It’s time to get your braces off, freedom at last! Not so fast, the next step is to get retainers.
Our teeth have a tendency to want to go back to their original position. Once the braces are off, they will try to move back to their original position. This is where the retainer comes in. It will hold the teeth in their new place stopping them from moving back.
The retainer is most crucial in the first six months after braces. There are different kinds of retainers and which one you get depends on your treatment. Your orthodontist will decide which is most appropriate for you. Here are the most common retainers used after braces.
Hawley Retainer
The Hawley retainer is the most commonly used retainer after braces. While your orthodontist will give you directions on how often to wear it, it is generally worn 24/7 at the first 6 months and tapers off after that.
There is a metal bar that goes across your teeth, so it will be visible that you are wearing a retainer. My favorite part is that you can choose the color you want (some offices get very creative too!). It’s best to keep it cleaning by using a toothbrush and dish soap.
Clear Essix Retainer
The clear retainer is one that you can take in and out (it’s removable). Since it’s clear, it is not as obvious.
Your orthodontist will give you directions on how to wear it. In some cases, you shouldn’t wear it 24/7 because it can cause your bite to open. Always put it in a box or a safe place when not using it. Clear retainers are easily lost!
Lingual Retainer
Another type of retainer is called a Lingual retainer. Unlike the hawley or essix retainer, this one is cemented to the back side of your teeth. This means it is permanent and you don’t have to worry about putting it on or taking it off.
It can be placed on the upper or lower, sometimes even both. Keeping the teeth clean can be cumbersome as you will need a floss threader to get in between the teeth.