What is a Retainer?
Retainers are transparent trays worn after completing orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners. These trays closely resemble dental aligners in appearance but differ in function. Unlike aligners, retainers do not move the teeth; instead, they are designed to hold the teeth in their new position, ensuring they stay aligned after the corrective treatment.
What are the Advantages of Retainers?
After completing orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners, teeth often tend to shift back to their original position. Wearing a retainer helps prevent this.
The tendency for teeth to return to their previous position is most pronounced immediately after treatment. This is why it’s crucial to start wearing the retainer immediately, usually only at night, with the frequency decreasing until it is no longer needed.
An alternative to retainer is the placement of a retention wire on the inner side of the teeth, which serves the same function. This type of retention is most commonly applied to the lower jaw.
Price of Retainer After Wearing Braces
The price of a retainer or retention wire depends on the initial orthodontic treatment. Often, the cost of retention is included in the total price of the teeth-straightening treatment, as it is considered a necessary part of the process.
If the retention film breaks or is lost, a new impression of the teeth must be taken and a replacement made as soon as possible.
