Cause and length of the treatment
The patient has to be motivated and willing to cooperate, following the instructions given by orthodontist to reach satisfying results. Despite the fact that the orthodontist gives the patient information about the treatment length, it is not possible to foresee how much time it will take, because each person reacts to the orthodontic forces differently. The average length of the treatment is 2-5 years.
Stability of the results
The teeth and jaws are dynamic structures that constantly changes during the lifetime. The orthodontic retention phase has always been an important part of maintaining a good, stable occlusion after active appliance treatment. The retainer is needed because even braces may have successfully straightened your teeth, they are not completely settled into their new positions until the bones, gums, and muscles adapt to the changes. The time frame for wearing a retainer will vary from patient to patient. During the first several months, retainers are usually worn full time. After that, your orthodontist will decide how often they should be worn.
If the treatment is done during the growth period, the position of the teeth can change and after that an additional orthodontic treatment may be necessary. The result of the orthodontic treatment is influenced by the frequency of visits, the oral hygiene during the treatment and the anatomical features of the patient.
Types of retainers:
- Fixed retainer – consists of a passive wire bonded to the tongue-side of the (usually, depending on the patient's bite, only lower) incisors.
