Retainers are the types of prosthetic dentists use to keep teeth in place. Dentists use Greenwich retainers to maintain the shape of the teeth and correct gaps between them. The practice is especially important for people who have lost teeth or have lost teeth due to gum disease or trauma. Dentists also fit some Greenwich retainers over existing teeth or implants to keep them in place.
Teeth retainers come in many shapes and sizes, each with advantages and disadvantages. Each retainer is designed to provide a specific function, with some made from plastic and others from metal. The most common types include:
Taper Retainers
Taper retainers are available in various sizes and shapes, including straight, curved, and mixed designs. The tapered design allows easy insertion into the mouth without exerting too much force or pressure on the teeth. They are popular among those who have trouble eating certain foods due to sensitivity or discomfort caused by a lack of space between their teeth. The rounded edges of these retainers also make them easier to clean than other types of retainers, which can sometimes be difficult to keep clean if not properly cared for after use.
Ball-shaped Retainers
These have a ball at the bottom that fits into your mouth and often come in different sizes for different-sized teeth. They are also known as O-Retainers, J-Retainers, or J-Pillars, which are all names for this type of retainer.
Cone-Shaped Retainers
Cone-shaped retainers are ideal for clasps that have been removed by accident or decay. Dentists use these retainers to replace missing teeth. These retainers are also great for use as temporary fillings in the gaps that tooth loss may cause. Cone-shaped retainers are available in various colors, materials, and designs to suit your needs.
Barrel Retainers
Barrel retainers are ideal for correcting small irregularities in your bite, such as gaps between teeth or crooked teeth. These retainer designs feature two cylindrical barrels, one on each side of the tooth that needs to be corrected. For example, if you have a space between your front teeth, your dentist may use a barrel retainer to correct the regularity.
Wire Retainers
Wire retainers are similar to cone-shaped retainers except that they are smaller and made from wire instead of plastic. These retainers are especially good for those with small mouth sizes because they don’t take up much room on the top teeth when you wear them directly.
Pin Retainers
These retainers are popular for their ability to be placed directly into the mouth without needing wires or brackets. They are available in metal or plastic. They are also available in many different designs.
Biconcave Retainers
Biconcave retainers are similar to cone-shaped retainers but have an additional feature that helps align and restore your teeth. The biconcave retainer has a central ridge that runs along its concave surface. This ridge helps align your teeth and supports them during eating or chewing activities.
Most people don’t realize that their teeth can become damaged by over-stretching, which can cause the teeth to crack and fall out. Contact Greenwich Dentistry today if you have questions about retainers.
