What is an orthodontic holder?

Orthodontic holder is a device that is usually used to keep the teeth on site after removing braces or to treat teeth gap problems. The retainers are usually made of plastic or metal wires adapted to fit around the teeth. After the orthodontist takes off braces that moved the teeth, the holder is generally worn for at least nine months to prevent the teeth from crossing their previous positions. When the braces are attached to the teeth, they exert pressure on the bonds so that the teeth can straighten or otherwise move. After removing braces, the periodontal ligaments naturally move back to their original positions. The orthodontic holder is worn above the teeth to keep them in place until the periodontal bonds are permanently adapted to the new position.

There are three main types of orthodontic holders: Hawley, Essix and permanent. Hawley holder has tendencis the most common type of holder. Is made of wire that holds teeth in place and clean or colored acrylic that is formed soto match the inner roof of the mouth. This diversity of the holder is removable.

Essix is ​​made of clear plastic, which is made of tooth mold. It is made of two pieces, one that fits over the upper row of teeth and one for the bottom row. Instead of braces can also be used to straighten or fix minor Essix teeth problems.

Although most orthodontic holders are removable and are not worn permanently, some main cases may require a permanent holder that is fastened to the mouth. The permanent holder is glued to the back of the teeth for severe problems with the opening of teeth that are not permanently translated. Permanent holders are recommended only for the main dental situations, as it is difficult to maintain clean, which may be the potential to be leading to cavities or gum disease.

Proper care and cleaning is essential for orthodontic holders. Removable brackets should be discarded before meals to avoid it,to stick to them. They should be cleaned every time you brush your teeth after eating. The retainers can be gently brushed by a toothbrush or cleaned with a commercial orthodontic cleaning powder.

Orthodontic holder must be worn as a prescribed orthodontist to be effective. Many holders should always be worn for the first nine months after removing braces, but some people may have to continue to wear a few days a week or even every night for the rest of their lives to prevent the teeth from moving. If the holders are not worn properly for the time of the prescribed time, it may be necessary to reuse the teeth back to their old positions and braces.