Retainer (orthodontic device)

Jump to navigation Jump to search
Retainer (orthodontic device)
Both the top and bottom Hawley retainers.

WikiDoc Resources for Retainer (orthodontic device)

Articles

Most recent articles on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Most cited articles on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Review articles on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Articles on Retainer (orthodontic device) in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

Media

Powerpoint slides on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Images of Retainer (orthodontic device)

Photos of Retainer (orthodontic device)

Podcasts & MP3s on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Videos on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Bandolier on Retainer (orthodontic device)

TRIP on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Clinical Trials

Ongoing Trials on Retainer (orthodontic device) at Clinical Trials.gov

Trial results on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Clinical Trials on Retainer (orthodontic device) at Google

Guidelines / Policies / Govt

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Retainer (orthodontic device)

NICE Guidance on Retainer (orthodontic device)

NHS PRODIGY Guidance

FDA on Retainer (orthodontic device)

CDC on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Books

Books on Retainer (orthodontic device)

News

Retainer (orthodontic device) in the news

Be alerted to news on Retainer (orthodontic device)

News trends on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Commentary

Blogs on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Definitions

Definitions of Retainer (orthodontic device)

Patient Resources / Community

Patient resources on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Discussion groups on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Patient Handouts on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Directions to Hospitals Treating Retainer (orthodontic device)

Risk calculators and risk factors for Retainer (orthodontic device)

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Retainer (orthodontic device)

Causes & Risk Factors for Retainer (orthodontic device)

Diagnostic studies for Retainer (orthodontic device)

Treatment of Retainer (orthodontic device)

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Retainer (orthodontic device)

International

Retainer (orthodontic device) en Espanol

Retainer (orthodontic device) en Francais

Business

Retainer (orthodontic device) in the Marketplace

Patents on Retainer (orthodontic device)

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Retainer (orthodontic device)

Editor in Chief: Berna Zorkun DMD [1]


Overview

Orthodontic retainers are often used before or after braces in order to hold teeth in a certain position while allowing surrounding gums and bone to adjust. Often a patient will be required to wear the retainer at all times except when eating for a period determined by the orthodontist and then after this period it may only be necessary to wear it at night.

The most common type is the Hawley retainer, which is made of a metal wire that surrounds the teeth and keeps them in place. It is anchored in a specially-molded, sometimes brightly colored acrylic form that sits in the palate or floor of the mouth. Top and bottom retainers are usually made as necessary.

Another type is the Essix. This clear or transparent retainer fits over the entire arch of teeth and can also be produced from a mold. It is similar in appearance to Invisalign trays. Essix retainers, if worn 24 hours per day, do not allow the upper and lower teeth to touch because plastic covers the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Some orthodontists feel that it is important for the top and bottom chewing surfaces to meet to allow for "favorable settling" to occur. Essix retainers are less expensive, more inconspicuous, and easier to wear than Hawley retainers. However, for patients with disorders such as Bruxism, Essix retainers are prone to rapid breakage and wear.

Most removable retainers come with a retainer case to protect them. During the first few days of retainer use, many people will have extra saliva in their mouth. This is natural and is due to the presence of a new object inside the mouth and consequent stimulation of the saliva glands. It may be difficult to speak for a while after getting a retainer, but this speech difficulty should go away over time as one gets used to wearing it. There is usually a slight change in speech in the first 1-2 weeks, which goes away eventually.

An entirely different category of orthodontic retainers, by definition not removable, are fixed retainers. A fixed retainer typically consists of a passive wire bonded to the tongue-side of the lower incisors. Some doctors prescribe fixed retainers regularly, especially where active orthodontic treatment effected great changes in the bite and there is a high risk for reversal of these changes. Fixed retainers are usually the source of tartar build-up, due to the placement and difficulty with flossing, tartar build-up can occur, causing severe gingivitis.


Template:Orthodontology

de:Retainer

Template:WH Template:WS