Question

What is the purpose of an orthodontic positioner?

1) To move the teeth
2) To retain the teeth in their desired position
3) To reposition the teeth during orthodontic treatment
4) To act as a permanent retainer

Answer 1

The orthodontic positioner is used to retain the teeth in their desired position after treatments such as braces, ensuring the lasting effects of orthodontic adjustments. It is not for moving or repositioning teeth during treatment or serving as a permanent retainer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of an orthodontic positioner is to retain the teeth in their desired position after they have been moved into place via braces or other orthodontic treatments. While braces, as shown in the reference figures, apply forces to teeth to realign them through tension in the wire, an orthodontic positioner is typically used after braces are removed. The positioner helps to maintain the new alignment and prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions, ensuring that the orthodontic treatment's results are long-lasting. An orthodontic positioner is not designed to move the teeth, reposition the teeth during treatment, or act as a permanent retainer, although it shares the goal of retaining alignment with removable retainers or fixed retainers that may be used post-treatment.