The Three Retainer Options
Now that Ortho 360 has successfully adjusted and realigned your teeth for a more functional mouth and appealing smile, the time has come to have your braces removed. However, it’s important to keep in mind that adjusting your teeth with braces was just the first phase of the realignment process. Once your braces are removed a retention phase is required to make sure your teeth will stay in their ideal alignment for many years to come.
You will need to use a retainer for about as long as you were wearing braces. There are three different types of retainers that Ortho 360 might recommend, depending on the particular factors of your mouth.
A Hawley-style retainer is the most common type of retainer prescribed by Ortho 360. This is essentially a thin, tongue-shaped piece of acrylic, custom fit to the shape of your mouth. It’s anchored in place by a set of wires that interlock with specific teeth in your mouth.
A clear plastic retainer might be called for if you only needed braces for a short period of time and only required minor realignment. They are very similar to clean plastic aligners used by Invisalign.
A fixed retainer is called for if you needed to wear braces for a significant amount of adjustment. This is even more likely if you had significant alignment issues in your lower teeth. This style of retainer is a durable wire retainer that is cemented in place behind your teeth.
If you are due to have braces removed soon and you have questions about what type of retainer you’ll need, please call Ortho 360 at 512-270-030 to schedule an appointment or schedule online.