Retainers

Hawley retainer:

Hawley retainers include a metal wire that surrounds the teeth and keeps them in place and incorporate 2 omega loops for adjustment. It is anchored in an acrylic arch that sits in the palate (roof of the mouth). The advantage of this type of retainer is that the metal wires can be adjusted to finish treatment and continue moving teeth as needed.

Essix retainer:

Another common type is the essix retainer. This clear or transparent retainer fits over the entire arch of teeth or only from canine to canine (clip on retainer) and is produced from a mold. It is similar in appearance to Invisalign. If worn 24 hours per day, do not allow the upper and lower teeth to touch because plastic covers the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Essix retainers are less expensive, less conspicuous, and easier to wear than Hawley retainers.

Most removable retainers are supplied with a retainer case for protection. During the first few days of retainer use, many people experience extra saliva in their mouth. This is natural and is due to the presence of a new object inside the mouth. It may be difficult to speak for a while after getting a retainer, but this speech difficulty will go away over time as one gets used to wearing it.

Retainer tips:

• Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
• Take your retainers out when eating, and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
• Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing.
• When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
• Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
• Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or if your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
• Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
• Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years!
• Remove retainers when swimming.
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.