What are Orthodontic Retainers?

A simple fact is that teeth move and can be moved. This is excellent for the purpose of being able to straighten teeth with orthodontic treatment. However, it also means that the teeth can naturally drift over time and become crowded or re-crowded.

Studies show that the jaw bones still grow slowly in the same direction in adulthood, and the soft tissues around the mouth also change in their muscle tone and elasticity with age. Hence, if the bones and soft tissues continue to change throughout life, the teeth within this envelop will also change and move. This is the case in people who have, and who have not had orthodontic treatment and explains the purpose of orthodontic retainers.

Orthodontic retainers are passive appliances that hold the teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. They can be a custom made wire fixed to the teeth, removable acrylic with wire clasps, or removable clear plastic sleeves that fit precisely over the teeth.

If straight teeth are desired for life after orthodontic treatment, life long retainers are recommended. The wear of retainers becomes part of your oral hygiene routine along with brushing and flossing.

At Olivia Rogers Orthodontics in The Gap, we believe that retainers provide some degree of certainty to the long term orthodontic result. Different types of retainers are indicated in different situations. Retainer options to suit your needs will be discussed prior to, and towards the end of treatment.