Among orthodontic treatment, braces and retainers are widely popular. These appliances help straighten teeth and resolve bite issues, overcrowding, and crooked teeth. However, invisible braces and retainers are often confused with each other. This article concerns braces vs Retainers, the differences between them, and why you use them.
What are Braces?
Braces are dental appliances that orthodontists use to correct crooked teeth and jaws and bite issues. They use gradual and consistent pressure to move teeth into a desired position. The treatment time varies according to the complexity of the crookedness. It may take between a few months and two to three years.
Braces consist of brackets joined by an arched wire between them. Sometimes, the dentist uses elastic bands or springs to add additional pressure. The treatment time and pressure depend upon the complexity of the case.
Dental Issues that Braces Can Solve
Dental Braces help in solving various orthodontic issues like:
- Crooked teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Bite Issues (overbite and crossbite)
Types of Dental Braces
- Metal braces: Metal braces are attached to the teeth and include brackets, wire, and rubber bands. They last for 2 to 4 years, depending upon the complication. Metal braces are the most common orthodontic treatment.
- Ceramic braces: Ceramic braces are exactly like metal braces. However, they are less noticeable because of the material used. Orthodontists design them with tooth-coloured material, which blends with the natural teeth and stays less visible.
- Lingual Braces: Lingual braces are metal braces, but instead of being attached to the front of the teeth, they go at the backside. They are attached to the lingual side of the teeth, which makes them invisible. It is suitable for those who are concerned about metal wires and brackets being exposed when speaking or smiling.
- Clear aligners: Clear aligners are a modern innovation in orthodontics. These are removable clear plastic trays that remain invisible when put on. They consist of several tray sets. Each set lasts a few weeks or months, followed by the next tray. Clear aligners or Invisalign take 1 to 1 and a half years to complete the treatment.
Benefits of Braces
Various benefits to braces treatment, like:
- Improve Bite issues: Bite issues can cause eating problems, speech disorders, and other health issues. Therefore, correcting them is important, which happens with braces.
- Better Oral Hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to clean, and they remove bacteria and plaque. Toothbrush and dental floss can easily reach every spot between he teeth after braces.
- Improved appearance: Braces offer an improved appearance by enhancing confidence. It straightens teeth and changes the shape of the jaw, which positively impacts the way you look.
- Improved speech: Teeth play an important role in speech. Any gaps, crookedness or jaw issues can cause irregular speech. But braces help in straightening teeth and jaw, which leads to clearer and confident speech.
What are Retainers?
Retainers are dental appliances that you wear after braces. They are designed to fit the new teeth and jaw structure. The purpose of retainers is to keep the teeth in their new position. They are both removable and nonremovable. Retainers make sure that the teeth stay in their new place rather than shifting back to their old shape.
After completing braces treatment, you may need to wear retainers for some time so the teeth remain straight. The dentists recommend the period for which you have to wear retainers.
Types of Retainers
You need to discuss the suitable type of retainers with your dentist. The three main types of retainers are:
- Hawley Retainers: Hawley retainers consist of wire and plastic. These are removable retainers with wires visible in the mouth. But they are more durable and long-lasting with maximum comfort.
- Clear retainers: Clear retainers are a widely used type of retainer. They are usually made of very thin plastic and are removable and invisible when put on.
- Fixed Retainers: Fixed retainers are placed at the backside of the teeth. They consist of long wires attached at the back of the teeth with a retainer. They are non-removable, so people do not forget to put them on. However, oral hygiene becomes difficult with fixed retainers.
Tips to Take Care of Retainers
Having retainers means taking care of them properly. They are made of thin plastic which gets through the wear and tear of everyday. Therefore, they need to be replaced too soon if not taken care of properly. Here are some tips to take care of retainers:
- Clean them properly and regularly
- Do not leave them idle; keep them in a case for safekeeping.
- Do not wash them with hot water or store them in hot areas.
- Bring them to all dental appointments after braces to ensure any maintenances.
Difference Between Braces vs Retainers
Here are some differences between braces vs retainers to understand how they differ:
- Purpose of Use: Mainly, braces vs retainers differ in terms of their use. Braces are used to straighten teeth by repositioning them. However, orthodontics use retainers to retain the teeth in their new position.
- Length and Time of Use: In terms of time period for braces vs retainers, you have to wear braces for a longer time period followed by retainers that stay forusually shorter time. For orthodontic treatment, you start withbraces and end with retainers.
- Removability: Most braces are non-removable except for clear aligners. However, retainers are removable.
- Visibility: Most braces stay visible, which does not look attractive. However, retainers are different as they are clear and do not remain visible to others.
- comfort: Traditional braces are uncomfortable and they create problems in eating and speech. On the other hand, Retainers offer comfort in speech and eating habits because they are removable and made of thin plastic film.
- Adjustments: With braces you need to visit your dentist for regular adjustments. But, retainers do not require any adjustments.
Get Your Dental Treatment at Teeth and Smile Dental Clinic
Braces and retainers work collectively to provide an attractive and healthy smile. You can visit Teeth and Smile Dental Clinic in Gulberg 3, Lahore. We are a dedicated team of specialised dentists and orthodontists who are waiting to provide you with healthy and beautiful smiles. So, if you are looking for the best dentist or best dental clinics near you, do not ignore Teeth and Smile Dental Clinic, Gulberg 3, Lahore.
FAQs
How do I know if I need a retainer or braces?
If you do not have any complex, crooked situations in your mouth, you can get retainers. However, for complex crookedness, you must get braces treatment first, followed by retainers.
What’s the difference between braces and aligners?
Braces treatment is an effective orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening. Traditional braces include wires and brackets that are visiblewhile aligners are set of clear trays that are custom made to fit on teeth.
What comes first, retainers or braces?
In orthodontic treatment, braces come first which move the teeth into the desired position. The treatment then, uses retainers to keep the teeth in their new place.
Is a retainer painful than braces?
Retainers can be painful at first as they take some time to adjust. Once you start wearing them regularly as recommended by your dentists, you get comfortable with them. Moreover, you must wear them exactly as the dentist has suggested. Otherwise, the teeth may start shifting back to their old shape, which will make wearing retainers painful.
