Dental Orthodontic Accessories Bondable Lingual Retainer
Product Description
Dental Orthodontic Accessories Bondable Lingual Retainer
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.
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.
Key Features and Design
Placement: Bonded to the back of the teeth, typically from canine to canine (the six front teeth) on either the upper or lower arch, though the lower arch is more common.
Material: Made from a thin, flexible wire. Common materials include:
Braided Stainless Steel: Multiple thin wires braided together for high flexibility and strength.
Solid Stainless Steel: A single, slightly thicker wire.
Nickel-Titanium: Offers super-elasticity and flexibility.
Attachment: The wire is custom-shaped to fit the contours of the back of the specific patient's teeth. It is then bonded in place using a small amount of dental composite resin (the same material used for white fillings).
Types of Lingual Retainers
Direct Bonded Retainer: The most common type. The orthodontist custom-shapes the wire directly in the patient's mouth and bonds it to each tooth.
Indirect Bonded Retainer: A more precise technique. A model of the patient's teeth is created. The wire is fabricated and bonded to the model in the lab. This entire "retainer appliance" is then transferred to the patient's mouth in one visit, ensuring perfect fit and bond strength.