**Orthodontic dental retainer** is a device that is used after the end of **dental orthodontic** treatment to stabilize the position of the teeth and prevent them from moving. These retainers are divided into two types, fixed and movable, each of which is made of plastic or wire and should be used in principle and according to the dentist's recommendation. Removable retainers such as Hawley and Essix retainers are removable, and fixed retainers are attached to the tooth and removed by the dentist. The correct and continuous use of orthodontic retainers, especially in the first months (about 22 hours a day), is very important in order to maintain the order of the teeth and prevent complications such as decay, gingivitis or retainer damage. If you do not pay attention to the care points of using an orthodontic retainer, there is a possibility of problems such as shifting of teeth, gingivitis and even fracture of the retainer. What is an orthodontic retainer? After the orthodontic treatment is completed and the brackets are removed, an orthodontic retainer is used to maintain the position of the teeth and prevent them from shifting and moving. Retainers are usually made of plastic or wire and may be placed in front of the teeth or behind the teeth to make orthodontic results more stable. Retainers are both fixed and mobile and should be used in a principled manner. **Necessity and requirements of using an orthodontic retainer** In order to understand why you should use retainers after completing orthodontics, it is better to familiarize yourself with the following. - After orthodontics, because the tissues do not get used to the new position of the teeth, there is a possibility of the teeth moving and shifting, and this issue can disrupt the order that orthodontics has created. - Retainers can practically keep orthodontic teeth and fix their position so that your money and time are not wasted. - The use of retainers is mandatory immediately after finishing orthodontics, and at first you should use them for 22 hours during the day and gradually less and only at night. - In no way should you neglect the use of retainers, and only the dentist determines the type, gender, and duration of its use, not the patient himself. **Types of orthodontic retainers** Orthodontic retainers are practically divided into two categories, fixed and movable, each of which has different types, among which the following can be mentioned: ### **Movable retainers and retainers** These types of retainers are usually easily removable and the patient can put them on and take them off. Usually, they should be removed while brushing or eating and reinserted after cleaning the teeth. The following are among the best models of mobile retainers: #### **Hawley retainer** This retainer is usually made of plastic or acrylic, as well as flexible wire. First, the wire of this retainer should be placed behind the teeth and then its plastic part should be attached to the roof of the mouth. In this type of retainer, you can choose its color and design, and they are fully adjustable. #### **Essix** retainer This retainer is made of transparent and thin plastic, which is somewhat similar to invisible orthodontic plaques. But you should know that the Issyx retainer has a shorter life than the Hawley retainer. Other models of retainers include Vivera and Zendura, which are similar to Essix and maintain teeth transparently. ### **Fixed retainers and retainers** These types of retainers are usually made of thin metal wires and must be placed in front of the teeth, and patients cannot remove them by themselves and must visit a dentist for this. These retainers are mostly used for people who have the ability to return their teeth. To clean these retainers, you must be very careful and it is better to use dental floss to clean them. **How to use an orthodontic retainer** It may seem that using retainers is easy; But you should know important points when using them, which we will mention below. If you do not observe the following care, there is a possibility of moving or changing the location of the teeth. - Retainers must be installed on the teeth immediately after removing the brackets. - At the beginning of the period of use, such as the first few months, retainers must be placed on the teeth for 22 hours or the whole day every day. - Retainers can only be used at night after the tooth is relatively fixed. - After a few years, the use of retainers reaches a few nights a week. - Handle and move removable retainers gently. - If you use a fixed retainer, you must clean your teeth with a toothbrush, dental floss, and mouthwash, especially behind them, so that bacteria do not accumulate in one place. **problems and possible side effects of orthodontic retainer** If the retainers are not used properly or if the dentist's recommendations are not followed well, they can cause complications such as the following in the patient. - The possibility of plaque, plaque and tooth decay, gum problems. - Possibility of breakage or damage if eating hard food. - Lack of beauty in the appearance of a person's smile in some animated models. - The possibility of losing or forgetting to use retainers. - Irritation of the gums and causing inflammation and burning in the mouth. - Need to be replaced when broken or damaged or bent.