Once your braces are removed, custom retainers will be made for you. The retainers will help to minimize any movement of the teeth after they have been straightened with the braces. You will be asked to wear the retainers for most of the day for 8 to 12 months. After 8 to 12 months, Dr. Wheeler will let you know if you can reduce the wear time to nights only. The consistency with which you wear the retainers is more important than the style of retainer that is chosen. There are three types of retainers that can be used and there are advantages and disadvantages to each style of retainer. If Dr. Wheeler feels that one retainer will suit your situation better than the others, he will let you know.
Hawley or Traditional Retainers
- – Made for the top and bottom teeth.
- – Made of acrylic and wire.
- – Can select a color for the top retainer.
- – Are adjustable.
- – Have a wire across the front of the teeth.
- – Are a little sturdier than clear retainers.
- – Are removable so they can be misplaced.
- – Allow the teeth to touch on closing.
- – Fee to replace if lost or broken.
Clear Aligners
- – Made for the top and bottom teeth.
- – Made of a thin, plastic material.
- – Cover all around the teeth so teeth do not touch on closing.
- – Less visible than traditional retainers.
- – A little more fragile than traditional retainers.
- – Are not adjustable.
- – Are removable so they can be misplaced.
- – Fee to replace if lost or broken.
Permanent or Fixed Retainers
- – Most often used on the bottom teeth.
- – Wire is attached to the inside of the teeth.
- – Not seen (invisible) on the front of the teeth.
- – Are not adjustable.
- – Make it a little harder to maintain good oral hygiene.
- – Wire may irritate the tongue. Are not removable so are hard to misplace.
- – Allow the teeth to touch on closing.
- – There are some dietary restrictions.
- – Fee to re-bond/replace if wire comes loose. (Fee dependent on number of teeth affected.)
If you have any questions about retention or the types of retainers available, just give us a call at 419-473-1339 or send us an email.