Orthodontic Retainers
After the removal of braces, orthodontic retainers are used to hold your teeth in place while your bone and gum are adapting to the new positions. Wearing your retainer as directed is important to prevent your teeth going back toward where they were at the beginning of the treatment. Retainers may be removable or fixed.
The Hawley Retainer is one of most trusted types of retainers used in post-orthodontic treatment. It is a removable appliance made of a combination of plastic and metal that is molded to fit your mouth. The wires sit against the six front teeth with loops near the canines that make minor adjustments as the teeth settle into place.
Essix retainers are molded to your mouth, making it unique to the shape of your mouth. These retainers cover all of your teeth, guiding them into a position where the upper and lower sets are even, straight, and align with one another. These retainers move your teeth with constant pressure. Aesthetically, Essix retainers are the best option due to the clear plastic material they are made of.
A bonded retainer is a metal wire that is bonded to the back of the teeth. We recommend these types of retainers on the lower teeth, occasionally on the upper teeth, or in patients who may not comply with wearing removable retainers.
Wear the appliance at all times including during sleep unless you have been specifically instructed by the orthodontist to do otherwise. Do not wear your appliances while eating. As soon as you have finished eating, carefully brush your teeth and replace the retainer after you have cleaned it. Please clean your retainer with toothbrush and running water. Please do not use toothpaste because it is too abrasive. Please do not heat your retainer or leave it direct sunlight. To prevent losing your retainer, it is important to always put retainer in its case when it is not in your mouth. Also, keep away from your pets, they love to chew them! Since the appliance is delicate, please be gentle when removing and replacing the appliance. Avoid flipping or playing with the appliance with your tongue.
This information contained on this website is for the purposes of learning more about the different treatment options.
