Retainers
Once your active orthodontic appliances are removed, we will provide a set of upper and lower retainers to stabilize the dental correction. The bone and soft tissues surrounding the teeth require time to stabilize and it is imperative that the retainers are worn as instructed. Failure to wear the retainers may result in undesirable movement of the teeth and could necessitate re-treatment.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT RETAINERS?
Hawley Retainers
The Hawley retainer, one of the most common types, is a removable retainer made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic. The acrylic can also be personalized with a large number of colors and patterns.
Fixed Retainers (Bonded Wire)
Patients with certain pre-existing orthodontic problems, such as severely rotated teeth or severe spacing between the teeth, may benefit from a fixed retainer at the completion of active treatment. This is a small piece of wire bonded behind the affected teeth to aid in stability. Other patients simply prefer this option to the removable retainers.
Essix (Clear) Retainers
The Essix retainer is a transparent removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of teeth, similar in appearance and fit to an Invisalign® aligner.