Retainers

Finally, when your orthodontic work is complete and the brace is taken off you'll need to wear a retainer which holds the teeth in their new position while the bone grows around them.

A Hawley retainer comprises of an acrylic plate with metal loops moulded in to it. This is clipped over the teeth and the plate is shaped to fit the palate comfortably.

An Essix retainer is similar in style to the Invisalign brace. It is a thin clear plastic tray that is moulded to fit your teeth

A lingual retainer is a permanently attached wire on the lingual side (inside) of the teeth and is usually only used on the lower teeth.

The removeable retainers should be worn either daily, nightly or occasionally depending on the advice given by your orthodontist.