Orthodontic treatment is a significant commitment that often spans several years. After the removal of braces, the journey towards a perfect smile does not end. To maintain the results achieved, retainers are essential. These devices help in keeping your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back. A common question among patients who are nearing the end of their braces journey is, “How long does it take to make retainers for braces?” In this article, we will explore the types of retainers, the process of making them, and the time it takes to create them.
Types of Retainers
Retainers can be broadly classified into two main types: removable and fixed. Each type has its own set of advantages and is chosen based on the patient’s needs and the orthodontist’s recommendation.
Removable Retainers
Hawley Retainers: These are traditional retainers made of a combination of metal wires and acrylic. They are adjustable and durable.
Essix Retainers: These are clear, plastic retainers that fit snugly over the teeth. They are less noticeable and are favored for their aesthetic appeal.
SEE ALSO: When Should You Get Orthodontic Treatment?
Fixed Retainers
Fixed retainers, also known as bonded or permanent retainers, consist of a thin wire that is bonded to the back of the teeth, usually the lower front teeth. They are not removable and provide constant support to keep the teeth in place.
The Retainer Fabrication Process
The process of making retainers involves several steps, from taking an impression of the teeth to the final fitting. Let’s break down the steps involved:
1. Taking Impressions
The first step in making retainers is to take an impression of the teeth.
This can be done using traditional alginate materials or digital scanners.
Alginate Impressions: A tray filled with alginate is placed in the patient’s mouth, and the patient bites down to create an impression.
The material hardens quickly, capturing the exact shape of the teeth and gums.
Digital Scans: Modern orthodontic practices may use intraoral scanners to create a digital model of the teeth. This method is quicker and more comfortable for the patient.
2. Creating the Model
Once the impressions are taken, they are used to create a model of the patient’s teeth. In the case of traditional impressions, the alginate mold is filled with dental stone to create a cast. For digital scans, the impression is processed and converted into a 3D model.
3. Fabrication of Retainers
With the model ready, the actual fabrication of the retainers begins. The process varies slightly for different types of retainers:
Hawley Retainers: The lab technician uses the dental model to design the retainer. The acrylic base is crafted to fit the roof of the mouth or the inside of the lower jaw, and metal wires are shaped to fit around the teeth. The components are then joined together, and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit.
Essix Retainers: A sheet of clear plastic is heated and molded over the dental model to create the retainer. The excess plastic is trimmed away, and the edges are smoothed for comfort.
Fixed Retainers: These are usually fabricated directly in the patient’s mouth. The orthodontist bonds a thin wire to the back of the teeth using dental cement. This process does not require a separate lab fabrication step.
How Long Does It Take to Make Retainers?
The time it takes to make retainers can vary based on several factors, including the type of retainer, the method of impression taking, and the specific practices of the dental laboratory.
Removable Retainers
Hawley Retainers: Once the impression is taken, it generally takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the dental laboratory to fabricate and deliver Hawley retainers. Some orthodontic practices with in-house labs may expedite this process to just a few days.
Essix Retainers: These can be made more quickly due to the simplicity of their design. Typically, Essix retainers can be fabricated within a few days, and in some cases, they can be produced on the same day if the orthodontic office has the necessary equipment.
Fixed Retainers
Since fixed retainers are usually placed directly in the patient’s mouth by the orthodontist, the process can be completed in a single appointment. This appointment generally lasts about 30 minutes to an hour.
Digital Workflow
With the advent of digital impressions and 3D printing technology, the time required to make retainers has significantly reduced. Digital scans can be sent directly to the lab or processed in-office, and retainers can be printed and ready for fitting within a day or two.
Factors Affecting The Timeframe
Several factors can influence how long it takes to make retainers, including:
Orthodontic Practice Capabilities: Practices with in-house laboratories or digital impression systems can provide faster turnaround times compared to those that rely on external labs.
Complexity of the Case: More complex cases may require additional time for adjustments and modifications to the retainer.
Lab Workload: The dental laboratory’s current workload and efficiency can affect the time it takes to fabricate retainers.
Geographical Location: The proximity of the dental lab to the orthodontic practice can also impact the delivery time. Local labs can often provide quicker services compared to those located farther away.
Why Timing Matters
Timely delivery of retainers is crucial in orthodontic treatment. After braces are removed, teeth can start to shift back to their original positions relatively quickly. To prevent this relapse, retainers should be fitted and worn as soon as possible.
Delays in getting retainers can compromise the results of the entire orthodontic treatment.
Conclusion
The process of making retainers for braces is a meticulous one that ensures the longevity of orthodontic results. While the exact time it takes to make retainers can vary, advancements in technology and efficient lab practices have significantly reduced the wait time for patients. On average, removable retainers can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks to fabricate, while fixed retainers can be placed in a single appointment. It is essential to follow your orthodontist’s advice and get your retainers promptly to maintain the beautiful smile achieved through braces.