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What is a retainer in dentistry?
Permanent retainers with a memory effect: the innovative solution for stable teeth
The advantages of a permanent retainer
Are there also disadvantages to wearing a permanent retainer?
How do I care for my permanent retainer properly?
How long does a permanent retainer have to be worn?
Are lingual retainers covered by statutory health insurance?
How does treatment with a permanent retainer work at Hakim Aesthetics?
What is a retainer in dentistry?
Retainers are used after orthodontic tooth corrections with braces. They serve to hold your teeth in their new, correct place. Using a retainer is an important tool for stabilizing the position of your teeth and securing a lasting tooth correction. There are various options when it comes to treatment with retainers. A distinction is made between fixed and removable retainers. The permanent retainer is worn permanently and is a highly effective solution for stabilizing your teeth in the desired position.
A classic fixed retainer — the permanent retainer — consists of a drawn or braided wire made of high-quality stainless steel that is attached to the inside of your front teeth. This form of retainer is therefore — similar to lingual braces — invisible from the outside.
Permanent retainers with a memory effect: the innovative solution for stable teeth
In our orthodontic practice we use a highly modern and particularly high-quality material called Memotain for your retainer. It stands out for its exceptionally high flexibility combined with high strength at the same time. Your retainer can therefore adapt to the natural movements of your teeth and still keep its shape. Memotain retainers have what is known as a memory effect: through the “memory” of the wire, they hold your teeth in the right position for a long-lasting, beautiful smile.
The permanent retainer in use
Depending on the preceding diagnosis and orthodontic treatment, your retainer is bonded to particular teeth — from canine to canine, for example. So the first advantage of the permanent retainer lies in its invisibility. It usually causes few side effects — only in the initial period can slight speech difficulties such as lisping occur, due to its position. As a rule, this settles down once you have got used to the retainer. In our experience, the permanent retainer causes little to no disturbance when eating, and effective dental care is still readily possible despite the retainer.
The advantages of the permanent retainer
Our permanent retainer is made of a high-quality, well-tolerated material that adapts to your teeth. It is attached to the inside of the teeth and is therefore invisible. After a short period of getting used to it, you will hardly notice the retainer any more. Eating is possible without any problem, and daily dental and oral hygiene remains fully possible despite the retainer. Another advantage of permanent retainers: you cannot lose them or forget them, because they are firmly attached to your teeth.
Are there also disadvantages to wearing a permanent retainer?
How a fixed retainer feels differs from person to person. People who suffer from severe claustrophobia should consider whether they want to wear a fixed retainer. A permanent retainer can encourage plaque and tartar. Good dental hygiene is therefore particularly important. In addition, you should have a professional dental cleaning carried out regularly.
How do I care for my permanent retainer properly?
As a rule, sufficient daily dental care is readily possible while wearing the permanent retainer as well. With a fixed retainer, however, you should pay attention to particularly thorough oral hygiene in order to prevent plaque and tooth decay. Alongside regular brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste, it is therefore a good idea to clean the spaces between your teeth with interdental brushes.
How long does a permanent retainer have to be worn?
The wear time always depends on the individual condition of your teeth and your dentition as well as on the treatment goals. As a rule, the retainer stays in your mouth for about 5 to 10 years in order to hold your teeth in the desired position. In some cases the retainer stays in the mouth even longer. We will advise you on the ideal wear time. A check of your retainer at least once a year is a good idea, in order to review its fit and make adjustments if necessary.
Are lingual retainers covered by statutory health insurance?
Unfortunately, wearing a permanent retainer is not normally covered by statutory health insurance. Only in cases of severe malocclusion is coverage possible. We will be glad to advise you on this topic at a personal appointment.
Is a retainer really necessary?
A retainer is necessary in order to secure the result of a tooth correction. A retainer prevents your teeth from shifting back into their original position. In addition, the bone structure in the front segment of your jaw changes over the course of time, which often leads to crowding of the teeth. Without being held in place by a retainer, there is a risk that your teeth will shift again because of the changed bone structure.
How does treatment with a permanent retainer work at Hakim Aesthetics?
Patient consultation
Dr. Hakim and his team attach great importance to you, together with your needs and wishes, always being at the center of attention. Transparency is a particular concern for us in this. That is why we explain your options to you even before the actual orthodontic tooth correction.
Precise examination and diagnosis
We examine your dentition with the help of modern procedures and assess, on the basis of the circumstances, which materials and applications are the best option for you.
Fitting and production of your retainer
Once you have decided on a permanent retainer, it is made individually for you. To do this, we create a digital impression of your teeth in our practice. Based on this impression, a retainer is produced that is precisely adapted to your teeth. Alternatively, the retainer can also be attached directly to your teeth. We will be glad to explain things to you if you have any questions.
Placing your retainer
In a further session, your retainer is placed directly by the orthodontist. This procedure is quick and usually low in discomfort. For a certain time, a removable brace or a retention splint, similar to an aligner, will also hold your teeth in the new position until the results have stabilized.
Follow-up checks
Routine checks are carried out at regular intervals. Here we check whether your retainer still fits correctly and is fulfilling its function.
Do you have further questions about permanent retainers? — Then please get in touch with us. Dr. Hakim and his team are personally there for your concerns!
