Retaining appliances, also called retainers, are devices designed to keep teeth in the right position. They are generally worn by patients who have undergone treatment with orthodontic appliances. If you are not being treated by an orthodontist, you can create a false retainer with wax. This technique has only a decorative purpose and no medical efficacy; in addition, there are some risks associated with this practice.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Know the Risks
Step 1. Know how your teeth are damaged
A retainer performs its function by applying pressure to the dentition. If this force is exerted incorrectly, the result could be a weakening of the tooth enamel, which is the lesser of all evils. If the force pushes the tooth (or teeth) too far in one direction, it may become slack; pressure can also alter the blood supply to the tooth, causing it to die and requiring an extraction.
- If your teeth start to swing, you will have a hard time chewing your food and may eventually lose them.
- The teeth begin to darken. The natural white / ivory color changes to matte gray or black; this is a sign that the dental pulp that contains the nerves and blood vessels has died leaving internal stains.
Step 2. Be aware of how false retainers damage the gums
A badly positioned device irritates the mucous membranes causing them to bleed and inflame, even leading to infection. Since the gums are essential for oral health, damage to them leads to problems with the bone support and ligaments that hold the teeth in place.
- If you notice any signs of gum irritation, remove the fake device immediately.
- The gums can withdraw and detach from the teeth; consequently, the tooth surface exposed to bacteria increases, compromising the general health of the teeth; all this turns into sensitivity and an unattractive smile.
Step 3. Avoid bisphenol A (BPA)
If you buy a retainer from an orthodontist, you should be sure that it is made with materials approved by the Ministry of Health for oral use; however, if you build a fake device, you could use plastics contaminated with this substance, very common in commercial products, but which causes serious damage to health.
- Even small doses of BPA ingested for a long time can lead to chronic disease.
- By making a retainer with wax you expose yourself to the real risk of holding an object rich in bisphenol A.
Step 4. Evaluate the academic training an orthodontist must obtain
This professional is a dental specialist who follows a six-year degree course before being able to take a state exam and then practice the profession; it is essentially a dentist who specializes in the position and manipulation of the teeth.
- If it weren't such a complex field, not so much study would be needed. To become an orthodontist it is necessary to know physics, geometry, anatomy and have a good spatial vision to evaluate what the final result may be.
- Orthodontics and dentistry are branches of medicine; Dental care has an impact not only on the health of the mouth, but also on the overall health. An infection caused by a misused retainer can spread through the blood system.
Part 2 of 2: Making a Fake Storage Appliance
Step 1. Choose the wax
You can use the red one that is used to protect some famous cheeses or opt for the transparent one of various types of candies. For example, some stores sell miniature soda bottles made from wax; Consider also using the dental one that you can buy at the pharmacy.
- The choice is based on the color of the material or what you have available.
- Dispose of the cheese or soda as you like. What you need is the wax wrap.
Step 2. Fill a glass jar with boiling water
If you don't have access to boiling water, you can use very hot tap water; put the wax in the liquid and let it soak for a short time to soften the material.
- You need to extract the wax when the water is still very hot.
- It is much better not to heat the material using the microwave.
Step 3. Crush the wax into a malleable form
Hold it between your fingers and press it several times until you mold it into an oval disc; later it may need to be adapted to the shape of the teeth.
- Make sure the wax is no bigger than your mouth.
- If the disc is too small, it does not adhere to the dental arch.
Step 4. Press the wax onto your upper teeth
Use your thumb and forefinger to make it stick between your upper lip and teeth; gently squeeze it as you spread it until it cools and hardens.
- Don't scrape your gums, you need to proceed gently.
- It is worth using a mirror during this stage.
Step 5. Fold the flap of wax around the teeth
Work from left to right and pinch the material with your thumb and forefinger until it is smooth and flat; make sure it does not rub or penetrate the upper gums.
- Gently press the wax onto the roof of your mouth using your thumb and wait for it to harden as it cools.
- The false retainer can be as large as you wish; generally it should cover all the anterior teeth of the upper arch.
- The wax becomes hard as it cools.
Warnings
- The American Organization of Orthodontists strongly discourages the use of these decorative devices; if they adhere improperly, they can cause lasting problems in teeth, gums and mouth that require expensive care.
- Never use a bite in place of a containment appliance; although the two devices are aesthetically similar, the bite is only designed to protect tooth surfaces from bruxism while sleeping.
