- retainer
- Any type of clasp, attachment, or device used for the fixation or stabilization of a prosthesis; an appliance used to prevent the shifting of teeth following orthodontic treatment.- continuous bar r. a metal bar, usually resting on lingual surfaces of teeth, to aid in their stabilization and to act as indirect retainers. SYN: continuous clasp.- direct r. a clasp or attachment applied to an abutment tooth for the purpose of maintaining a removable appliance in position.- extracoronal r. a r. that depends upon contact with the outer circumference of the crown of a tooth for its retentive qualities.- Hawley r. a removable wire and acrylic palatal appliance used to retain or stabilize the teeth in their new position following orthodontic tooth movement; with modifications it can be used to move teeth as an active orthodontic appliance. SYN: Hawley appliance.- indirect r. a part of a removable partial denture that assists the direct retainers in preventing occlusal displacement of the distal extension bases by functioning through lever action on the opposite side of the fulcrum line.- intracoronal r. a r. that depends upon components placed within the crown portion of a tooth for its retentive qualities.- matrix r. a mechanical device designed to hold a matrix around a tooth during restorative procedures, usually by engaging the ends of the matrix band and drawing the band tight.
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re·tain·er ri-'tān-ər n1) the part of a dental replacement (as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural teeth2) a dental appliance used to hold teeth in their correct position esp. following orthodontic treatment* * *
1. a component of a partial denture that keeps it in place.2. an orthodontic appliance that holds the teeth in position at the end of active treatment.3. a component of a bridge that is fixed to a natural tooth.* * *
re·tain·er (re-taґnər) 1. a device for retaining or keeping something in position. 2. the part of a denture that unites the abutment tooth with the suspended portion of the bridge, such as an inlay, partial crown, or complete crown. 3. an orthodontic device for maintaining in position the teeth and jaws. 4. any form of clasp, attachment, or other device used for the fixation or stabilization of a prosthetic appliance. 5. the portion of a fixed prosthesis attaching a pontic to the abutment teeth.
Medical dictionary. 2011.