Orthodontic Retainers- Allen, TX

What’s an Orthodontic Retainer?

Orthodontic retainers can take many forms, but the goal of each is to prevent your beautifully straightened teeth from slipping back out of place. Like braces and clear aligners, retainers work by applying pressure to your teeth – however, since we just need to retain the new alignments, your retainer will only create a fraction of the pressure you experienced during your orthodontic treatment.

Retainers are also customized for each patient, meaning we’ll have to take impressions of your mouth. Fortunately, we have a digital system that eliminates the need for uncomfortable “gray goop.”

Types of Orthodontic Retainers

The type of retainer Dr. Hanson will recommend ultimately depends on the orthodontic treatment you received and what your needs will be going forward. She’ll discuss her recommendation in detail during your consultation, but in the meantime, here’s a general overview of the types of retainers we provide:

Standard Hawley or Wrap

When patients think of retainers, they typically think of Hawley or Hawley-Wrap retainers. They’re made from durable acrylic materials and consist of a wire and low-profile base. The base will rest against the back of your teeth, while the wire will clasp around your molars for stability.

Anterior Biteplate

Although an anterior biteplate looks similar to Hawley retainers, it’s actually crafted from clear thermoformed plastic that sits primarily behind your front teeth. As you may have guessed from the name, it’s ideal for patients who have a significant overbite or lower incisors that are “overly-erupted.” One of the perks of this type of retainer is that they hold your teeth firmly in place, even if you chronically clench or grind your teeth.

Posterior Occlusal Coverage

In short, a posterior occlusal coverage retainer is recommended for patients who received treatments for an anterior open bite or vertical growth pattern. Like with the previous two types of retainers, a wire will wrap around your teeth to help hold the appliance in place. Unlike the previous retainers, clear acrylic will also cover your back teeth.

Plastic Full Coverage

Missing a tooth? Getting ready to start the restorative phase of your treatment? Good news: we can protect your teeth with a plastic full coverage retainer. This retainer looks the most like a set of clear aligners, and is worn in much the same way. Since the plastic can stretch over time, you’ll need to get replacements about every one to three years. 

The Benefits of Orthodontic Retainers

As long as you wear your retainer as directed by Dr. Hanson, your teeth should stay in their newly straightened positions. Besides maintaining your beautiful smile, this will also help you avoid needing orthodontic re-treatment in the future. Overall, orthodontic retainers are a beneficial preventive measure that can help you stay confident in your grin and can keep your treatment costs low!

Caring for Orthodontic Retainers

Like all oral appliances, retainers need to be cleaned regularly and cared for properly. Here’s how you can keep them hygienic and promote their longevity:

• Remove your retainer when eating
• Put your retainer in a case when you’re not wearing it, and place the case in a secure drawer or cabinet
• Rinse your retainer before putting it in or after taking it out of your mouth – note that hot water can warp the materials!
• Clean your retainer at least once per day with a soft bristled toothbrush and hand-soap
• Brush and floss before putting your retainer back in