Orthodontic retainers - An overview

Abstract

After orthodontic treatment completion, teeth have natural tendency to return to their original position, leading to loss of treatment goals achieved during orthodontic treatment. It is mainly due to stretch of periodontal fibres. So there is need to maintain teeth position into new corrected place. This can be achieved by using certain appliances, called as retainers. Retainers can be either removable or fixed. Removable retainers are those appliances which can be easily removed and placed by patients, and thus helping in complete cleaning of teeth and patient can wear retainer on part time basis. Fixed retainers are fixed to teeth. This article will discuss about various types of retainers used after completion of orthodontic treatment to prevent relapse.