All measures to stabilize an orthodontic treatment result after the end of active treatment are called retention in orthodontics. Retention is a necessary part of orthodontic treatment because all tooth movements tend to return towards their initial state after the end of treatment. This is especially true for the anterior teeth, whose permanent straightening naturally interests patients the most because they are visible during speech and laughter.
Removable and fixed appliances for retention
Various removable and fixed braces are used for retention, all of which can be called retainers. Suitable removable retainers are so-called plate appliances – common children’s braces with a plastic body and wire retaining clips – or transparent clear foils of the aligner type. The disadvantage of removable retainers is their dependence on cooperation, and the need to replace them periodically because they eventually wear out and become unhygienic.
Fixed retainers are thin wires that are bonded behind the 6 front teeth. Unfortunately, not all orthodontists succeed in making them comfortable and hygienic, but basically fixed retainers are the gold standard in orthodontics.
Stabilize anterior teeth for life
Since human anterior teeth have a lifelong tendency to migrate and shift more or less noticeably, it automatically follows that serious retention must always be done indefinitely. Unfortunately, this is often not communicated so clearly at the beginning of orthodontic treatments. In fact, all patients know this from the beginning: Stabilization of anterior teeth is a task for life!