When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 12 months.

Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.

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 and is designed to keep your teeth in place. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth so that it fits comfortably, 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.

Positioners

A positioner is a flexible mouthpiece that is designed to maintain or improve the alignment of the teeth and bite.

Bonded Retainers

Sometimes patients may have a space in the front of their teeth that has been particularly hard to keep closed or certain teeth that may be prone to shifting. In these cases, a bonded retainer may be used. They are also known as fixed or permanent retainers. This is a small wire attached behind two or more teeth with bonding material called composite. Sometimes a bonded retainer is worn in conjunction with a regular removable retainer.

Retainer Instructions

Wear your retainer at all times, until the doctor instructs otherwise.

Take your retainer out when eating, swimming and playing sports. Always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)

Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and hand soap. Use cool 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 your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew them!

​Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading,or singing out loud to get used to it faster. 

Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.

​​If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or you believe it needs adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.

​Always bring your retainer to your appointments.

Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

​RETAINER REPLACEMENTS ARE EXPENSIVE, BUT WITH PROPER CARE THEY WILL LAST FOR YEARS!!