Retention
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 12-18 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth. Take your retainers out when eating…and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.) . When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them! Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster. Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately. If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself. Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
Retainer replacement is expensive…with proper care they will last for years! Remove retainers when swimming. Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
Hawley Retainers
The Hawley retainer, one of the most common types, is a removable retainer made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic, and is designed to keep your teeth in place. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth so that it fits snugly and comfortably in the roof of your mouth, while any wire or acrylic framing keeps your teeth in perfect position. The acrylic can also be personalized with a large number of colors and/or patterns.
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Invisible Retainers 
Your invisible retainer is a clear plastic removable appliance carefully designed to maintain teeth in their corrected positions. It should initially be worn for 24 hours per day. Important Reminders – Always put your retainer in a case when you are not wearing it. – Never wrap your retainer in a paper napkin. – Never leave your retainer in direct sunlight or place it in hot water. It will warp. – Always keep your retainer away from pets. They will chew them. – Clean your retainers with a toothbrush only. Do not use toothpaste, it is abrasive to the material your retainer is made from. Toothpaste will dull the retainers appearance. – Wear your retainers as determined by Dr. Hoey to prevent tooth movement. Please contact our office immediately if your retainers are lost or broken. There is an additional fee for retainer repairs and replacement.
Lower Lingual Retainers
Bonded lingual retainers are cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower front teeth. This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting as it is permanently attached! Patients with bonded lingual retainers must be careful with their bite as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. As with removable retainers, it is important to keep them clean. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire. If your retainer breaks at any time during treatment, please do not adjust it yourself. Call us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.