Retainers

There are 2 types of retainers that can be used to help keep your teeth in position after treatment.

1. Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth. They are invisible and feel just like natural teeth would. They are very precise and very effective. They cannot be forgotten to be worn or misplaced.
2. Removable retainers are not worn all the time as it is impractical, and are worn at nights only. They are less precise as they deteriorate more quickly and teeth are prone to movement.  They are also likely forgotten to be worn for period of time occasionally. This almost always leads to teeth moving out of position.

Ideally, fixed retainers are better. They are ‘invisible’, comfortable to wear and cannot be forgotten to be worn.

Each patient has individual needs and we would advise on whether a fixed retainer is suitable. The key factors to fitting a fixed retainer is good oral health and absence of a deepbite.  This ensures good longevity and easy maintenance. The front teeth are more prone to relapse so fixed retainers are more effective for them.

Removable retainers are useful for arch form maintenance, as a ‘re-aligner’, as a bite guard, whitening tray and can be used for desensitising any teeth which are sensitive. For these reasons, most of our clients have both.

YES!!

1. Our retainers extend over eight teeth, this gives far better stability. Other fixed retainers will be fitted over 6, 4 or sometimes even only 2 teeth.
2. Each pad is like a veneer and feels just like your natural teeth, making it easier to keep clean.
3. It is placed away from the gums, as we reduce a deepbite to make this possible. This makes gum health easier to maintain.

1. As the teeth will be more stable, one can aim for a more perfect result using orthodontics, safe in the knowledge that the changes will remain.
2. Improvement in gum health as small spaces between the teeth can be closed.
3. The tips of the teeth can be built up as a part of the retainer, improving the appearance of the teeth.
4. Thin edges of the teeth due to bruxism and wear and tear can be reinforced as part of the retainer.
5. Erosion of the back of the teeth can be protected as we cover the teeth with a thin veneer. However, one will also need to address the initial cause of the erosion.

Fixed retainers are hardly replaced at FIRST Ortho.

Since 1988, we have replaced 6 and on advice removed 19. Considering we fit several a week, this is a small fraction. The low failure rate is because we are selective in patient choice. We would not advise it for those at risk to complications such as calculus build, deep bites or poor gum health.

The repair rate at this clinic is 2% over a two year period on one tooth. Considering we fit them on 16 teeth this is low and manageable.

Teeth are part of the overall growth of the body and they can change as a part of natural development. Once fixed retainers are fitted, clients rarely request for their removal because they do not intrude on their day to day life. The key aspect is the need for good gum health.