Retainers are devices worn after orthodontic treatment so that they can help aligned teeth hold their new position. As time goes by, teeth are likely to keep moving and want to relapse into their previous location. The consistent use of a retainer will help you or your child’s smile stay optimally healthy, functional, and attractive.

Some common types of retainers include:

1. Hawley retainers which are made of clasps and wires that are molded into a plastic body. This body is designed to cover either the roof of the mouth or the lower arch of the mouth. The clasps (metal hooks) will fit over certain teeth and serve as anchors, holding it firmly in place; the wires lay across the front of the teeth, maintaining proper alignment. This retainer can seem bulky and some people may have difficulty wearing it. It can also cause slurred speech. Usually you’ll only have to wear it at night!
2. Fixed retainers (also called permanent or bonded retainers, or lingual wires) are attached to the backside of front teeth in a permanent fashion. This retainer can only be removed by our orthodontist in Victoria, TX. They are effective at keeping teeth in place over time, especially those at the front of the mouth. Another good thing about them is that they’re always with you, so you don’t have to remember to put an appliance in at night. And since the lingual wire is on the tongue side of teeth, no one will see it or know you have it unless you tell them. However, they tend to be a magnet for plaque and tartar buildup – and they’re harder to clean – so home care is important.
3. Standard clear retainers are crafted from sheer plastic and designed to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth, much like a bleaching tray. They are worn while you sleep. These retainers tend to be more discreet than the Hawley model, but their durability gets compromised the more you wear it. They’re also easier to break and can get dingy over time.