Our Services / Retainers

What are retainers?

You might be wondering why you have to wear retainers when you’ve already had orthodontic treatment for months or years. That’s a great question! Orthodontics move your teeth into a new position, but there are fibers in the gum tissue that are already formed around the teeth in their original position. Your retainers hold your teeth in the final position while the tissues around them rearrange and your teeth will stay in the new position better.

Are there different types of retainers?

Yes, there are. Each retainer has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s delve into each type.

Hawley retainers

• When you think of a classic retainer, a Hawley retainer is the first image that probably comes to mind. They are superior in their strength and longevity, but they may allow minor front teeth alignment to shift even with good compliance.

Clear retainers

• Clear retainers are translucent and other people may not notice you’re wearing one when you smile. Like Hawley retainers, they’re removable. They are good with esthetics and great at keeping front teeth straighter since they wrap around the teeth 360 degrees, but they are not as durable as Hawley retainers, needing to be replaced roughly every two years.

Fixed retainers

• When you have a severely misaligned front teeth initially or have teeth periodontally weak, fixed retainers are a great choice. Fixed retainers are a piece of flat braided wire bonded to your four to six front teeth on the back side. They’re great at keeping teeth straighter, but flossing can be a hassle. Also, you need to be careful at what and how you eat to avoid damaging the wire itself or the bonding failure, which may allow teeth to shift without knowing it.

What are the helpful routines of retainer use?

• We recommend wearing your retainer full time for the first three months, and then nightime.
• Rinse your retainers when you take them out from your mouth under runny water.
• Brush your retainers after you brush your teeth
• Keep your retainers in your case, and away from heat or your pet.

If you have any questions, please ask us!