Dentistry · Oral & Dental · Easy

Retainer

Meaning: Removable or fixed appliance worn after braces to keep straightened teeth in their new position.

In practice: She wore her retainer every night to stop her teeth drifting back.

Quick check

Two questions on related dentistry words.

Which word means: Hardened dental plaque deposited on teeth, also called tartar.

Which word means: Noticeable gap or space between two teeth, most commonly between the upper front teeth.

Words like retainer come up in the daily game

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.

Related words

More dentistry terms · All medical words