نگهدارنده ارتودنسی چیست؟

نگهدارنده ارتودنسی یک دستگاه است که پس از درمان ارتودنسی برای حفظ نتایج به کار می‌رود. The orthodontic retainer prevents the teeth from returning to their previous position and causes the gums, bone and oral muscles to get used to the new changes. The orthodontic retainer may be fixed or mobile and depending on the type and severity of teeth deviation, duration and method of using it are different. In this article, we show you how to use an orthodontic retainer and what points you should follow.

Retainer Orthodontic fixed

An orthodontic retainer is a small device that is used after orthodontic treatment to prevent the teeth from returning to their previous position. Fixed orthodontic retainer usually consists of a metal wire that is attached to the back of the lower or upper teeth and secured to the teeth with a special adhesive. A fixed orthodontic retainer, unlike a movable retainer, cannot be removed and must be replaced or removed by an orthodontic doctor.

After orthodontic treatment, the teeth are still affected by various pressures and may return to their original position over time. This phenomenon is called relapse and it can spoil the treatment results. To prevent relapse, an orthodontist usually prescribes a fixed or removable retainer after the brackets are removed. Fixed orthodontic retainer has the following advantages:

• Keeps the alignment and exact position of the teeth.
• It is less visible and causes less discomfort in the tongue and gums.
• It is easy to maintain and clean, and you don't need to take it off and put it on.
• It does not reduce the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis and bad breath.

How Clean the fixed orthodontic retainer?

To maintain oral and gastrointestinal health, you should clean your fixed orthodontic retainer as recommended by your orthodontist. The general methods of cleaning the fixed holder are:

• Careful and regular brushing twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride.
Use of dental floss Between the space of the retaining wire and the teeth to remove stuck food.
• Antibacterial mouthwash to kill the microbes in the mouth and prevent gum inflammation and bad breath.
• See an orthodontic doctor to check the condition of the retainer and replace it if necessary.

Retainer What problems can fixed orthodontics cause?

The fixed orthodontic retainer usually does not cause any particular problem if you follow the hygiene tips and follow the instructions of the orthodontic doctor. But in some cases, you may face the following challenges:

• Breakage or separation of the retaining wire from the teeth due to impact, pressure or improper use. In this case, you should immediately contact the orthodontist and repair or replace the retainer.
• Gingival sensitivity or inflammation due to not properly cleaning the retainer and the accumulation of food and plaque on it. In this case, you should pay more attention to cleaning the retainer and teeth, and if necessary, use anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Change in the color or transparency of the teeth due to not removing the retaining glue from the teeth after removing it. In this case, you should visit an orthodontist and remove the glue with appropriate methods.

Retainer Movable Orthodontics

Movable orthodontic retainer is a device that is used after orthodontic treatment to maintain the results. This device is similar to a removable orthodontic device, but without pressure on the teeth. The removable orthodontic retainer makes the teeth stay in place and do not return to their previous position.

• If your orthodontic retainer is removable, you must wear it every day for at least 16 hours. It is better to wear it during the day and while sleeping and only take it off when eating and washing.
• If your orthodontic retainer is fixed, you should pay attention to cleaning it. Using a toothbrush and toothpaste, wash around and around the retainer and clean the top and bottom of the retainer with dental floss. You can also use special solutions to wash the retainer.
• In either case, you should continue to visit your orthodontist regularly. The doctor can check your retainer and make necessary changes if necessary. Also, the doctor can guide you about the duration of time required to use the retainer.
• During the use of the preservative, you should pay attention to a healthy diet. Avoid eating hard, sticky or breakable foods. Also, avoid drinking carbonated soft drinks, coffee or strong tea. These types of drinks may change the color or corrode the preservative.
• If you have any problems, questions or discomfort in using the retainer, contact your orthodontic doctor immediately. You should not change or remove the retainer without consulting your doctor. This may cause the loss of the results of your orthodontic treatment.

We hope this article was useful for you. Using an orthodontic retainer is an important step in maintaining your beautiful smile. After that, be careful and follow your doctor's orders.