The Importance of Using Retainers

After Removing The Braces

Undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment by placing braces on our teeth within a certain period of time is not an easy thing. Installation of braces is a procedure to correct the arrangement of teeth that are not straight or the position of the jaw is not normal until it reaches the ideal arch planned by the dentist who treats it. Usually this treatment lasts for an average of 1 to 3 years, depending on the severity of the case in the patient. Once the arrangement of the teeth has reached the ideal arch and the relationship between the upper and lower jaw teeth is good, then the braces can be removed. Will this be the end of orthodontic treatment? Of course not.

After the braces are removed, the patient is advised to use a retainer. A dental retainer is an orthodontic appliance used to help maintain the position of teeth after fixed orthodontic treatment so that they remain in an ideal arch position. What happens if after removing the braces someone doesn't use a retainer? It is very likely that the orthodontic treatment that has been undertaken will be in vain because of the possibility that the teeth will return to their original position (relapse) may occur. The use of retainers after fixed orthodontic treatment using braces can hold the tooth structure that has reached the ideal arch while the tooth supporting tissues such as gums and alveolar bone adapt. The duration of using this retainer depends on the dental problems a person is experiencing, therefore it is very important for you to always consult and exercise control after removing the braces. Normally the use of this retainer will last for 3 months, a year, or even more than one year.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of retainers that are usually used, namely removable retainers and fixed or permanent retainers. The removable retainer makes it easy for the user to remove it while eating and is also easy to clean. Permanent retainers are made of thin wires that are woven and attached to the back of the anterior teeth. The use of this type of retainer is an orthodontic retainer treatment with a high success rate because it can work optimally because it is permanently attached to the user's teeth. The most common drawback of removable retainers is that they are easily lost because the user forgets to save them. In addition, one of the main problems with this removable retainer is the indiscipline of its users in using this retainer. Often users are lazy or forget to use it because of the use of tools that are considered less practical. Examples of removable retainers are Hawley retainers or more commonly called wire retainers, and Clear Retainers or plastic retainers.

The wire retainer is made of metal wire and the plate is made of acrylic material. It is often complained that wire removable retainers can trigger excessive saliva production (hypersalivation), causing discomfort to the user, and can increase the risk of bacterial growth. Some case reports state that some users have difficulty adapting to retainers and slightly interfere with pronunciation when speaking. Plastic retainers are one of the most popular retainers for young people because they are made of thin, transparent plastic. This makes the user comfortable and does not interfere with appearance when used.

The use of retainers after fixed orthodontic treatment using braces is very important to be able to maintain the position of the teeth in the ideal arch according to the treatment plan from the dentist and the patient's expectations. The duration of retainer use can vary for each person, depending on the severity of the case and the type of case experienced by the patient. Consult follow-up care after fixed orthodontic treatment with your trusted orthodontist to get treatment with retainers according to your needs and indications for your dental case. The right choice of retainer can guarantee optimal orthodontic treatment results. BIA (Bali Implant Aesthetic) Dental Center is here with complete and best facilities, with dentists who are trusted in their fields, including orthodontists. By consulting a dentist before dental treatment, you can determine the best dental treatment for you without worrying. BIA (Bali Implant Aesthetic) Dental Center is a trusted dental clinic near Kuta and not far from the airport. Don't let dental problems ruin your holiday in Bali, if you are enjoying the beautiful scenery of Ubud and unexpectedly need a dentist, the distance from Ubud to BIA (Bali Implant Aesthetic) Dental Center is approximately 35 km. Trust your dental care to dentists at the best dental clinic in Bali of your choice.

BIA (Bali Implant Aesthetic) Dental Center
Jl. Sunset Road No.86A, Seminyak, Badung, Bali Indonesia 80361.
+6282139396161

REFERENCES:

Milton B. Asbell, A Brief History of Orthodontics, American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Vol.98, 1990

JK. Williams, dkk, Alat-alat Ortodonsi Cekat:Prinsip dan Praktik, Terj. Budi Susetyo (Jakarta:Penerbit Buku Kedokteran EGC, 2012)