Bonded Retainers
Retainers are fitted after orthodontic treatment to prevent the teeth from becoming crooked again.
There are two broad categories of retainers, removable retainers (e.g. essix , or hawley retainers) and fixed or bonded retainers which are the subject of this blog.
Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment , the current thinking in orthodontics, is that in general, long-term wear of retainers is required. In the case of removable retainers they are worn on a part-time basis.
Removable upper essix type retainer.
Bonded (fixed) retainer on the inside of the lower teeth.
The advantage of a bonded retainer is that one does not have to remember to wear it and it cannot be mislaid.
The bonded (fixed) retainer is literally glued to the inside of the teeth with a tooth coloured dental composite (adhesive ).
Bonded retainers in place to prevent relapse of what were previously very crooked teeth.
How is a bonded retainer fitted?
Normally a retractor is used to help to keep the teeth dry when placing a bonded retainer.
Dental adhesive is applied to the teeth once braces or aligners have been removed.
A wire which corresponds to the shape of the straight teeth is fitted.
Wire is accurately positioned and is passive.
The adhesive is set with a dental light.
The bonded retainer in place secured by dental adhesive.
Bonded retainers placed on the lower teeth are generally very successful (as the upper teeth do not bite onto the wire) . Bonded retainers placed on the upper teeth by contrast have a poorer success rate as the top of the lower teeth can tend to bite the upper wire off.
Clonmel Orthodontics blog.
This blog was written by Dr John Buckley, Clonmel’s most qualified and most experienced orthodontist. We use cutting edge technology in Clonmel Orthodontics to provide excellent orthodontic treatment at affordable prices. Our surgeries are airy spacious and private , like you might expect if you visit a general medical practitioner. Remember orthodontics is about what happens in your mouth.