What the difference between a retainer and a expander
2007-03-27 00:44:05 · 5 answers · asked by chilissammy 1 in Health ➔ Dental
Retainer is used to hold teeth in their new position until bone, gums, and muscles adapt to their new position. Expander is used to expand the upper jaw.
2007-03-27 00:52:03 · answer #1 · answered by davids w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both are appliances but work in different ways.
The expander is used at the start of orthodontics; the palatal expander is an appliance that attaches to the molars and bi's which places an outward pressure to increase the size of the arch, which makes more room for the teeth.
The retainer is used after the completion of orthodontics the final phase, it's also an appliance that's use is just as it's named; it retains or holds the teeth in their final corrected position.
Hope I've been of some help this morning and good luck with your ortho treatment!
2007-03-27 02:05:22 · answer #2 · answered by HeatherS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An expander is a "corrective" device and a retainer keeps your teeth exactly where they were (usually after braces are removed).
I've worn a retained nightly for over 20 years!
2007-03-27 01:06:29 · answer #3 · answered by kerridwen09 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A retainer holds the teeth where they are supposed to be. An expander moves teeth out.
2007-03-27 01:39:16 · answer #4 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a retainer helps keep ur teeth in place after braces. an expander 'expands' so that there is more room in ur mouth to fit all ur teeth!
2007-03-27 00:49:11 · answer #5 · answered by m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋