Retainers
Everyone must have retainers at the end of orthodontic treatment to maintain the improvement obtained by the treatment. It is important to follow instructions precisely to maintain your orthodontic results for a long time. Don't worry; there is no additional fee for this: the first set of retainers is included in the total fees for all patients at our office. Unless the doctor feels there is a need for a particular type of retainer in your case, you may choose the type of retainer that you feel will fit your lifestyle. Usually, retainers are to be worn full time for the first 3 months after completion of active treatment followed by night time only. To maintain your teeth straight, retention is recommended relatively indefinitely.
Retainer Options
1. CLEAR RETAINERS: As the name suggests, these are clear plastic (“Invisalign” type) moulds of your teeth that slip over your teeth to help maintain your teeth straight, almost unnoticeable while wearing. They are not fragile but you must take care not to break them.
 Clear retainer |  Hawley |  Bonded/Fixed Lingual |
2. HAWLEY RETAINERS: The Hawley retainer is in the middle, and is made of acrylic and wires. These are ideal for someone that has missing teeth or a child that still has baby teeth left in the mouth. They are more durable than the clear retainers.
3. FIXED/BONDED RETAINERS: This is a wire bonded to the backs of the LOWER FRONT TEETH, in order to hold them in place. This can be left on INDEFINITELY. The advantage is that since it is fixed, you have compliance built in. But you have to be very good at cleaning around and flossing these. Also take care not to break them off your teeth by eating hard foods. This cannot be usually placed on the upper due to the bite breaking them off.
Clean your retainers! After meals, clean all parts of the retainer with a brush.
Handle your retainers with care. Retainers are easy to lose. If you take your retainers out, always place them in your retainer case for safety. More information on caring for your retainers.