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Retainers

Retainers are orthodontic devices used to maintain the alignment of teeth after braces or other orthodontic treatments.

There are two main types of orthodontic retainers:
1. Removable Retainers:
 Clear Plastic Retainers: Also known as Essix retainers, these are transparent, removable retainers similar in appearance to clear aligners. They fit snugly over the teeth and are less noticeable than Hawley retainers.
Hawley Retainers: These are the traditional type of removable retainers made of a combination of metal wires and acrylic. The acrylic portion sits against the roof of the mouth or along the lower teeth, while the metal wire wraps around the front teeth to keep them in place.
2. Fixed Retainers:
These are permanent retainers consisting of a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth  to keep them in position. Fixed retainers are not visible and do not require removal, but they require careful oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup.

Regular wear of retainers is crucial to prevent teeth from shifting and to protect the investment in orthodontic treatment.

Benefits of Retainers

1

Prevents Teeth from Shifting

Retainers help maintain the new position of teeth after orthodontic treatment, preventing them from moving back to their original alignment.
2

Protects Orthodontic Investment

Wearing retainers regularly ensures that the time and money spent on braces or other orthodontic treatments are preserved, keeping teeth in their correct position.
3

Improves Bite Alignment

Retainers can help fine-tune the alignment of the bite after braces, ensuring that teeth meet properly and function optimally when chewing or speaking.
4

Maintains Smile Aesthetics

Retainers help keep the teeth straight, preserving the aesthetic appeal of a newly aligned smile and boosting confidence.
5

Easy to Maintain

Removable retainers can be taken out for cleaning, making them easy to maintain and allowing for better oral hygiene practices. Fixed retainers, while requiring more diligent cleaning, are convenient since they don’t need to be taken on and off.

Fixed Braces

Ceramic Clear Braces

Clear Aligners

Removable Braces

Functional Braces

Surgical Orthodontics

Retainers

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