Retainer (orthodontics)

A retainer ( engl. to retain: Hold; fix ) is a tooth - stabilizer, which is used as part of an orthodontic treatment. By the retainer to the jaw bone and the repositioned tooth roots can better adapt to the new position by regrowth of the jaw bone. The risk of recurrence can be minimized by a retainer.

Definition / Application

A distinction is made between two types of retainers:

• The removable retainer is mostly used by small to medium - heavy orthodontic treatment by fixed braces with the aim to stabilize the teeth in the new target position. Become a removable retainer used in the upper and lower jaw, so it is not usually possible that the teeth meet, what is intentional under certain circumstances. It is recommended to use also the removable retainer 24 h / day over the entire treatment period. He looks visually a removable braces are very similar.
• The fixed retainer (also Kleberetainer ) is used for moderate to severe orthodontic treatments directly in the course of removal of a fixed braces. The fixed retainer is this usually fixed to the tooth inside, with the aim to stabilize the newly positioned teeth. The teeth are to be stabilized in this case connected with a wire band. The fastening is effected by adhesion to the teeth.

Treatment procedure fixed retainer

The retainer is made based on a dental impression ( upper and / or lower jaw).

Procedure:

The order of the treatment sequence is important because the more moving by the braces teeth " feathers " ( able to move at very short notice of the new position away). To exclude this possibility, the braces are removed after insertion of the retainer. This approach thus also points to possible disadvantages of a removable retainer.

Duration of treatment

After orthodontic treatment, the teeth have the urge to migrate back again to its old position. This urge decreases with time, but remains theoretically last a lifetime. Loose Retainers are therefore carried at the beginning of the retention time is usually around the clock or to a large part of the time of day. With the treatment time, the daily wearing time decreases but. As a rule of thumb that is treated with the loose retainer at least as long as the active orthodontic treatment lasted. However, it is recommended, even then at longer intervals ( eg several times a week) to wear it overnight and check if he still is loose or if the teeth have shifted again.

Fixed Retainer stay glued behind the teeth indefinitely. In practice, they often lose but after a few years to stop and then permanently removed. Sometimes loose and fixed retainer be used simultaneously. In this case, the duration of treatment of the loose retainer shortened.

Reimbursement

A fixed retainer is not currently being taken in the upper jaw of the statutory health insurance. In the mandible, it is refunded if it was requested prior to the start of treatment and if a crowding in the lower jaw of at least grade 3 (ISCG E3 ) is present. The retainer provides, however, as opposed to a removable braces the advantage of a more efficient treatment success, since the retainer is permanently fixed on the follow-up period to the teeth.