Dental retainers: the necessary step after braces

Orthodontic treatment consists of slowly moving your misaligned teeth, over several months or even several years (2 years for a major adjustment). However, once they have finally found their ideal location, it is out of the question to leave them free, without going through a phase of contention which aims at stabilizing your jaw.

Nutrident explains how the devices work.

Why use a support device?

Logically, if your teeth could be moved in one direction, there is no reason why they can't be moved in the other direction, which is back to the original position. But you haven't had bra ces for so long to have all your efforts undone. This is why the retainers phase is just as important as the treatment itself.

The former position of your teeth was stable and helped shape your jaws. So it takes time to rehabilitate everything and sometimes even keep the retainer for life. Rest assured, however, it is much less restrictive than orthodontic treatment.

What are the different types of retainers?

The retainer is designed to hold your teeth in place. This means that it is unique and does not have to be adjusted over time. You can choose between a removable or fixed device.

Removable retainers

Your dentist may suggest a false palate or a retainer.

The false palate or palatal plate is a device of very old conception. It consists of a wire that runs over your teeth and is held in place by a false palate made of a rigid plastic.

This type of appliance is also used in children as an orthodontic procedure, especially when the incisors are advanced because of thumb sucking. On a young jaw, still very malleable, it can straighten a small displacement, provided you stop sucking your thumb of course.

The retention splint is a much more recent procedure. Molded to the shape of your jaws, it can be transparent and therefore totally invisible, especially if you have to wear it during the day.

If you have undergone Invisalign treatment, the retainer is included in the treatment.

The false palate, like the mouthpiece, is practical because you can remove it during the day. If you have to wear them all the time for a few weeks or months, you take them off while you eat your meals and brush your teeth.

Fixed retainers

Your dentist may suggest fixed wires. Made of a metal alloy, they are bonded to the inside of the teeth, usually from one canine to the other. Since they are very thin, you don't feel them and they don't interfere with eating, talking or brushing your teeth.

Smilers® Fix are part of a proprietary process that also offers orthodontic trays. The concept consists of affixing a mouthpiece and, when removing it, a part of it remains stuck on the inner surface of the teeth.

Whether you use wires or Smilers® Fix, both processes are completely invisible, because they are behind the teeth. They are fixed, but do not prevent you from brushing your teeth.

How long is the retainers for?

The duration of the retention depends on the age of the patient and the extent of the previous orthodontic adjustment. In younger children, retainers lasts an average of one year. Since the jaws have not finished growing and are still malleable, the retainer allows the teeth to be permanently fixed in their proper position.

It is more complicated for adults. Bone growth ended with the memory of misplaced teeth. They are therefore likely to always tend to take their place. The retainers treatment may become permanent. If the dentist takes the risk of stopping it, it will be necessary thereafter to ensure very regularly that the teeth do not return to their former position. If necessary, retainers should be resumed.

What is the cost of the retainers device?

The costs are very diverse and depend on the procedure the orthodontist chooses. Plan on 3 to 400 € the first year, and less the following years. Before the age of 16 and if you obtain a prior agreement, social security reimburses you the conventional rate, i.e. 161.25 € for the first year and 75.25 € for the following years.

After age 16, you are not reimbursed. Check with your health insurance company if you want to be covered.

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