When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. If your retainer is removable, remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
Wrap Around
A wrap around retainer is one that is made of metal wires and acrylic – and fits securely around your teeth to hold them in the proper place. These retainers are more durable for long-term use and can be used for your upper or lower teeth. The wrap around retainer is also removable. If you remove your retainer, it is important to keep it in your case so you won’t lose it or throw it away by accident.
Essix Retainers
The Essix retainer is a transparent removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of teeth. Similar to Invisalign® trays, Essix retainers have no wires. They are inexpensive and easier to wear. They can be used for other treatments as well, including tooth movement and bridges.
Hawley With Colors
The Hawley retainer, one of the most common types, is a removable retainer made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic, and is designed to keep your teeth in place. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth so that it fits snugly and comfortably in the roof of your mouth, while any wire or acrylic framing keeps your teeth in perfect position. The acrylic can also be personalized with a large number of colors and/or patterns.
Spring Retainers
The Spring retainer is an aligner that serves dual functions. First, it is an appliance for active orthodontic treatment that is effective in aligning crowded teeth. Secondly, it serves as a post-treatment retainer, to keep the aligned teeth in place.
Made by constructing a model of your teeth, the Spring retainer includes a wire spring that gives the appliance/retainer the flexibility to fit properly. You may experience some soreness while wearing the retainer – this means that the retainer is working. Remove the retainer to eat, drink and clean it.
Once the retention phase has ended, the appliance can be used as a guide to check the teeth and assure that no relapse has occurred. If movement does occur after a patient completes his or her retention phase, a nighttime retainer will be recommended indefinitely.
Growth Tx – No Loos’em Retainers
We are currently gathering resources for this section. Check back soon for more information!
Bonded 3-3 Retainers
A bonded 3 – 3 retainer consists of a small wire that is bonded to the lingual (inside) surface of the front six teeth to hold them in place after braces are removed. This type of appliance is used for esthetic purposes – to hold the front teeth in place for an extended period of time without the appearance of wires.
As with removable retainers, it is important to keep the bonded retainer clean. When brushing and flossing, make sure to carefully clean the inside surface of your teeth as well as the wire.
Positioners
A positioner is a mouthpiece used after braces are removed to help guide teeth into their ideal position. Created from impressions of your teeth, the positioner help your teeth maintain their new positions and prevent relapse. Many orthodontists prescribe using a positioner before transitioning to a retainer.
To guarantee an excellent orthodontic result, it is important to wear your positioner as prescribed by your orthodontist. Exercises will also be prescribed that will help your teeth settle into the desired position in the positioner. These exercises include squeezing your teeth together and making side to side as well as circular motions.
As with removable retainers, it is important to brush and clean your positioner after each use.