A Bonded Lingual Retainer Appliance (BLR) is usually comprised of a braided stainless steel wire that connects to the lingual (back) surfaces of the front teeth. Composite resin (dental restorative material) is used to adhere the appliance to the teeth.
What wire is used for fixed retainer?
Fixed bonded retainers are generally used in two ways. First, thicker 0.032 inch wires are bonded to canines only. Although stainless steel wires are mostly preferred in this technique, Liou et al. (26) reported successful results for nickel–titanium wires as well.
What does a thicker wire on braces mean?
A thicker wire is stronger, which usually creates more movement in the teeth than a thinner wire. Arch wires are often switched out at your follow-up appointments to change the tension on the teeth.
What is a lingual wire?
The retainer is called a lingual wire because it’s glued or bonded to the back surface oof your teeth. It’s easier to securely attach the bonding material to lower teeth such as the cuspids (canine teeth) for effective long-term use.
Are bonded retainers effective?
Bonded retainers can work extremely well, and I have found there are two main factors that will determine how well they work. Fist, the patient must be determined to be an excellent candidate for the responsibility to have a bonded retainer.
How long do you wear bonded retainers?
The glue that bonds the wire can wear out with the everyday activity your mouth experiences—eating, talking, brushing and flossing. A bonded retainer on your upper teeth may last up to three years, while a lower bonded retainer will last longer, as this part of the mouth doesn’t see as much activity.
Which is better plastic or wire retainer?
Metal retainers, for instance, are broadly speaking more durable than plastic retainers. Additionally, Hawley retainers are visible to others. Essix retainers are effective but are less durable than metal retainers. Many patients prefer them, however, because they are not as noticeable.
What is the strongest wire for braces?
Beta-titanium archwires have a level of strength and elasticity somewhere between that of stainless steel and nickel-titanium. Some orthodontists choose this type of wire during the middle of orthodontic treatment when they start to need a stiffer wire. Nickel-titanium archwires are the most elastic of these three.
What are NiTi wires?
NiTi wires are designed to help your teeth move into their proper positions more effectively, making your treatment shorter and much more comfortable. Our practice uses heat-activated NiTi wires because they combine shape memory and elasticity with excellent mechanical properties.
What can you not eat with a bonded retainer?
Yes! Since the reatiners are bonded, or glued, to your teeth exactly like braces it is imperative that you do not bite into anything hard or you will dislodge your retainer (ic, apples, pears, candy bars, frozen foods etc…). All hard foods need to be cut and placed in the back of the mouth.
How long do bonded retainers last?
A bonded retainer on your upper teeth may last up to three years, while a lower bonded retainer will last longer, as this part of the mouth doesn’t see as much activity. Even if it’s been a short time since the retainers’ installation, the wires can become unbonded to the teeth without you realizing it.
