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The Mechanics Behind Retainers

  • Burrow Welchel & Culp Orthodontics
  • August 24, 2015

Orthodontic retainers are an attractive option for dental patients looking to make slight improvements to their tooth alignment or those who aim to keep their recent dental work intact.

Patients have more options than ever, and orthodontists use cutting-edge techniques to ensure retainers are as effective as possible. How do you know if retainers are the right option for you? Read on to learn about how retainers work, the options available, and how to make an informed decision.

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are small devices that are placed in a patient’s mouth behind his/her teeth in order to re-align or maintain a specific position of the teeth. They are typically made from clear plastic or wires.

Orthodontists have them customized for each patient so that they perfectly fit a person’s mouth — with minor adjustments made to gently force the patient’s teeth in the preferred direction. There are different types of retainers, such as removable versus affixed. More on those options below.

What Are Retainers Used For?

Sometimes, dental alignment issues are minor enough that they can be addressed without the help of braces. Other times, braces are able to do the bulk of the re-alignment work, but once they are gone, the patient’s teeth want to shift back to their natural position. This is where orthodontic retainers come in. In general, retainers are used either before or after a patient has dental braces.

Before braces, this can help to gently position the teeth and gums ahead of more rigorous re-alignment from braces. After braces, they can help to ensure that a patient’s straightened teeth will last over the long term.

What Do Retainers Do?

Many patients are familiar with braces, but some will ask, “How do retainers work?” In short, retainers are customized to very fine measurements based on the shape of the patient’s mouth. They are made to leave no wiggle room that might allow for backsliding once braces are removed.

After braces, your bones might require some additional time to adapt to the new shape of your mouth, and they need something to keep everything stable while slowly repositioning to match straighter teeth. How long might you expect to wear your post-braces retainer? Typically, an orthodontist will recommend one year of wearing a retainer for a given amount of time each day.

That can be reduced to just nightly wearing during the second year. Beyond that, many patients can slowly phase out their retainer entirely. Of course, your specific retainer schedule will depend on your unique circumstances. An orthodontist will provide you with the best instructions.

How Are Retainers Made?

Because they are customized, it takes a bit of work to get retainers made perfectly. The first step to having retainers made is taking an impression of the patient’s mouth so that it can be poured into plaster and serve as a perfect model.

Next, a lab technician will bend wires around the model, with special care taken to ensure the retainer will be both effective and comfortable.

Next, the wires are fitted with acrylic, which cures and solidifies. The end product is sanitized and ready for patient fitting.

Are There Different Kinds of Retainers?

Retainers come in various styles, and an orthodontist can help you select the style that is right for you. Here are the main styles:

  • Hawley retainers are the most common. Available with various features (some are less visible, for example), Hawley retainers use a metal wire to hold the six anterior teeth in place, with an acrylic arch held to the roof of the mouth. The metal wire can be adjusted to help shift teeth in the right direction.
  • Essix retainers , also known as vacuum formed retainers (VFRs) are molded retainers that fit over the teeth, typically covering the teeth between your canines. The advantage to this style is that it can be made with clear material, which is less noticeable when in place.
  • Fixed retainers are surgically placed and usually found on the inner side of the teeth beneath the tongue. This option is considered more permanent, although it can be removed by a dentist, if needed. Fixed retainers address more serious alignment issues and are more common in patients whose teeth are very likely to revert back once braces are removed.

If you have additional orthodontic consultation questions and you live in the Charlotte area, contact Burrow Welchel & Culp Orthodontics today.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Sam BurrowDr Sam Burrow D.D.S., D.M.D. – Dr. Burrow was born in Charlotte and moved to Charleston to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Biology at the College of Charleston. He graduated magna cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and then stayed to earn a D.M.D. with honors at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Burrow completed his orthodontic residency at University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan and is now in practice with his father at Burrow Welchel & Culp Orthodontics in the Charlotte area.

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Our 5-Star Experience

We work hard to earn our patients’ trust by providing the highest quality orthodontic care possible. Check out what other patients are saying about their experience!

Destinee S.
Ms. Judith was absolutely amazing when she put my braces on! She patiently went over every step of the tedious process and made sure I understood what was happening the whole time. Her motherly energy made me feel calm, cared for, and completely at ease. She was so kind and gentle I truly felt like I was in great hands. I would 100% refer anyone to her. She made what could’ve been a stressful experience feel very comforting!
Response from the owner:We're thrilled to receive your five-star review! It warms our hearts to hear that you appreciate the care you receive at our practice. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're here for you.
Brenda D.
Very friendly office. Very patient with me in getting my retainers to fit and go on. Mary went beyond the call of duty to give advice and help me with my retainers.
Very professional office and Brittany was great!
Response from the owner:Brenda, thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Talisha S.
Mary was AMAZING !!!, along with everyone that assisted. The environment is so welcoming & everyone is very informative,
Response from the owner:Talisha, thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Charita A.
Friendly staff !!! My daughter love going here !!! They fixed her smile within a year ! I would recommend them to anyone that’s in need of braces !!!
Response from the owner:Charita, thank you for the fantastic five-star review!
tara A.
We’ve been incredibly impressed with Burrow, Welchel & Culp Orthodontics from the very beginning. Their level of care, attention to cleanliness, and commitment to patient comfort are outstanding. The team is always accommodating, and their flexible hours make scheduling visits easy for everyone. Their expertise truly stands out—our daughter’s progress in just three months has exceeded our expectations. We couldn’t be happier with our experience!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for leaving a five-star review! We're delighted to know that you had a positive experience with us. Our team is committed to providing the best care for your family!
Satish R.
Good place for consultation.. Honest recommendations and friendly staff.. not a busy location for parking..
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Yery H.
The staff is very nice, Monica and Alexis are great, they give me the information and the treatment I need it. I would recommend Burrow Welchel & Culp Orthodontics - Ballantyne to everyone.
Response from the owner:Yery, thank you for the fantastic five-star review! Your feedback means the world to us. We're glad to hear that you're having a wonderful experience with our team!
Kara P.
I got my adult braces done here. Super friendly staff, and the best prices among 3 places I looked by a LOT! My smile is absolutely perfect now. I cant say enough good things about Burrow Welchel & Culp. Ill definitely be coming back for my kids braces.
Response from the owner:Kara, thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Sandra O ́.
Fue nuestra primera cita. Todo el personal nos trató muy bien. Me explicaron las diferentes planes que te ofrecen. La atención en general fue muy bien
Response from the owner:We're thrilled to receive your five-star review! It warms our hearts to hear that you appreciate the care you receive at our practice. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback!
Denise M.
Came here for an emergency appointment. We normally visit the location in Rock Hill. Appreciate the staff fitting us in on short notice and explaining what to do in case we have issues with our expander again. As always the staff is very warm and reassuring. Thank you all!
Response from the owner:Denise, thank you for the fantastic five-star review! Your feedback means the world to us. We're glad to hear that you're having a wonderful experience with our team!
Brandon H.
Well organized place that I decided to get my braces installed, everything went smoothly and according to the plan. I have braces now and I am enjoying them.
Response from the owner:Brandon, we are so glad you and your children had a great experience and are very grateful for the five-star review!
Ms. D.
So excited to be working with them. The facility was very clean and everyone was so friendly and explained everything in details.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Eric M.
It was fast and friendly service. They kept all of their promises..I couldn't be happier.
Response from the owner:Eric, thank you for the fantastic five-star review!
K E.
the staff is incredible! they make every visit fun, quick, and as pain free as possible! we couldn't be happier!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
Kamalaah H.
The staff is professional, friendly, and personable! I would definitely recommend this office to friends and family!
Response from the owner:Kamalaah, thank you so much for the five-star review! We love to hear our patients had a wonderful experience!
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