Medical Device
orthodontic retainers
[ awr-thuh-don-tik ri-tey-nerz ]
Subclass of:
Orthodontic Appliances
Definitions related to orthodontic retainer (physical object):
  • (orthodontic retainers) Orthodontic appliances, fixed or removable, used to maintain teeth in corrected positions during the period of functional adaptation following corrective treatment. These appliances are also used to maintain the positions of the teeth and jaws gained by orthodontic procedures. (From Zwemer, Boucher's Clinical Dental Terminology, 4th ed, p263)
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • A preformed tooth positioner is a plastic device that is an impression of a perfected bite intended to prevent a patient's teeth from shifting position or to move teeth to a final position after orthodontic appliances (braces) have been removed. The patient bites down on the device for several hours a day to force the teeth into a final position or to maintain the teeth in their corrected position.
    Standard Product Nomenclature
    U.S Food & Drug Administration, 2003
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