What is the difference between retainers and braces

As the name implies, a retainer is meant to retain your teeth in a specific position so movement and shifting cannot affect your alignment. Retainers cannot serve the same function as braces or Invisalign in any capacity, but there are a few circumstances where your orthodontist might have you wear a retainer instead of or prior to getting a full set of braces.

If there is a small, easily adjustable issue with one to two teeth in your mouth, that issue could potentially be fixed with retainers instead of a full set of braces. To elaborate, small gaps, single tooth adjustments, and other very minor issues can be fixed via retainers. Any other adjustments that need to be done to your teeth would be better suited to braces. If your mouth requires more orthodontic refinement, your orthodontist will likely not even give you the option of getting a retainer to fix the issues.

Overbites, underbites, crossbites, multiple gaps, or crooked teeth are all issues best suited for standard braces or Invisalign. When light pressure is applied to the teeth, they move better than using heavy forces. How much do retainers cost? Hawley retainers are made from a hard acrylic that gets molded to your child's teeth and are held in place with a wire that runs behind the teeth. Can I wear my retainer only at night? Some kids may wear their retainer only at night right from the start, but they may have to wear it for more than a year.

The retainer keeps the teeth in line and you won't even notice it while you're sleeping! Other kids may wear retainers to close a space between their teeth or just to move one tooth. Do orthodontists shape teeth after braces? Braces and beyond As you can see, braces can do a fantastic job of straightening your teeth, but they can't change the shape of your teeth, or repair unhealthy teeth.

Dental contouring and bonding both involve subtly reshaping your teeth, helping to give you a more symmetrical smile. Do braces work at any age? You Can Have Braces At Any Age You can use braces to correct misaligned teeth at any age, just so long as your teeth and gums are reasonably strong. Dental braces are not suitable for patients with weakened gums or poor dental health.

This is because they place a lot of extra pressure on the gums. Should I get clear or metal retainers? A metal retainer is just as effective as a clear retainer is. They are durable and can last for decades. However, one of the challenges patients have with them is that they can be uncomfortable and make it very difficult to speak.

Walker does not recommend patients to substitute one orthodontic treatment for another. Orthodontic treatment for patients with braces is a commitment of money, effort, and time. The reward of these commitments is a straight teeth, a more functional mouth and jaw, and a beautiful smile. Some patients may attempt ways to avoid the commitments that braces require and still get perfect teeth.

One way people try to do this is by wearing only a retainer instead of braces to straighten their teeth. Retainers are a good substitute for braces when the issue is extremely minor. For instance, a retainer can be used effectively if the problem concerns only one or two teeth, if there is a slight gap between two teeth, or if one of the teeth is out of place. Estimated costs and comparison chart for types of retainers. Removable retainers: Pros and cons.

Hawley retainers. Clear plastic retainers. Permanent retainers: Pros and cons. Why a retainer? Bottom line. Read this next.

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