What Are Fixed Retainers and How Do They Work?
The orthodontic world uses a lot of industry terms concerning your treatment. On occasion, our Bearden orthodontist might mention fixed retainers during your appointment. Today, get familiar with fixed retainers and how they work for your orthodontia care.
Defining Fixed Retainers
A fixed retainer is a wire bonded to the back of the teeth for straightening purposes, according to Healthline. For example, our Bearden orthodontist might install this type of retainer after removing your braces.
Typically, fixed retainers are clever tools to stop the teeth from moving out of position. Patients and orthodontists spend many hours adjusting the teeth into position. As a safeguard, fixed retainers hide behind the teeth to protect your orthodontic investment.
Installing the Wire
Our team installs fixed retainers with just a few steps, including:
- Mixing and applying a bonding agent to the backside of the teeth
- Carefully string the wire across the chosen teeth
- Applying a curing light to adhere the system together
Typically, fixed retainers only require a short appointment for their installation. The curing light ensures proper adhesion after only a few minutes.
Understanding the Science Behind Fixed Retainers
Although the teeth don't appear to move, they can shift after wearing braces. Our Fountain City family orthodontist uses every tool possible to avoid unsightly smiles. As a solution, fixed retainers offer stability for the teeth with minimal care.
Because fixed retainers are usually attached to the lower teeth, patients barely notice them after installation. Naturally, patients must alter some of their dental care habits to avoid damaging the hidden wire. However, any other efforts aren't necessary. In the end, only our orthodontic team must check on the wire during subsequent appointments.
Call our team with your fixed retainer questions today!
Partnering With an Experienced Orthodontist
At Myers Orthodontics, our combined staff has around 32 years of experience. We welcome patients to ask questions about our evaluations and treatment plans. When you're considering fixed retainers, patients need experienced staff who can install the wiring so there's no discomfort.
In some cases, fixed retainers may not be necessary. We treat each patient as a unique individual. In the end, your smile can remain straight and healthy with our hidden wiring system.
Our Bearden and Fountain City family orthodontist teams are happy to answer any questions you have about treatment tools or procedures. Your orthodontic health is our priority.
Contact Myers Orthodontics for an appointment today!