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Retention
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 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.
Essix (Shell) Retainer
The Essix shell retainer is a removable retainer that is worn full-time for about 1 year after treatment. Afterwards you may go to night-time wear only.
Hawley Retainer
The hawley retainer is a removable retainer that is worn full-time for about 1 year after treatment. Afterwards you may go to night-time wear only.
Bonded retainer
The bonded retainer is glued behind your teeth to prevent relapse. As it is permanently cemented, there is no risk of loosing or forgetting it.
Shell Retainers
Shell retainers are transparent, removable plastic retainers that fit over the entire arch of teeth. Similar to Invisalign® trays, shell retainers have no wires. They are easy to wear, but should be removed when drinking or eating to prohibit teeth staining.
Bonded Retainers
Bonded retainers are cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower canines (eye teeth). This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting as it is permanently attached! Patients with bonded lingual retainers must be careful with their bite as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. As with removable retainers, it is important to keep them clean. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire.
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 snugly and comfortably in the roof of your mouth, 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.