You may have heard the word retainer before, but that does not mean you know what they are for. Retainers are usually used to keep teeth in the proper spacing and alignment after treatment. If your retainer is not working for you or your child, you may need a bonded retainer. Here is some information on bonded retainers and why they are necessary.
About Retainers
Retainers are a combination of plastic or acrylic and metal. There are also retainers that are made of medical-grade plastic, much like clear aligners that teenagers and adults wear rather than braces. You can wear a retainer on your top or your bottom jaw or both. Usually, dental patients wear retainers in order to keep their teeth in place after a procedure or after braces.
Retainers help to keep your teeth in place until your jaw, teeth, and other mouth structures get used to the changes. For example, if you recently got your braces off, and your teeth are now perfectly and evenly placed, you will want them to stay in the exact same place as they were on the day your braces came off.
Retainers are a great way for dentists to make sure your teeth stay in the exact position you need. If your teeth begin to shift and move, it could lead to issues with your jaw or your bite positions, which are called malocclusions.
What Is a Bonded Retainer?
Retainers are not a permanent fixture in your mouth. You can remove them whenever you want. However, in some cases, especially in younger adults or people whose teeth move rapidly, a more permanent appliance is needed.
Dentists or orthodontists can install a retainer using dental cement or a bonding agent. The bonding agent is applied and hardened, usually using a light. Then, you and your bonded retainer are ready to go. Bonded retainers can be used on your upper or lower jaws and are great for keeping top or bottom teeth in place.
Are you unsure if you need a bonded retainer for yourself or your child? We can help. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
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