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Help! How is a Hawley retainer supposed to fit?

Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2010 10:47 am
by NKovaci88
I just got my upper Hawley retainer today, but am a bit concerned about how it's fitting. Is the wire that goes across your teeth supposed to be pressed up against the teeth? Because mine isn't really...not on the four front teeth at least, just on my canines.

Also, the plastic behind the teeth doesn't feel very tight. The retainer isn't falling out or anything...but it's just there. Is this ok, or should I go back to my ortho? :?

Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2010 7:57 pm
by Treehugger
I had a hawley my first go-around with braces and I remember the wire being snug against all of the teeth that it wrapped around. It should be snug, the purpose of it is to keep those teeth from moving back to an undesired position. And the plastic palate part should be snug behind the teeth too for the same reason. It wouldn't hurt to call your ortho and check, you don't want your teeth moving too much.