"My aligner treatment with K Clear is complete, now I can stop wearing my aligners" STOP! Unfortunately, this assumption is not correct. The muscles of the face can move the teeth for life. Only through retention can you keep your teeth in position permanently.
WHAT IS RETENTION? Retention is a constituent component of K Clear treatment and plays a crucial role in this. After completion of the treatment it stabilizes the teeth permanently in their desired position. It is a measure that is essential for the long-lasting success of the treatment. WHY IS RETENTION IMPORTANT?
If retention is avoided, the treatment result may change again after the therapy has ended, leading to so-called replapse. Immediately after treatment, the structures of the periodontium need time to regenerate and are initially unstable in the new position. The late growth of the jaw, which occurs beyond adolescence, or the breakthrough of wisdom teeth can also have a negative impact on the results achieved. The retainer prevents the teeth from moving back to their original position in these phases.
TYPES OF RETENTION
There are two types of retention that can be used. In addition to the removable retainer there is the permanent lingual retainer.
REMOVABLE RETAINER
A removable retainer is part of our treatment and is provided for each case. On request, the permanent lingual retainer can also be obtained from us. The removable retainer is made
from the material of our K Clear Aligners and has a thickness of one millimeter. The lifespan of the retainer depends on proper care. It should be cleaned and disinfected with cleaning tablets. When not in use, the patient should store it in the aligner box.
PERMANENT RETAINER
The permanent lingual retainer is fixed, and the duration will differ from case to case. It is attached at the back of the anterior teeth and is particularly beneficial for maintaining stability over a long period of time. From the outside, the permanent retainer is not visible. It is made of a medical metal wire or aesthetic fiberglass. After a short adaption phase the permanent retainer does not disturb the patient while eating or talking. Unlike the removable retainer, a permanent lingual retainer requires no active participation by the patient. It is firmly connected with the teeth and can be neither forgotten nor lost.