Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam

What appliance is used to stabilize the teeth after active orthodontic treatment?

1. Archwire

2. Elastic bands

3. Selective extraction

4. Retainer

The correct answer is: Retainer

A retainer is specifically designed to stabilize the teeth after active orthodontic treatment. Once the braces are removed, there is a natural tendency for teeth to shift back to their original positions due to the memory of the surrounding tissues, which can lead to relapse. A retainer helps to maintain the new alignment by holding the teeth in their corrected positions, allowing for the supporting structures, such as the bone and gums, to adapt to the changes from the orthodontic treatment. Retainers can be made of plastic, wire, or a combination of both and may be fixed or removable, providing flexibility to meet the patient's needs. They play a crucial role in long-term treatment success by ensuring that the results achieved through braces or other orthodontic appliances are preserved over time. In contrast, other options like archwires and elastic bands are primarily used during the active phase of orthodontic treatment to move teeth rather than to keep them stable after treatment. Selective extraction is a strategic decision made earlier in treatment to create space and is not used for stabilization purposes afterward.