why do some people only use a retainer not full braces?

Question

because i have seen people use retainers not braces, is it cheaper does it work and where would you go to get just a retainer im askin because i have a slight overlap on my two front teeth i think that would be a better option for me

Answer 1

A retainer is something that is put in your mouth AFTER you have braces. Braces shift your teeth initially to be in the place that is "acceptable". Once you get your braces off, so your teeth don't shift back, you are required to wear a retainer for "so long" after you get the braces off. They make invisible braces now, so maybe have your parents look into that for you.

-EA

Answer 2

Because sometimes a retainer is used to maintain a space for one or more teeth until the actual teeth come in or until the space is used by the surrounding teeth to be straightened or moved. Braces on the other hand are used to move the teeth that they are attached to until the desired positions are accomplished. Braces are more often used to move many teeth whereas a retainer can be used on a smaller section of teeth. If your problem is just with the two front teeth and there is sufficient room for them to move to the desired position without crowding the other teeth around them, then I would go with the retainer instead of braces.

Answer 3

Usually, most orthordontists will use braces and then a retainer to "hold" the teeth into place AFTER the braces have come off. Sometimes you have to wear them for a couple years, other times for LIFE! It depends on the severity...

For minor corrections, just doing a retainer instead of braces can be done although I have never heard anyone doing it personally. I believe the product is called "invisalign" and the link is below.

Answer 4

Most people who get a retainer instead of braces have either a very very minor problem, or they are young and have teeth that need to just stay where they are at to prevent the need for braces at a later date. If my parents hadn't been so selfish when I was 10 and gotten me a retainer, I could've avoided braces when I was 22. :)

You might be able to get a retainer, the ortho would take a mold of your teeth, make the retainer, and then slightly alter it every so often to gently nudge the teeth into shape, but you would have to ask your ortho if it is possible.

Answer 5

A retainer is used along with headgear to help straighten teeth. Normally you wear the headgear all night and when you are at home and then wear a retainer when you have the headgear off to help keep the teeth in place. Once you are done with wearing the headgear then the braces usually go on if you need them. The retainer itself does not straighten the teeth the headgear or braces do. Once the teeth are straightened to the satisfaction of the ortho doc the person will wear the retainer to help keep the teeth in place.

Answer 6

well it generally depends on how bad the overlap is. I mean with braces, once you get them off, the dentist usually requires you to wear retainers for pretty much the rest of your life so that you're teeth dont shift. But if its something not that serious that you feel you need to get it fixed you would probably be best off with retainers. But again you can ask your local dentist

Answer 7

some people use retainers because aside from the fact that it is way cheaper, others only have a slight problem with their teeth and it can be taken care of with a retainer. others have to use braces beacause their teeth problem can't be fixed by a retainer

Answer 8

The use of braces and/or retained depends on how much your teeth need to move. Braces can move teeth many spaces. However, a retainer is usually used just for retention, or to keep your teeth in their current position.

Answer 9

sometimes the people you see with a retainer is just before they get their braces on, for a slight correction, or just after they get their braces off...to keep the "bad teeth' from going back to a bad growth pattern. Only an orthodontist can tell you.......

Answer 10

go to an orthodontist. the orthodontist can tell you what would work for your teeth. if you dont have much of a problem the orthodontist might just give you a retainer, or maybe invisalign. you would get a retainer at the orthodontist's. if you do go ans he/she says to get braces, ask about the retainer. usually people get retainers after they had braces so their teeth dont move. if you dont know of any orthodontists you could also ask your dentist, and maybe he/she could either reccomend an orthodontist or maybe even m,ake a retainer for you. good luck!