In orthodontic treatment, the teeth move within the tissues surrounding the tooth, such as bone and gingiva. In the direction in which the tooth moves, bone destruction, which we call bone resorption, takes place. In the opposite direction of the movement, bone formation takes place, which we call apposition. For this reason, when your orthodontic treatment is finished, when the brackets are removed, there is a tendency for the teeth to go back to their original state. Therefore, when the treatment is finished , a fixative treatment (reinforcement treatment) called retention treatment with retainer should be started.
For detailed information about which diseases the Orthodontics Department deals with, you can take a look at our article "Diseases Treated By Orthodontics".
What are the conditions that will cause deterioration of teeth after orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatments are as follows:
- Having a condition called tongue thrust in patients
- Patients constantly touching their tongues to their teeth as a result of incorrect swallowing
- lisping speech when people are talking
- Such problems may require the use of retainer braces for life, especially if jaw enlargement was performed in patients with stenosis in the upper jaw, or if the teeth of patients with too much space between the teeth were closed.
- If the treatment of cleft lip and palate has been done, lifelong reinforcement treatment should be applied after these treatments.
What is Reinforcement Therapy (Retainer)?
Reinforcement treatment is a treatment applied to make the success achieved after orthodontic treatment permanent. During the treatment process, various devices are placed in the mouth and the teeth are kept in their current position.
Although the teeth are normalized after orthodontic treatment, they always have a tendency to return to their former state. Therefore , it is ensured that the orthodontic treatment becomes permanent with the reinforcement treatment .
Why Is Reinforcement Therapy Needed?
The dental genetics of orthodontic patients tend to revert to the former. Therefore , it should be ensured that the treatment is permanent by using a retainer. It is not possible to get efficiency from orthodontic procedures without reinforcement treatment .
What are the Tools Used in Reinforcement Therapy?
During the treatment, 3 different retainers are preferred according to the patient's condition. The tools used in reinforcement therapy are as follows:
- Fixed Retainer: It is a type of brace applied to the back of the tooth. It is located between one canine and the other canine. In terms of the method of application, this brace made to the back of the tooth does not pose any negative effects in terms of appearance. It is in passive state. In this way, it does not exert any pressure on the teeth . This retainer brace prevents the tooth from moving. It does not interfere with the patient's speech, eating, oral and dental care. Unless something very hard is bitten, there is no danger of the adhesive breaking off.
- Essix Retainer: It is one of the most preferred tools of reinforcement therapy. Also known as clear plate. In this retainer, the mouth measurement is taken again after the patient's successful treatment. Afterwards, transparent plaques suitable for mouth structures are produced. Persons using Essix retainers must wear this plate full time for 6 months. After 6 months, it will be enough to wear it only at night for 1.5 years. The total treatment period of the patients at this stage is about 2 years.
- Movable Retainer: Movable retainer is also known as palate among the people. The middle part of the palate is designed from stainless steel. In this way, patients can put on and remove the palate very easily. However, it can cause a feeling of nausea in some people. Therefore, it is not a frequently preferred retainer.
How Long Does Reinforcement Treatment (Retainer) Take?
Reinforcement treatment is a treatment that should be applied regularly. Because neglecting the reinforcement treatment after orthodontic treatment may cause the result to be lost.
The duration of reinforcement therapy varies from person to person. Therefore, your dentist will provide information about the state of your oral and dental health and how long the reinforcement treatment will take, depending on the preferred retainer brace.
