Retainers
RETENTION - IN MANY WAYS, JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE ACTIVE TREATMENT
After any active treatment, retention is required. We start with the acceptance that teeth will continue to move, to a greater or lesser extent, throughout life.
Retention simply means the holding-on after teeth have been aligned and bites corrected.
Types of retention will differ with different types of active treatment, and after treatment of different presenting problems in patients of different ages and with different facial shapes.
It is not reasonable to say that one size fits all.
Commonly used retainers are:
Traditional rigid removable acrylic plates with wires to hold the teeth firmly against the acrylic arch shape,
Clear flexible removable templates which, at first, fit like gloves over the aligned teeth, and
Fixed (bonded) wires on the inside of the teeth.
The safest, most efficient and most predictable form of retention for individual patients will be discussed throughout treatment and especially when it has been decided that active devices can be removed.
In most cases, retention will commence as close to full-time as possible – apart from meals, tooth-brushing, sport with a mouthguard or really special occasions. After a few months, retention will generally be reduced to night-time only – with further reductions over the next few years in the number of nights that retainers should be worn.
In our practice, we are well-known for taking long-term responsibility after active treatment. That typically means that teenagers will be followed from time to time through until their early twenties. During that long retention period, in most cases, decisions regarding wisdom teeth or other back teeth are made.
In the end though, there is never a recommendation that the wearing of retainers should stop altogether. Some patients will be lucky that, with the particular treatment carried out for them, an obviously very stable situation has been reached. For others, who may have seemed to have been treated for similar problems, there will be obvious continued movement. In those cases, the teeth can be held straight with normal night-time retainers being worn – the minimum amount of time to keep the alignment in those individuals.
Special types of retainers are bite-splints worn at night to try to reduce the progression of tooth wear in those patients who grind their teeth or who continue to be managed for various jaw joint and muscle problems. Other retainers may include false teeth to temporarily replace missing teeth – until ready for more permanent replacements to be made.
For adults, the choices are similar although, in most adults, the initial day-time retainers will be clear templates. Fixed wire retainers can be especially useful to hold teeth in young patients if there is a very real chance of significant movement occurring (such as the re-opening of an upper midline gap) or if there is a question of compliance with the necessary program. In the long-term though, there is definitely a cleaning problem associated with the placement of bonded fixed wires and so the need to keep the gum tissues clean and healthy may eventually outweigh the facility of placing the fixed wires.
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Dr Michael Woods is amazing very happy I found him after having incorrect work done on my teeth. Dr michael woods rectified the errors was honest and fair. Very blessed to have met.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I need to wear metal braces?
Most patients wear metal braces for 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of their case. Professor Woods will give you a realistic timeframe during your consultation. Simple alignment issues often resolve faster, while complex bite problems may take longer. We'll monitor your progress closely and keep you updated throughout treatment.
Will metal braces be painful?
You might feel some pressure and mild discomfort for a few days after getting braces or having them adjusted. This is completely normal—it means your teeth are moving! Most patients find any discomfort manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. The feeling typically subsides within a week, and many patients quickly forget they're wearing braces.
Do I need to have teeth removed?
Not necessarily. At Michael Woods Orthodontics, we often achieve excellent results without extractions by using modern expansion techniques. Professor Woods specialises in creating space through careful treatment planning rather than removing healthy teeth. However, in cases of severe crowding, extractions might provide the best long-term outcome. We'll discuss all options during your consultation.
Can adults get metal braces?
How do I keep my teeth clean with braces?
What foods should I avoid?
How often do I need appointments?
Will people notice my braces?
What happens after my braces come off?
Once we remove your braces, you'll wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. Teeth naturally want to shift back to their original position, so retainers are crucial for long-term success. We'll provide detailed retainer care instructions and schedule follow-up visits to ensure your beautiful new smile lasts forever.
Ready to transform your smile? Book a consultation with Professor Michael Woods at our Glen Iris practice, conveniently located near Malvern Central with easy access from Hawthorn, Toorak, Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.