Congratulations on getting your braces off! Now you will receive retainers that will maintain your teeth's new position and prevent them from moving. But your final orthodontic result will depend on your retainers being worn ~ so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far, and WEAR YOUR RETAINERS! During orthodontic treatment, we do everything possible to give you long-term results. After treatment, it is your responsibility to wear your retainers as instructed to ensure that your teeth remain straight and to keep your beautiful new smile for a lifetime!
For your upper retainer, you will receive one of these type of retainers:
Clear Essix retainer - is a removable clear plastic-type material that fits over your teeth like a glove. Besides preventing your teeth from moving, they also help protect your enamel from being worn down from minor grinding.
Click here for the
Essix retainer instructions.
Hawley retainer - is a removable retainer that has acrylic material at the roof of the mouth (which can be personalized by choosing a fun color), and a wire which wraps around the outer surface of the teeth. It can be used to keep teeth in place, or move them slightly.
Click here for the
Hawley retainer instructions.
For your lower teeth:
Lower Bonded Wire - is a small wire that is bonded to the back or tongue-side of your lower front teeth. It is not noticeable to others, is comfortable, and will hold your lower teeth in place without having to wear an additional removable retainer.
Click here for the
Lower bonded 3x3 instructions.