When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase in our office lasts for 18 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.

Removable Retainers

Hawley retainers are removable plastic and wire appliances used to stabilize the teeth. You must be very careful when handling your retainers for they are costly to replace. You are given a special case for your retainers; please make sure you keep them in this case when you are not wearing them! To clean your retainers, brush them with toothpaste (or sometimes with denture cleaner) using warm water.

Your retainers should be worn at all times with the exception of eating and brushing your teeth (unless you are instructed otherwise). Your retainers should also be removed when participating in sports that require a mouthguard or very active sports. After 12 months of full-time wear, we may revise your retention treatment, allowing the retainers to strictly be worn at night. We suggest that you continue to wear your retainers periodically to ensure that your straight smile will last a lifetime. The discontinuation of retainer wear may result in shifting of your teeth.

An alternative type of retainer is a Truax or Essix retainer. These retainers are clear plastic appliances that fit over the teeth similar to bleaching trays. The Truax and Essix retainers usually are worn only at night.