Dental retainers are devices that are worn in the mouth to help keep teeth in their correct position. They are often used after orthodontic treatment (such as braces) to help teeth stay in their new, correct position.
There are two main types of dental retainers: removable and fixed. Removable retainers are made of plastic and wire, and can be taken out of the mouth for cleaning and when eating. Fixed retainers are attached to the back of the teeth, and cannot be removed by the patient.
Dental retainers are important because they help prevent the teeth from moving back to their original position after orthodontic treatment. Without a retainer, the teeth may gradually shift back to their original position, which can cause the bite to become misaligned again. This can result in dental problems such as crooked teeth or an incorrect bite.
By Dr. Lynette Lim
