire can be removed after 2-3 years. Then, nighttime mouthguard wear is prescribed. Orthodontists recommend maintaining retention for life.

• How often should you visit the dentist?

  A visit to the orthodontist is required every six months for dental arch cleaning. During the check-up, they will check the degree of fixation and the position of the teeth. If necessary, they will adjust or repair the appliance.

• Do children need to have retainers after braces?

  Yes, to prevent teeth from returning to their original position after removing braces. However, in a child or teenager, the retention period will take less time.

• What should not be done while wearing a retainer?

  It is recommended to avoid hard foods and not chew on anything to prevent deforming or breaking the metal wire.

  With removable appliances, you should not eat to avoid breaking them. Also, do not rinse or clean them with hot water to prevent damage.