2006-10-06 09:07:03 · 8 answers · asked by MISS 2 in Health ➔ Dental
Retainers are removable and now with advances in technology, braces are now removable. Europeans have used removable braces for years, however.
"Spring" retainers will move teeth however non-removable braces are best because there is better patient compliance. A mature adult "should" be compliant while wearing removable braces (Invisalign, OrthoClear and Red, White & Blue) are examples of removable braces.
Braces are usually the first step to correction; whether correcting the bite, crowding (crooked teeth) or spaces. AFTER the braces have corrected the orthodontic concern/problem; then retainers are needed and required to keep the teeth from shifting again, thus causing the problem to reappear. IF retainers are not worn after braces, the teeth will shift again.
Some retainers are also fixed. They are called bonded lingual retainers as they fit behind the teeth; close to the tongue (lingual).
In summary, a person wears braces first (fixed or removable) then retainers (fixed or removable) after the braces have worked their magic!
2006-10-06 12:15:49 · answer #1 · answered by Jhazzi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You wear a retainer to help keep the teeth where they are positioned by the braces.
2006-10-06 11:41:32 · answer #2 · answered by jojo8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Retainers keep the teeth in their current position. Braces move the teeth.
2006-10-06 09:09:51 · answer #3 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Braces move the teeth. Most retainers merely hold the teeth where they are. Sometimes retainers can be designed to slightly move the teeth, but it's not terribly effective.
2006-10-06 11:52:53 · answer #4 · answered by hmcdds 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Retainers do just that...retain the position of your teeth once they have been straightened by braces. Retainers are removable...braces are not.
2006-10-06 09:09:37 · answer #5 · answered by CuteWriter 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Braces actually adjust your teeth. Their purpose is to move them fromt heir original crooked position to a new straight/aligned position.
A retainer is just meant to keep your teeth in place. It doesn't move them at all.
A retainer is usually worn after a person is done with bracers. It keeps the teeth from migrating back to their old positions.
2006-10-06 09:10:23 · answer #6 · answered by purplekitten1979 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the braces is what actully shift your teeth into place, and the retainers hold the position after braces are removed.
2006-10-06 09:42:21 · answer #7 · answered by IKNOWTHAT 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
braces straighten out your teeth
retainers keep them in place.
if you have a really mild case, you can just get retainers usually.
2006-10-07 13:38:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋