Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam

What is the main goal of using a retainer after orthodontic treatment?

1. To move teeth into a new position

2. To whiten teeth

3. To stabilize the teeth in their new positions

4. To increase tooth enamel durability

The correct answer is: To stabilize the teeth in their new positions

The main goal of using a retainer after orthodontic treatment is to stabilize the teeth in their new positions. After braces or other orthodontic appliances are removed, the teeth can be prone to shifting back toward their original positions due to the natural elasticity of the periodontal ligaments and the surrounding tissues. A retainer serves as a critical device to hold the teeth in their corrected alignment, allowing the bone and gums time to adapt to the new positions. This stabilization process is essential for ensuring that the improvements achieved during orthodontic treatment are maintained long term. Without the use of a retainer, there is a significant risk that the teeth will revert to their previous misalignment, negating the benefits of the orthodontic work. Other purposes such as moving teeth, whitening them, or increasing enamel durability are not the primary functions of retainers and are generally addressed by different treatments or methods in dental care.