Pidäkkeitä

Pidäkkeitä is a Finnish term that translates to "retainers" in English. In the context of dentistry, pidäkkeitä refer to devices used to hold teeth in a desired position after orthodontic treatment. These devices are crucial for maintaining the results of braces or other dental alignment procedures.

There are generally two main types of pidäkkeitä: fixed and removable. Fixed retainers are typically made of a thin wire that is bonded to the back surface of the teeth, most commonly the lower front teeth. They are invisible to others and are worn continuously. Removable retainers, on the other hand, are clear plastic or acrylic appliances that fit over the teeth. They are usually worn at night or for a specified number of hours per day.

The purpose of pidäkkeitä is to prevent orthodontic relapse, which is the tendency for teeth to shift back towards their original positions after treatment. Teeth have a natural tendency to move due to factors like muscle pressure and continued bone remodeling. Retainers counteract these forces by providing constant support.

The duration for which pidäkkeitä are worn varies depending on the individual case, the orthodontist's recommendation, and the patient's compliance. In many cases, retainers are recommended for lifelong wear, at least part-time, to ensure long-term stability of the orthodontic results. Regular check-ups with a dentist or orthodontist are important to ensure the pidäkkeitä are fitting correctly and functioning as intended. Proper hygiene, including diligent brushing and flossing, is also essential to maintain oral health while wearing retainers.