In orthodontics, what does a "positioner" do?

I just got my braces off and now I have to wear a positioner for an indeterminate amount of time. It doesn't seem like it's doing anything different than a regular retainer. What is it supposed to do?

In orthodontics, what does a "positioner" do?
A positioner is providing the finishing touches for your tooth movement. It is soft so the pressure is very gentle and comfortable. It was made on a model of your own teeth that was modified to put the teeth in EXACTLY the final location that the orthodontist wants them to be. If your positioner is an active appliance, be sure to do the exercises prescribed by your orthodontist to provide the force need to make it work. (Not all positioners are "active.") After your teeth have completed their movement, you might wear the positioner for a while instead of a regular retainer. Most of the time, though, it will be replaced by a retainer, which might be the conventional kind with a wire that you have seen or it might be a clear plastic thing that looks pretty much like an Invisalign appliance. WEAR YOUR RETAINER!!! Most adult ortho that is done is to re-correct teeth in patients who did not wear their retainers.
Reply:yeah, what dr sam said