When we remove your braces you will be given a a custom retainer made for your perfect smile. Your retainers will hold your teeth in their new position while the bones and gums adapt to the change. Retainers, unless instructed otherwise, are to be worn every night, while you are sleeping. (Be sure to store removable retainers in their storeage cases!) Without retainers, your teeth could return to their positions before braces. It is imperative that you consistently wear your retainer for a lifetime of beautiful smiles!
Hawley
The Hawley retainer, is a removable retainer made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic. They are made by an offsite lab from an impression of your teeth. The acrylic can also be personalized with a large number of colors and/or patterns.
Clear
The clear retainer is one of the most common types of retainers. It is a transparent removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of teeth. Clear retainers are custom made from impressions of your teeth so that they fits snugly. They have no wires making them comfortable and are very easy to wear.
Bonded Lingual
Bonded lingual retainers are cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower canines (eye teeth). These retainers are permanently attached to our teeth. Patients with bonded lingual retainers must be careful with their bite as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. As with removable retainers, it is important to keep them clean. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire.
If your retainer breaks at any time during treatment, please do not adjust it yourself. Call us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. However, remember, that once final retainers are delivered there is a charge to have a new one made.