Retainers are usually fitted after the teeth have been aligned. There are three types of retainers.
Removable braces can be used as retainers. These can be worn all the time to start and then later at night only.
Clear plastic moulds can be made to hold the teeth in the corrected positions. These are usually worn at night only for between six and twelve months.
Fixed retainers are small, thin wires attached to the inside surfaces of the front teeth. These are usually left in position for about twelve months but sometimes longer if it felt that the teeth may start to slip back.
Bonded Retainer
Teeth can move back after orthodontic treatment.
A bonded wire retainer will hold them in place permanently.
A wire is bonded to the back of the front lower or upper teeth.
The bonding material is cured with a bright light.
Vacuum Retainer
After a fixed appliance has correctly positioned the teeth a custom made retainer is produced.
This will keep the teeth in the desired position.
Hawley Retainer
After a fixed appliance has correctly positioned the teeth a custom made retainer is produced.
Worn at night this will keep the teeth in the desired position.
