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Preserving and stabilizing the result of your orthodontic treatment is known as “retention” and the appliances used for this purpose are called “retainers”. Almost every individual who has undergone orthodontic care will need to wear some type of a retainer.
There are two major kinds of orthodontic retainers. A removable retainer is one that can be taken in and out of the mouth, while a permanent retainer is fixed or bonded to the back of the teeth. Before removing your braces our orthodontist will explain which of the available retainer options you will need to maintain your smile.
Removable retainers come in two forms. A Hawley retainer is the most traditional orthodontic retainer. It is typically an acrylic based appliance with a single wire that sits in front of the teeth to maintain the corrections along with some small clasps to stabilize it in the mouth. The other type of removable retainer is a vacuform “invisible” retainer, which is called an Essix retainer. This retainer looks similar to a clear custom bleaching tray or dental aligner. It is made of a thin transparent plastic that is fabricated to precisely fit over the teeth and prevent any unwanted shifting. While a Hawley retainer has the advantages of being quite durable and easy to adjust, an Essix retainer is less visible and can be easier to adapt to wearing.
In some cases a fixed retainer may be recommended to maintain a corrected smile. A fixed retainer is a special thin wire that is bonded to the back of the front teeth. It remains in place all of the time and does not show at all when you smile. This type of retainer is a good option when there’s a high risk that teeth could revert to their former position, especially the lower front teeth. A fixed retainer provides excellent stability, but requires extra care to keep the teeth and gums around the appliance clean.
At the time your retainers are inserted, we will provide you with detailed guidelines for wearing these appliances as well as directions as to how to clean and care for them.
Wearing a retainer helps maintain your newly aligned smile after braces or Invisalign. Without a retainer, your teeth can gradually shift back to their original position over time.
We offer both removable and fixed retainers. Removable options include the traditional Hawley retainer and the clear Essix retainer. For certain cases, we may recommend a fixed retainer—a thin wire bonded behind your teeth—to provide long-term stability.
This varies by patient. Initially, most patients wear their retainers full-time for a few months, then switch to nighttime wear. Some may need to wear them indefinitely at night to prevent shifting.
A Hawley retainer is made of acrylic and wire, and it’s adjustable and durable. An Essix retainer is clear and more discreet, similar in appearance to a whitening tray or aligner. We'll help you choose the best option for your needs.
Not necessarily—each type has its benefits. Fixed retainers are great for keeping front teeth in place without daily removal, but they do require careful cleaning. Removable retainers offer flexibility and are easier to clean, but they must be worn consistently.
Clean your retainer daily using a soft brush and lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water or harsh chemicals. If you have a fixed retainer, brushing and flossing around the wire is important to prevent plaque buildup.
Contact our Potomac office as soon as possible. Wearing a damaged or ill-fitting retainer can affect your results. We can evaluate your retainer and recommend repairs or replacements if needed.
Yes! We can take new impressions or scans of your teeth and fabricate a new retainer quickly to prevent unwanted tooth movement.
Yes, especially if you haven’t worn it in a while. Mild tightness is normal and usually goes away with regular wear. If it persists, give us a call to ensure it still fits properly.
Absolutely. We welcome new patients in the Potomac area who need a retainer or are seeking guidance on maintaining their orthodontic results.
