Retention is the final stage of orthodontic treatment, which involves consolidating the achieved results.
Changes in the position of teeth during orthodontics negatively affect the periodontal tissues (i.e. the tissues surrounding the tooth).
After removing the orthodontic appliance, the periodontium needs some time to regenerate and consolidate the results.
In this context, retention plays a key role.
The type of retention is selected by the treating physician.
The most commonly used are:
- Retention plates (i.e. appliances that can be removed).
- Retainer, i.e. a retention wire glued to the lingual or palatal surface, usually of the front teeth.
- It is important to remember about daily hygiene of retainers and thorough cleaning of the tooth surfaces on which the retainer is attached.
The length of the retention period depends on many factors, such as the type of malocclusion and the age of the patient.
In children, the retention period is usually short and sometimes not required at all.
In the case of adult patients, it may last several years or even a lifetime.
Follow-up visits after removing the orthodontic appliance should take place after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.
In the initial period, the retainer should be worn 24 hours a day, with breaks only for eating and hygiene.
Later, according to the orthodontist’s recommendations, you can gradually reduce the frequency of wearing the brace.
It is worth remembering that the oral cavity is a dynamic part of the body, subject to constant changes.
Minor tooth movements resulting from their natural mobility are a normal and inevitable phenomenon.
Long-term maintenance of the achieved treatment results also depends on the proper functioning of the lips, tongue, proper muscle tension, elimination of harmful habits and the possible reconstruction of missing teeth.
We invite you for orthodontic consultations with Dr. Aneta Zmorzyńska at Warsaw Dental Center!
Appointments can be booked:
by phone: 22 542 18 04
by e-mail: kontakt@warsawdentalcenter.pl
or via social media news
