Lexicon
Retainer
A retainer – also known as an adhesive retainer or lingual retainer – is an aid for stabilizing the position of the incisors. It is a filigree wire that is attached to the inside of the incisors in a precisely adapted manner. The retainer wire prevents the teeth from shifting again after orthodontic treatment.
Author
Dr. Fabian von Rom
Date
Estimated reading time
approx. 3 Min
Retainer
Contents
This is why a retainer makes sense for your teeth
Teeth can move throughout life. Unlike the posterior region, the incisors are not interlocked with the opposing jaw via cusps. Their position is therefore not intrinsically stabilized. The incisors also have round roots and small contact points. For this reason, the incisors are much more susceptible to shifting than the posterior teeth, regardless of the wisdom teeth.
Retainers help against crooked front teeth
Movements occur when all the forces acting on the incisors (tongue and lip pressure, teeth grinding, etc.) are not in absolute balance. As these forces arise unconsciously throughout the patient’s life when speaking, swallowing or grinding teeth, they cannot be controlled by the patient and cannot be calculated by any orthodontist in the long term. The use of a retainer is recommended to guarantee a 100% stable anterior tooth position and esthetics regardless of the balance of forces. The lower anterior teeth are particularly susceptible to anterior tooth displacement.
Retainer attachment and removal
The retainer is bonded invisibly to the inside of the tooth from canine to canine and in most cases is left in place for the long term. If a retainer is removed, there is a risk that the incisors will move. This is not immediately medically relevant, but can have a negative effect on the esthetics. As an alternative to the retainer, removable retention splints or retention braces can be used.
Costs for retainers
The costs of a retainer are only covered by statutory health insurance in a few exceptional cases in the lower jaw. Most private supplementary dental insurances cover the costs of retainers in orthodontics.
Your expert for orthodontics
Dr. Fabian von Rom
In the specialist practice for orthodontics, Dr. med, dent. Fabian von Rom uses his extensive expertise and many years of experience to offer patients the best possible care. The practice offers the entire spectrum of modern orthodontics and specializes in innovative and advanced treatment methods. In addition to traditional procedures, the focus is on treatment with invisible braces for teenagers and adults – one of the most modern and discreet solutions in orthodontics. Dr. med. dent. Fabian von Rom attaches great importance to ensuring that medical precision goes hand in hand with a high level of patient satisfaction. By equipping the practice exclusively with individual treatment rooms, individual and professional care at the highest level is guaranteed.
Further topics
In our guide you will find lots more information on current, relevant and interesting topics relating to orthodontics. We hope you enjoy reading it!
