Abstract:
The present invention relates to an orthodontic retainer to be fitted to an orthodontically treated dentition in order to fix the teeth in their orthodontic treatment state. In particular, the present invention relates to an orthodontic retainer that achieves, for example, improvement of strength of the retainer, improvement of wearing comfort and esthetics, reduction in cost, and improvement of a function as the retainer.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to an orthodontic retainer to be fitted to an orthodontically treated dentition in order to fix the teeth in their orthodontic treatment state.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     An example of a conventional orthodontic retainer is shown in  FIG. 46 . As shown in the figure, the retainer  1  includes a wire  23 , which is disposed in a labial arch in contact with the outside surfaces of teeth, and a synthetic resin section  31 , which includes unevenness fitting with the inside surfaces of the teeth. The orthodontic retainer  1  is fitted to the teeth by inserting the teeth in a gap defined between the wire  23  and the unevenness of the synthetic resin section  31 . In such an orthodontic retainer, the synthetic resin section  31  located inside the teeth is required to have a moderate flexibility. On the other hand, since such a synthetic resin section  31  having flexibility is provided so as to impart a retaining force to the teeth (the “retaining force” means a force for retaining the teeth in their orthodontic treatment state), the synthetic resin section  31  of the retainer  1  inevitably has a large size and is formed thick and wide. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 46 , the synthetic resin section  31  in the maxillary retainer  1  covers almost an entire maxilla (hard palate) in the oral cavity. Since the retainer  1  includes such a large synthetic resin section, drawbacks as described below occur in the retainer  1 . 
        (1) Wearing comfort is bad with odd feeling;     (2) Disturbance of pronunciation is caused;     (3) It is hard to eat foods at meals, and the sense of tasting foods and drinks is spoiled;     (4) Since the synthetic resin section has low thermal conductivity, a wearer cannot sense temperature of foods and drinks sensitively;     (5) Since the synthetic resin section is susceptible to odors and soils, the wearer feels discomfort; and     (6) The synthetic resin section is easily broken when it is larger in size.        
 
         [0011]     Since it is necessary to use an orthodontic retainer over a very long period of time, these problems are serious for a user of the orthodontic retainer.  
         [0012]     Thus, JP-A-8-168500 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,169 propose a solution to such problems.  
         [0013]     In FIGS.  47  to  52 , reference sign  21   a  denotes a maxillary retainer, and  21   b  denotes a mandibular retainer. In the maxillary retainer  21   a , both ends  25   a  of a wire section  23   a , which is in contact with outside surfaces  5   a  of maxillary teeth  3   a , are coupled to a substantially U-shaped metal support  27   a  located inside the maxillary teeth  3   a , and a synthetic resin section  31   a,  which includes unevenness  29   a  fitting with inside surfaces  7   a  of the maxillary teeth  3   a , is fixed to the metal support  27   a  such that the maxillary teeth  3   a  are inserted in a gap  33   a  defined between the wire section  23   a  and the unevenness  29   a  of the synthetic resin section  31   a.    
         [0014]     On the other hand, in the mandibular retainer  21   b , both ends  25   b  of a wire section  23   b , which is in contact with outside surfaces  5   b  of the mandible teeth  3   b , are coupled to a substantially U-shaped metal support  27   b  located inside the mandible teeth  3   b , and a synthetic resin section  31   b , which includes unevenness  29   b  fitting with inside surfaces  7   b  of the mandible teeth  3   b , is fixed to the metal support  27   b  such that the maxillary teeth  3   b  may be inserted in a gap  33   b  defined between the wire section  23   b  and the unevenness  29   b  of the synthetic resin section  31   b.    
         [0015]     The wire sections  23   a  and  23   b  are formed of, for example, a cobalt chromium alloy. The metal supports  27   a  and  27   b  are formed of, for example, of a titanium alloy, a cobalt chromium alloy, or a PGA (platinum alloy). The synthetic resin sections  31   a  and  31   b  are formed of a material having an adequate flexibility such as polycarbonate or acrylic resins.  
         [0016]     First metal reinforcing members  35  having one ends  35 ′ thereof fixed to the metal support  27   a  are embedded in the synthetic resin section  31   a  in the maxillary retainer  21   a.    
         [0017]     In addition, second metal reinforcing members  37  with one ends  37 ′ thereof fixed to the metal support  27   b  are passed through the synthetic resin section  31   b  in the mandibular retainer  21   b  to project the other ends  37 ″ of the second metal reinforcing members  37  from the synthetic resin section  31   b.    
         [0018]     Third metal reinforcing members  39  with one ends  39 ′ thereof fixed to the metal support  27   a  are passed through the synthetic resin section  31   a  in the maxillary retainer  21   a  to fix the other ends  39 ″, which are projected from the synthetic resin section  31   a  in the third metal reinforcing members  39 , to the wire section  23   a.    
         [0019]     In the orthodontic retainer with such a structure, the thickness and width of both the synthetic resin section and the substantially U-shaped metal support can be reduced remarkably. Therefore, even when the orthodontic retainer is fitted to the maxillary teeth or mandibular teeth, the maxilla or mandible in the oral cavity is not entirely covered by the orthodontic retainer. Thus, it is said that the orthodontic retainer shows the following advantages: 
        (1) Wearing comfort is good without odd feeling;     (2) Disturbance of pronunciation is not caused;     (3) It is easy to eat foods at meals, and the sense of tasting foods and drinks is not spoiled;     (4) Since the synthetic resin section having low thermal conductivity is extremely reduced in thickness and width, a wearer can sense temperature of foods and drinks sensitively;     (5) Since the synthetic resin section susceptible to odors and soils is extremely reduced in thickness and width, the orthodontic retainer is clean;     (6) Since the supports are made of metal, the orthodontic retainer is strong;     (7) Since the synthetic resin section is minimized, it is not likely that the retainer is cracked;     (8) The other end of the second metal reinforcing member  37  is engaged with the upper surfaces of the teeth, whereby the orthodontic retainer can be fixed to the teeth more surely; and     (9) The orthodontic retainer can be fixed to the teeth more surely by the third metal reinforcing member  39 .        
 
         [0029]     However, the conventional orthodontic retainer has several difficulties as described below: 
        (1) Although JP-A-8-168500 referred to above mentions that “both the synthetic resin section and the substantially U-shaped metal support can be extremely reduced in thickness and width,” the metal support thereof is made of an expensive titanium alloy, cobalt chromium alloy, PGA (platinum alloy), or the like. The retainer is fixed (supported) such that an opposite surface of the synthetic resin section including unevenness fitting the inside surface of the teeth is connected to one end face of a flat forging thereof (see  FIGS. 47, 48 , and  50 ).        
 
         [0031]     A reinforcing effect for the synthetic resin section (the metal support as well) cannot be expected much from such simple adhesion with the synthetic resin section backed up by the metal support. Although it is stated that the synthetic resin section is reinforced by embedding the first metal reinforcing member  35 , which is fixed to the metal support  27   a , in and across the synthetic resin section, such a reinforcing relation cannot be found anywhere in the patent application.  
         [0032]     Besides, a material cost is high, and the reduction in an amount of synthetic resin is not significant because the reinforcement is insufficient. 
        (2) Since the retainer has a simple plate-like arcuate loop frame, it is very difficult to permanently bear twists repeatedly applied in lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions. Nevertheless, no means for counteracting such vulnerability is provided.     (3) Since the mutual reinforcement effect between the synthetic resin and the metal support is small, the synthetic resin section cannot be reduced greatly in size, and thus odd feeling of a wearer in wearing the retainer cannot be eliminated enough.     (4) Since the metal support directly touches the palate, tongue, or foods, it is necessary to use flat forging of titanium alloy, cobalt chromium alloy or PGA (platinum alloy), and the material cost increases inevitably.     (5) The wire section is exposed over the entire outside surfaces of the teeth, which causes a problem from an aesthetic viewpoint. In addition, the wearer is adversely affected mentally.     (6) The conventional orthodontic retainer does not have any effectuate function of effectively distributing and relieving the pressure of the perioral muscle such as the orbicular muscle of the mouth and the buccinator muscle acting from the outside surfaces of the dental arch, which is one of main factors of a relapse of the teeth after orthodontic treatment. Therefore, pressure is applied to the dentition of anterior teeth or posterior teeth, and there occurs a problem of inducing the relapse.        
 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0038]     The present invention has been devised in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an orthodontic retainer using inexpensive standardized materials, in which both a synthetic resin section and a metal support act to effectively reinforce each other so as to reduce an amount of the synthetic resin to be used, and which has sufficient strength and elasticity to bear repeated twists.  
         [0039]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an orthodontic retainer that has a function of effectively relieving pressure of the perioral muscle such as the orbicular muscle of the mouth and the buccinator muscle acting from the outside surfaces of the dental arch so as to prevent a relapse of the teeth after orthodontic treatment.  
         [0040]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an orthodontic retainer that is so excellent aesthetically with minimized exposure of a metal support that a patient does not refrain from wearing the same worrying about the public eye.  
         [0041]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive orthodontic retainer that is easily fitted to the dentition and is simple but hygienic with reduced wearing discomfort.  
         [0042]     In order to achieve the above objects, an orthodontic retainer of the present invention is constituted as described below.  
         [0043]     The present invention provides a maxillary retainer including a resin plate retained to a palatal periphery that has clasps at both ends thereof, is embedded with a substantially U-shaped reinforcing wire extending along the inside of the dental arch and a bridge wire coupling both the clasps and traversing a posterior edge of a palate thereof, includes unevenness fitting with inside surfaces of the teeth, and is formed in a shape with most portions thereof hollowed out leaving a part of 4 to 5 mm from a contour periphery thereof where the reinforcing wire and the bridge wire are embedded. In the maxillary retainer, the reinforcing wire extending from the clasps and the bridge wire are brazed to each other, and the periphery of the resin plate has a thickness minimized to a height of a crown bulge region at a prosterior teeth region in the same manner as the conventional retainer at posterior teeth.  
         [0044]     A labial arch wire in contact with the outside surfaces of the teeth is provided between both the clasps.  
         [0045]     Resin is added to the labial arch wire at the anterior teeth.  
         [0046]     The resin plate is provided with an incision in a median portion of the resin plate traversing the anterior teeth and the palate, and an omega loop is added to the wires exposed from the incision.  
         [0047]     The reinforcing wire disposed adjacent and along the cervix on the palatal surface is added with an auxiliary spring wire after cutting the resin.  
         [0048]     A lip pad consisting of a resin pad is retained at a position opposed to the outside surface of the cervix with a gap formed between them.  
         [0049]     Inside surfaces of the anterior teeth are directly bonded with a coupling wire, and the resin plate has unevenness fitting with the inside surfaces of the teeth.  
         [0050]     The resin plate and the reinforcing wire on the inside surface of the anterior teeth, where the coupling wire is bonded, are removed.  
         [0051]     A pair of ball clasps, which are brazed to the reinforcing wire and nip both side ends of the anterior teeth, are added.  
         [0052]     The ball clasps is replaced with hook clasps, and a synthetic resin chain, which connects the hook clasps and is in abutment against the surfaces of the anterior teeth, is added.  
         [0053]     The present invention also provides a mandibular retainer including a resin plate that has clasps at both ends thereof, includes a labial arch wire extending along outside surfaces of the dental arch and unevenness fitting with inside surfaces of the teeth, and is hollowed out leaving a portion 4-5 mm from a contour periphery thereof where a substantially U-shaped reinforcing wire extending along the inside of the dental arch is embedded. In the mandibular retainer, the reinforcing wire and the labial arch wire are brazed to each other, the periphery of the resin plate has a thickness thereof minimized to a height of the cervix at anterior teeth on and piled the same as conventional retainer at posterior teeth, resin on the lingual surface of the anterior teeth is divided, and an enlarged wire is added along a lower portion of the resin plate.  
         [0054]     Further, the present invention provides a mandibular retainer including a resin plate that has clasps at both ends thereof, includes unevenness fitting with inside surfaces of the teeth, and is hollowed out leaving a portion 4-5 mm from a contour periphery thereof where a substantially U-shaped reinforcing wire extending along the inside of the dental arch is embedded. In the mandibular retainer, a labial arch wire in contact with the outside surfaces of the teeth is provided between both the clasps, the periphery of the resin plate has a thickness thereof minimized to a height of the cervix at anterior teeth and to piled the same as conventional retainer at posterior teeth, and the resin plate is provided with an incision in a median portion at anterior teeth thereof such that an omega loop is added to the wires exposed from the incision.  
         [0055]     A lip pad including a resin pad is provided such that the resin pad of the shock absorber is retained at a position opposed to an outside surface of the cervix with a gap formed between them.  
         [0056]     Inside surfaces of the anterior teeth are directly bonded with a coupling wire, the unevenness fitting with the inside surfaces of the teeth are fitted with the inside surfaces of the anterior teeth, where the coupling wire is directly bonded, at the resin periphery.  
         [0057]     The resin plate and the reinforcing wire on the inside surface of the anterior teeth, where the coupling wire is bonded, are removed.  
         [0058]     A pair of ball clasps, which are brazed to the reinforcing wire and nip both side ends of the anterior teeth, are added.  
         [0059]     The ball clasps are replaced with hook clasps, and a synthetic resin chain, which connects the hook clasps and is in abutment against the surfaces of the anterior teeth, is added.  
         [0060]     Bent metal wires are joined to a main wire, which is disposed along the cervical area on a lingual side of the dental arch, to fit the cervix of the respective teeth such that the teeth are retained.  
         [0061]     The posterior is provided with a molded resin portions along a shape of the cervix of the posterior teeth.  
         [0062]     The clasps are formed as C clasps surrounding a first molars.  
         [0063]     The clasps are formed as Adams clasps surrounding the first molars.  
         [0064]     The clasps are formed as bifurcated C clasps surrounding first and rearmost molars. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0065]     In the accompanying drawings:  
         [0066]      FIG. 1  is a view showing a maxillary retainer according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0067]      FIG. 2  is a view showing another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0068]      FIG. 3  is a view showing a wire provided on the labial surface of the dental arch;  
         [0069]      FIG. 4  is a view showing C clasps of the wire provided on the labial surface of the dental arch;  
         [0070]      FIG. 5  is a view showing another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0071]      FIG. 6  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0072]      FIG. 7  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0073]      FIG. 8  is a view showing resin provided on the labial surface of the dental arch;  
         [0074]      FIG. 9  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0075]      FIG. 10  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0076]      FIG. 11  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0077]      FIG. 12  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0078]      FIG. 13  is a view showing an embodiment of a mandibular retainer according to the present invention;  
         [0079]      FIG. 14  is a view showing another embodiment of the mandibular retainer;  
         [0080]      FIG. 15  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the mandibular retainer;  
         [0081]      FIG. 16  is a sectional view along line A-A of the retainer shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0082]      FIG. 17  is a sectional view along line B-B of the retainer shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0083]      FIG. 18  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0084]      FIG. 19  is a view showing a resin pad for a lip pad;  
         [0085]      FIG. 20  is a view showing the resin pad for the lip pad;  
         [0086]      FIG. 21  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the mandibular retainer;  
         [0087]      FIG. 22  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0088]      FIG. 23  is a view showing the resin pad for the buccal shield;  
         [0089]      FIG. 24  is a view showing the resin pad for the buccal shield;  
         [0090]      FIG. 25  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the mandibular retainer;  
         [0091]      FIG. 26  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0092]      FIG. 27  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0093]      FIG. 28  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0094]      FIG. 29  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0095]      FIG. 30  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the mandibular retainer;  
         [0096]      FIG. 31  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the mandibular retainer;  
         [0097]      FIG. 32  is a view showing a wire bonded to a lingual side of anterior teeth;  
         [0098]      FIG. 33  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0099]      FIG. 34  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the mandibular retainer;  
         [0100]      FIG. 35  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer and the mandibular retainer;  
         [0101]      FIG. 36  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer and the mandibular retainer;  
         [0102]      FIG. 37  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer and the mandibular retainer;  
         [0103]      FIG. 38  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer and the mandibular retainer;  
         [0104]      FIG. 39  is a view showing ball clasps;  
         [0105]      FIG. 40  is a view showing hook clasps;  
         [0106]      FIG. 41  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0107]      FIG. 42  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0108]      FIG. 43  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0109]      FIG. 44 a  partially enlarged view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0110]      FIG. 45  is a view showing yet another embodiment of the maxillary retainer;  
         [0111]      FIG. 46  is an explanatory view showing a conventional orthodontic retainer;  
         [0112]      FIG. 47  is an explanatory view showing the conventional orthodontic retainer;  
         [0113]      FIG. 48  is an explanatory view showing a state of use of the conventional orthodontic retainer;  
         [0114]      FIG. 49  is an explanatory view showing the conventional orthodontic retainer;  
         [0115]      FIG. 50  is an explanatory view showing the conventional orthodontic retainer;  
         [0116]      FIG. 51  is an explanatory view showing the conventional orthodontic retainer; and  
         [0117]      FIG. 52  is an explanatory view showing the conventional orthodontic retainer. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0118]     An embodiment of a retainer in accordance with the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0119]      FIG. 1  shows the maxillary retainer  100  according to the embodiment of the present invention. The maxillary retainer  100  has a frame-like resin plate  102  that includes unevenness fitting with inside surfaces of teeth and one side traversing a posterior edge of a palate thereof and has a shape with a central portion thereof hollowed out leaving a part of 4-5 mm from a contour periphery thereof. A reinforcing wire  104  is embedded in the resin plate  102  along the inside surfaces of the teeth, and a bridge wire  105  is embedded therein along the side traversing the posterior edge of the palate. Both ends of the bridge wire  105  are brazed to both ends of the reinforcing wire  104 . Further, a C clasp  103  is brazed to each of the ends of the reinforcing wire  104 .  
         [0120]     The maxillary retainer  100  is attached on the teeth with the C clasps  103  hooked to first molars  125 . Note that the teeth to which the C clasps  103  are hooked are not limited to the first molars  125  but may be rearmost molars such as second molars  126 .  
         [0121]     In this way, according to the retainer  100 , the reinforcing wire  104  and the bridge wire  105  are embedded in the resin, whereby a mutual reinforcement effect of the resin plate  102  and the wires is exhibited sufficiently. Thus, the retainer  100  itself has a function of controlling a relapse to the inside of the dental arch.  
         [0122]     The resin bar provided across posterior edge of the palate (bridge between both the clasps) yields a cubic structure, which prevents subsidence or torsion of the retainer  100  and a relapse in a case involving a lateral expansion. The retainer  100  can be fitted in a proper position and can maintain an adequate resilience even if external forces are applied thereto repeatedly by wearing and removing. The retainer  100  can also be repaired and corrected easily.  
         [0123]     The function of the retainer  100  can be maintained sufficiently even if a contact region between the palate and the resin plate  102  is reduced and the retainer  100  is reduced in thickness.  
         [0124]     Since the resin plate  102  is formed in a shape of a thin and narrow strip extending along the palate periphery, and an amount of resin is reduced significantly, intra-oral maxilla is hardly covered by the resin plate  102 . Therefore, a good result of use can be expected with reduced odd feeling in wearing and a prolonged use, pronunciation difficulty or swallowing difficulty hardly occurs after wearing, and a wearer can sense temperature of foods and drinks sensitively. Further, by touching the periphery of the resin plate  102  with a tongue, consciousness about elevation of a tongue position can be improved.  
         [0125]     A status of use by a patient can be recognized according to an impression in the resin plate  102  portion produced due to backup of the resin bar.  
         [0126]     Since the wires are covered by resin and do no directly touch the palate, tongue, foods, or the like, it is not necessary to use wires made of expensive metals such as a titanium alloy, a cobalt chromium alloy, or a PGA (platinum alloy), and inexpensive standard products can be used. Further, with reduction of an amount of use of the synthetic resin, polishing work of the synthetic resin decreases in a manufacturing process, which makes it possible to reduce manufacturing time.  
         [0127]     Reduction in the quantity of use of the resin and adoption of inexpensive wires can lead to a significant cost reduction. By minimizing exposure of metal portions, an aesthetically excellent retainer can be provided.  
         [0128]     Odd feeling in wearing the retainer is small, and an adverse effect such as pronunciation difficulty can be fully prevented, whereby long-lasting retention of teeth is realized, and effective orthodontic treatment is achieved.  
         [0129]     When fitted to the teeth, only a part of the C clasps  103  hooked to the molars at the rear of the mouth are exposed on the surface of the dentition in the maxillary retainer  100 , and the portion is hardly seen from the outside even if the patient opens the mouth, which adds to the aesthetical excellence.  
         [0130]     Moreover, the wires such as the reinforcing wire  104  and the clasps such as the C clasps  103  are brazed to each other and integrated. However, since brazed portions are embedded in the resin plate  102 , the tip of the tongue does not touch the brazed portions, it is possible to prevent the tip of the tongue from being hurt and prevent a patient from feeling unpleasant.  
         [0131]      FIG. 2  shows another embodiment of the maxillary retainer. This maxillary retainer  101  includes the resin plate  102  formed in a frame shape, the U-shaped reinforcing wire  104  embedded in the resin plate  102 , the C clasps  103  surrounding the first molars  125 , the bridge wire  105  suspended between the C clasps  103 , and the like. The wire  106 , which is extended along near cervical area of lingual surface is brazed between the C clasps  103  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  
         [0132]     The resin plate  102  is provided along a side edge of a palate and has unevenness fitting with inside surfaces of teeth. The reinforcing wire  104  is extended from the C clasps  103  along the inside surface of the teeth, and the bridge wire  105  traversing a rear edge of the palate is suspended and brazed between the C clasps  103 .  
         [0133]     Note that, in this embodiment, the second molars  126  (or first molars) may be surrounded by the C clasps  103 .  
         [0134]     According to such a retainer  10 l, in addition to the effects of the retainer  100 , the retaining force can be increased by the labial wire  106 .  
         [0135]     A retainer  111  shown in  FIG. 5  has a form in which Adams clasps  109  are used around the first molars  125 . In this way, Adams clasps may be used instead of the C clasps  103 .  
         [0136]     In a retainer  121  shown in  FIG. 6 , the first molars  125  and the second molars  126  (or first molars) are surrounded by bifurcated C clasps  107 . This makes it possible to induce articulation of teeth and tusks in an eruptive phase.  
         [0137]     A retainer  131  shown in  FIG. 7  has a form in which resin  108  is added to the labial wire  106  in the anterior teeth as shown in  FIG. 8  in the retainer  101  shown in  FIG. 2 . The retainer  131  makes over-treatment for the respective teeth and tusks possible and is effective aesthetically.  
         [0138]     A retainer  141  shown in  FIG. 9  has a form in which incisions  112  and  113  are provided in a median portion of the resin plate  102  traversing the anterior teeth and the palate, and omega loops  114  and  115  are added to the exposed reinforcing wire  102  and the bridge wire  105 . According to the retainer  141 , in accordance with growth of a patient, lateral expansion and compression are possible, and postoperative expansion and compression are also possible.  
         [0139]     A retainer  151  shown in  FIG. 10  has a form in which the reinforcing wire  104  and resin plate  102  in the anterior teeth region in the retainer  141  in  FIG. 9  are cut, a resin plate  122  is extended only to canine teeth, and a reinforcing wire  124  is embedded in the resin plate  122 . Even in such a case, lateral expansion and compression of the resin plate  122  embedded in the reinforcing wire  124  are possible, and postoperative expansion and compression thereof are also possible.  
         [0140]     A retainer  161  shown in  FIG. 11  has a form in which an incision  112  is provided in the median portion of the resin plate  102  in the anterior teeth in the retainer  101  in  FIG. 2 , the omega loop  114  is added to the reinforcing wire  104  as a spot. This is a form for intensifying consciousness about a tongue position with the spot.  
         [0141]     A retainer  171  shown in  FIG. 12  has a form in which auxiliary spring wires  116  are brazed to the reinforcing wire  104  extended along near a palate side gingival portion after cutting a resin plate  123 . It is possible to induce articulation of respective teeth and tusks.  
         [0142]     Next, mandibular retainers will be explained.  
         [0143]     A mandibular retainer  180  in  FIG. 13  has a U-shaped resin plate  132  with a portion thereof 4 to 5 mm from a contour periphery left formed of unevenness fitting with inside surfaces of teeth. A reinforcing wire  134  is embedded in the resin plate  132  along the inside surfaces of the teeth left, and a C clasp  133  is brazed to each end of the reinforcing wire  134 .  
         [0144]     As the reinforcing wire  134  and the bridge wire  105 , a 0.9 mm wire is mainly used, and a 1.0 mm wire of larger diameter may be used depending upon a symptom of a patient.  
         [0145]     The mandibular retainer  180  is attached with the C clasps  133  hooked to the first molars  125 . Note that teeth to which the C clasps  133  are hooked are not limited to the first molars  125  such as second molars  126 .  
         [0146]     The mandibular retainer  180  has the same effects as the retainer  100  except an effect by the bridge wire  105 . As shown in the figure, only a part of the C clasps  133  hooked to the molars at the rear of the mouth are exposed on the surface of the dentition in the maxillary retainer  100 , and the portion is hardly seen from the outside even if the patient opens the mouth, which adds the aesthetical excellence.  
         [0147]     Note that, in the orthodontic retainer of the present invention, the wires such as the reinforcing wire  134  and the clasps such as the C clasps  133  are brazed to each other and integrated. However, since brazed portions are embedded in the resin plate  132 , the tip of the tongue does not touch the brazed portions, it is possible to prevent the tip of the tongue from being hurt and prevent a patient from feeling unpleasant.  
         [0148]     A retainer  181  shown in  FIG. 14  is a mandibular retainer, which has a form in which auxiliary spring wires  146  are brazed to the reinforcing wire  134  after cutting a lingual resin plate  132 . The retainer  181  is substantially the same as the retainer  171  in  FIG. 12  except that the C clasps  133  are brazed to both ends of the wire  134 , and the lingual resin plate  132  does not include a bridge wire. According to the retainer  181 , it is possible to induce articulation of respective teeth and tusks.  
         [0149]     A retainer  191  shown in  FIG. 15  has a shape in which the lingual resin plate  132  embedded with the reinforcing wire  134  is divided in a center thereof, wires  136  are brazed between the C clasps  133  and provided on the outside of the lingual resin plate  132 , and an enlarged wire  135  is formed along the inside thereof. The lingual resin plate  132  has unevenness fitting with the inside surfaces of the teeth and is embedded with the reinforcing wire  134  continued in a U shape and extended from the C clasps  133 . According to the retainer  191 , in accordance with growth of a patient, lateral expansion and compression are possible, and postoperative expansion and compression are also possible. A structure of the retainer  191  shown in  FIG. 15  may be used for a maxillary retainer.  
         [0150]     Note that, in this embodiment, the first molars  125  are surrounded by the C clasps  133 . However, the second molars  126  may be surrounded by the C clasps  133 .  
         [0151]     Since the reinforcing wire  134  and the like are embedded in the lingual resin plate  123 , the wires may be brazed in any portions. In addition, although a 0.9 mm line is used as the main line, and a 0.7 mm line is used as the auxiliary line, a 1.0 mm line may be used as the main line as required as long as the line is a long-span line.  
         [0152]      FIG. 16  is a diagram showing a correlation in the anterior teeth of the resin plate  102  and the reinforcing wire  104  on an A-A line section of the maxillary retainer  101  in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 17  is a diagram showing a correlation in the posterior teeth of the reinforcing wire  134  on a B-B line section of the maxillary retainer  101  in  FIG. 2  and shows a degree of reduction in an amount of use of synthetic resin according to reasonable mutual complement.  
         [0153]     Another embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings.  
         [0154]      FIG. 18  shows another embodiment of the maxillary retainer. This retainer  201  has a form in which the first molars  125  are surrounded by the C clasps  103 . The retainer  201  has a resin plate  142 , which is the same as that in the retainer  100  in  FIG. 1 , and the shock absorber  147  is located in the anterior teeth. Note that the second molars  126  may be surrounded by the C clasps  103 .  
         [0155]     As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , in the shock absorber  147 , resin pads  144 , in which a part of a retaining wire  143  is embedded, are arranged in two symmetrical portions in a part of a gingival region outside surface of the anterior teeth. The retaining wire  143  is brazed to the reinforcing wire  104  at both ends thereof and forms a loop frame so as to surround a part of the reinforcing wire  104  and the left and right anterior teeth (six teeth consisting of central incisors, lateral incisors, and canine teeth).  
         [0156]     More specifically, both the ends of the retaining wire  143  is brazed to the reinforcing wire  104  in opposed positions near gaps between the canine teeth and first premolars, respectively, symmetrically in the inside portion of the dentition. The retaining wire  143  traverses the dentition through the gaps, reaches the outside of the dentition, rises to substantially a center height of the gingival region from that position, is bent in a horizontal direction by substantially 90° and bend in a wave-shape along the outside peripheral surface of the gingival region to form wave-shape portions  145  while forming a fixed gap with the outside surface of the gingival region, and arranged substantially symmetrically in the anterior teeth.  
         [0157]     The resin pads  144 , which are arranged symmetrically in the two portions extending the central incisors, the lateral incisors, and the canine teeth, keep the positions with the wave-shaped portions  145  on the gingival region outside peripheral surface of the retaining wire  143  embedded therein while forming a fixed gap with the gingival region outside surface through backup of the retaining wire  143 .  
         [0158]     In addition, in a medial portion between both the resin pads  144 , the retaining wire  143  is exposed, and a recessed portion  146  bent in a recessed shape is formed to make it possible to take out the retainer  201  by hooking a finger to that portion.  
         [0159]     With such a structure of the lip pad  147 , since the fixed gap is formed between the resin pads  144  and the gingival region outside surface, even in a state in which pressure is caused by the perioral muscle, in particular, an orbicular muscle of mouth, the pressure is transmitted from the resin pads  144  to the retaining wire  143 , the reinforcing wire  104 , and finally to the retainer  201  by a spring-like effect. Then, the pressure is distributed to the entire system by complementary elastic deformation of the entire retainer  201 , and the pressure is never directly given to the dental arch constituting the anterior teeth.  
         [0160]     In addition, most of this lip pad  147  is at a position of the height of the gingival region, and most of the retaining wire  143  is embedded in the range pads  144 . Thus, the retainer is not conspicuous even if a patient opens the mouth and is aesthetically excellent.  
         [0161]     The retaining wire  143  portion is formed as the wave-shaped portion  145  bent in a wave shape, reinforcement and backup effects for the range pads  144  by the retaining wire  143  are demonstrated more, and the shock absorber effectively eases pressure caused by the perioral muscle such as the orbicular muscle of the mouth and the buccinator muscle.  
         [0162]      FIG. 21  shows an embodiment of the mandibular retainer according to the present invention. This retainer  211  has a basic form in which the first molars  125  are surrounded by the C clasps  103  and the lip pad  157  is located in the anterior teeth as in the maxillary retainer  201 .  
         [0163]     A palatal periphery resin plate  132 , which has unevenness fitting with inside surfaces of teeth, continues in a U shape. The reinforcing wire  104  extended from the C clasps  103  are embedded in the resin plate  132 . Note that, in this embodiment, the second molars  126  may be surrounded by the C clasps  103 .  
         [0164]     In addition, as in the maxillary retainer, in the lip pad  157 , the retaining wire  153  is brazed to the reinforcing wire  104  at both the ends thereof and forms a loop frame so as to surround a part of the reinforcing wire  104  and the left and right anterior teeth (six teeth consisting of central incisors, lateral incisors, and canine teeth). Resin pads  154  embedded with a wave-shaped portion  155  (same as the wave-shaped portion  145  in  FIG. 19 ) of the retaining wire  153  are arranged in two portions in symmetrical positions in portions of the gingival region outside surface of the anterior teeth. Consequently, pressure is not directly given to the dental arch constituting the anterior teeth.  
         [0165]     FIGS.  22  to  24  show another embodiment of the maxillary retainer. A structure of a retainer  221  is substantially the same as the retainer  201  and is provided with the buccal shield  167 . The buccal shield  167  is constituted by the resin pads  144 , which are embedded with the wave-shaped portion  145  of the retaining wire  143 , symmetrically arranged in two portions in the portion of the gingival region outside surface of the posterior teeth. The retaining wire  143  is brazed at one end thereof to the reinforcing wire  104  at one end thereof through gaps between the canine teeth and the first premolars and brazed to at the other end thereof to portions located on the outside surfaces of the first molars of the C clasps  103  surrounding the first molars. The retaining wire  143  forms a loop frame so as to surround a part of the reinforcing wire  104  and the posterior teeth (the first premolars, the second premolars, and the first molars).  
         [0166]     In addition, the resin pads  144  keeps the position with the retaining wire  143  while being opposed to the gingival region outside surface to form a fixed gap over the first premolars, the second premolars, and the first molars.  
         [0167]     With such a structure of the buccal shield  167 , the fixed gap is formed between the resin pads  144  and the outside surface of the gingival region. Even in a state in which pressure is caused by perioral muscle, in particular, the buccinator muscle, the pressure is transmitted from the resin pads  144  to the retaining wire  143 , the reinforcing wire  104 , and finally to the retainer  221  by a spring-like effect. Then, the pressure is distributed to the entire system by complementary elastic deformation of the entire retainer  221 , and the pressure is never directly given to the dentition constituting the posterior teeth, and deformation of the dental arch of the posterior teeth can be prevented.  
         [0168]      FIG. 25  shows an embodiment of the mandibular retainer. A structure of a retainer  231  is the same as the retainer  211 , and a structure of the buccal shield  177  is the same as the buccal shield  167  of the retainer  221 .  
         [0169]     Note that, since the wires used in the present invention are actually embedded in a resin plate, the wires may be brazed in any portion. In addition, although a 0.9 mm wire is used, wires of other diameters may be used as required.  
         [0170]     In addition, thickness of the resin pads  144  and  154  used in the lip pad  147 , 157 , and the buccal shield  167 , 177  preferably have thickness of 2 to 3 mm, and a gap formed between the gingival region and the outside surface is preferably about 1 mm.  
         [0171]     In the above-mentioned embodiment, the C clasps  103  are used as a fastener for fixing the retainers  201 ,  211 , and the like. However, in the present invention, fasteners such as an Adams clasps and a bifurcated C clasps can be used depending upon an object of the present invention. For example, if the first molars and the second molars are surrounded by the bifurcated C clasps, it is possible to denture guidance of teeth in an eruptive phase.  
         [0172]     In addition, the maxillary retainer  201  and the mandibular retainer  211  of the present invention have many variations, which will be hereinafter introduced with reference to FIGS.  26  to  32 . (In all the figures, the lip pad  147 ,  157 , and the buccal shield  167 , 177  are not shown.)  
         [0173]     FIGS.  26  to  29  show variations of the maxillary retainer.  
         [0174]     A retainer  241  in  FIG. 26  has a form in which the median portion of the resin plate  102  traversing the front teeth and the palate of the retainer  201  shown in  FIG. 18  is cut to provide the incisions  112  and  113 , and the omega loops  114  and  115  are added to the exposed reinforcing wire  104  and bridge wire  105 . In this retainer  241 , in accordance with growth of a patient, lateral expansion and compression are possible, and postoperative expansion and compression are also possible.  
         [0175]     A retainer  251  in  FIG. 27  has a form in which the reinforcing wire  104  of the anterior teeth and the resin plate  122  in  FIG. 26  are cut, and the reinforcing wire  134  is embedded in the resin plate  142 . In this retainer  251 , in accordance with growth of a patient, lateral expansion and compression are possible, and postoperative expansion and compression are also possible.  
         [0176]     A retainer  261  in  FIG. 28  has a form in which the incision  112  is provided in the median portion of the resin plate  102  of the anterior teeth of the retainer  241  in  FIG. 26 , and the omega loop  114  is added to the exposed reinforcing wire  104  as a spot. Consciousness about a tongue position with the spot can be intensified.  
         [0177]     A retainer  271  in  FIG. 29  has a form in which the resin plate  102  of the anterior teeth of the retainer  241  in  FIG. 26  is cut, and the auxiliary spring wire  116  is brazed to the reinforcing wire  104 , which is extended along near the cervix of palatal surface, in the incision of the resin  123 . It is possible to effect denture guidance of respective teeth with the auxiliary spring wire  116 .  
         [0178]      FIGS. 30 and 31  show variations of the mandibular retainer.  
         [0179]     A retainer  281  in  FIG. 30  has a form in which the lingual resin plate  132  in the anterior teeth of the retainer  180  in  FIG. 13  is cut, and the auxiliary spring wire  146  is brazed to the auxiliary wire  134  in the incision of the resin plate  132 . It is possible to denture guidance with the auxiliary spring wire  146 .  
         [0180]     A retainer  291  in  FIG. 31  has a form in which the lingual resin plate  132  in the anterior teeth of the retainer  180  in  FIG. 13  is divided in the center, and the enlarged wire  135  is extended in the lower portion of the resin plate  132 . In this retainer  291 , in accordance with growth of a patient, lateral expansion and compress are possible, and postoperative expansion and compression are also possible.  
         [0181]      FIG. 33  shows a maxillary retainer  301  having a function for straightening the anterior teeth.  FIG. 34  shows a mandibular retainer  311  similar to the maxillary retainer  301 . In both the retainers, as shown in  FIG. 32 , four teeth, namely, left and right central incisors and lateral incisors are coupled by a coupling wire  137 , which are directed bonded on the inside surfaces of the teeth by an adhesive portion  138 , and coupling portions are covered by resin of the resin plate  102  and  132  when the retainer is attached. Other portions of the structure are the same as those in the retainers  100  and  180 . Consequently, the four anterior teeth can be integrated by bonding of the coupling wire  137  to retain a state of the dentition properly while giving a straightening effect. In addition, the wire  137  is not conspicuous because it is embedded in the resin plate  102  and  132 . The wire  137  is hardly seen from the outside because it is bonded on the inside surfaces of the dentition. Only a part of the C clasps  103  and  133  hooked to the molars at the rear of the mouth are exposed on the surface of the dentition when the retainer is attached, and the portion is hardly seen from the outside even if the patient opens the mouth, which adds the aesthetical excellence.  
         [0182]     The maxillary retainer  301  and the mandibular retainer  311  are attached on teeth with the C clasps  103  and  133  hooked to the first molars  125 . Note that teeth, to which the C clasps  103  and  133  are hooked, are not limited to the first molars  125  such as the second molars  126 .  
         [0183]     In the dental retainer of the present invention, the wires such as the reinforcing wires  104  and  134  and the clasps such as the C clasps  103  and  133  are brazed to each other and integrated. However, since brazed portions are embedded in the resin plate  102  and  132 , the tip of the tongue does not touch the brazed portions, it is possible to prevent the tip of the tongue from being hurt and prevent a patient from feeling unpleasant.  
         [0184]      FIG. 35  shows a maxillary retainer  321  and a mandibular retainer  331  that are an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the wire  137 , which is directly bonded on the inside surface of the anterior teeth, is also used, and the resin plate  102  and  132  and the reinforcing wires  104  and  134  on the inside surfaces of the anterior teeth which the wire  137  is bonded are not provided. With such a form, since a mounting object covering the gingival region of the anterior teeth is removed while a fixed state of the anterior teeth is maintained by the wire  137 , a patient can easily have a meal.  
         [0185]     Moreover, in the mandibular retainer  331 , the U-shaped enlarged wire  135 , which is brazed to both rear ends of the reinforcing wire  134  and extends to the inside surface of the anterior teeth along the inside of the resin plate  132 , is also used. The enlarged wire  135  of an appropriate size is used according to a symptom of a patient, which makes it easy to an amount of lateral enlargement and reduction and makes it possible to cope with a patient in a growth phase.  
         [0186]     Note that, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the wire  137  is bonded or the resin plate  102  and  132  and the reinforcing wires  104  and  134  are not provided in a range of the left and right central incisors  127 , the lateral incisors  128 , and the canine teeth  129 . However, the range is not limited to this but can be decided appropriately according to a symptom of a patient.  
         [0187]      FIG. 36  shows retainers  341  and  351  that are an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a pair of boll clasps  163 , which nip both side ends of the anterior teeth of a maxilla and a mandible are added to the retainers  100  and  180  in  FIGS. 1 and 13  as shown in  FIG. 39 . This form makes it possible to adjust the dentition without hindering growth of the dentition and cope with a period of the mixed dentition.  
         [0188]     Note that, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the ball clasps  163  are brazed to the reinforcing wires  104  and  134  in positions astride boundaries of the canine teeth  129  and the first premolars  130  to nip the six teeth between the left and right canine teeth  129 . However, positions for brazing the ball clasps  163  are not limited to these positions but may be decided appropriately according to a symptom of a patient.  
         [0189]      FIG. 37  shows retainers  361  and  371  that are an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a member hooked to the first molars  125  is changed from the C clasps  103  to the Adams clasps  109 . This form makes it possible to adjust the dentition without hindering growth of teeth and the dentition before an eruptive phase and cope with the mixed dentition.  
         [0190]     Note that in the embodiment shown in the figure, the ball clasps  163  are brazed to the reinforcing wires  104  and  134  in positions astride boundaries of the lateral incisors  128  and the canine teeth  129  to nip the four teeth between the left and right lateral incisors  128 . However, positions for brazing the ball clasps  163  are not limited to these positions but may be decided appropriately according to a symptom of a patient.  
         [0191]      FIG. 38  shows retainers  381  and  391  that are an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ball clasps  163  in the retainers  341  and  351  shown in  FIG. 36  are replaced with hook clasps  165  as shown in  FIG. 40 , the respective hook clasps  165  are joined, and chains  166  of synthetic resin in abutment against the surface of the anterior portion are added.  
         [0192]     With such a form, movement of the anterior teeth to the outside can be restrained to prevent projection and rotation of the anterior teeth. In addition, since the chains  166  consist of synthetic resin of the same color as the teeth, the retainer is not conspicuous when it is attached, and an aesthetic nature is not spoiled.  
         [0193]     Note that, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the hook clasps  165  are brazed to the reinforcing wires  104  and  134  in positions astride boundaries of the canine teeth  129  and the first premolars  130  to bound the six teeth between the left and right canine teeth  129  with the chains  166 . However, positions for brazing the hook clasps  163  are not limited to these positions but may be decided appropriately according to a symptom of a patient.  
         [0194]     Another embodiment of the retainer will be explained with reference to the drawings.  
         [0195]      FIG. 41  shows a retainer  401 .  
         [0196]     The retainer  401  includes a wire  174  formed along the lingual surface of the dentition and a wire  176  formed along the labial surface of the dentition. The wire  174  and the wire  176  are coupled at left and right ends thereof so as to be folded back.  
         [0197]     The lingual wire  174  is formed so as to extend along the cervical area on the lingual surface of the dentition, and a bridge wire  175  coupling the left and right of the lingual wire  174  is attached around second molars. Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 44 , metal wires  173  bent along the lingual sides of the cervix  184  of respective teeth  183  are brazed to the wire  174  so as to face the cervix  184 .  
         [0198]     The wire  176  is provided so as to pass substantially the center of the teeth along the labial surface of the dentition and includes U-shaped bent portions  178  located between canine teeth and first premolars.  
         [0199]     In the retainer  401 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 42 , an outer peripheral portion formed of the wire  174 , the wire  176 , and the bridge wire  175  is formed first, and the metal wires  173  are bent to match the cervix  184  of the respective teeth  183  and then brazed to the wire  174  along a tooth profile. Note that it is also possible that wires cut in an appropriate length are bent in advance to form plural metal wires  173 , and the metal wires  173  matching a required shape are picked up one after another out of the plural metal wires  173  to be brazed to the wire  174 .  
         [0200]     In the retainer  401 , as shown in  FIG. 43 , teeth  183  are inserted and fixed between the lingual wire  174  and the labial wire  176 . When the retainer  401  is attached on the teeth  183 , since the metal wires  173  attached to the lingual wire  174  are fitted to the cervix  184  of the respective teeth  183  as shown in  FIG. 44 , the teeth  183  are retained surely.  
         [0201]     Since the entire retainer  401  is made of metal and no resin is used, time and labor for molding resin are not required, the retainer  401  can be manufactured by brazing easily, and cost can be reduced. Since the retainer  401  does not include a resin portion, staining due to use does not occur. Since a palate portion and the like are not covered by resin, a wearer feels less change in the sense of taste and has less odd feeling, and can eat and drink while wearing the retainer. Since only metal wires are used, the retainer  401  can be easily cleaned and is excellent in cleanliness.  
         [0202]     In addition, since the bridge wire  175  is brazed to the wire  174 , strength of the wire  174  can be increased, and a retaining force for retaining the teeth  183  can be improved. Moreover, since the strength is increased, deformation of the retainer  401  can be prevented.  
         [0203]     Next, another embodiment of the retainer will be explained.  
         [0204]     A retainer shown in  FIG. 45  is constituted by heaping up a resin portion  182  on the wire  174  and the bridge wire  175  corresponding to posterior teeth as shown in the figure such that the resin portion  182  fits into the cervix  184  of molars. Consequently, a retaining force of the retainer  411  with improved fitting at the time of wearing can be improved. In addition, since the resin portion  182  fits into the posterior teeth, a wear has less odd feeling. Moreover, since resin fitting into the posterior teeth is provided, a retaining force can be improved. Since a palate portion is not covered by resin, satisfactory feeling of use can be kept. Note that the resin portion  182  may not be provided in the bridge wire  175 .