• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
ArchWired

ArchWired

a websitefor adults in orthodontic braces

New_badge
MENUMENU
  • Before Getting Braces
        • Dental Braces 101 – START HERE
        • 12 Things To Know Before Getting Braces
        • How Do Dental Braces Work?
        • Getting Teeth Extracted for Braces
        • Reader Stories: My First Day In Dental Braces
        • What are Orthodontic Spacers?
        • What Type of Dental Braces Are Best?
        • The Best Age To Begin Orthodontic Treatment
        • Preventing TMJ & Jaw Problems in Kids
        • A Brief History of Orthodontics
        • Getting Jaw Surgery
        • Osteoporosis Drugs and Orthodontics
        • Braces vs. Clear Aligners
  • Just Got Braces
        • Dental Braces 101 – Part 4: Oral Hygiene
        • Ouch! I Have A Canker Sore!
        • Food Tips for Braces
        • Help! Did I Stain My Dental Braces?
        • What are Orthodontic Spacers?
  • During Braces Treatment
        • Dental Braces 101 – Part 5: Self-Esteem
        • Food Tips for Braces
        • What Is An Orthodontic Adjustment?
        • Can I Change My Own Ligatures?
        • Help! Did I Stain My Dental Braces?
        • All About Orthodontic Elastics
        • All About Orthodontic Power Chains
        • All About Orthodontic Arch Wires
        • Dental Braces and Moving
        • Dental Braces and Romance
        • Dental Braces In The Bedroom
        • Dental Braces and Pregnancy
        • Treating TMJ Disorder
          with Physical Therapy
        • Headgear As An Adult
        • Braces and Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
        • Understanding Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADS)
        • About the TPA
          Orthodontic Appliance
  • Retainers After Braces
        • How To Properly Clean Your Retainers or Aligner Trays
        • Dental Braces 101 – Part 6: Wearing Retainers
        • Retainer Tips from a Tech
        • Tooth Whitening After Dental Braces
        • Braces Removal Stories
  • Invisible Aligners
        • The Basics of Invisible Aligners
        • Braces vs. Clear Aligners
        • My Experience with Invisalign
        • Mail-Order Invisible Aligners: Worth The Risk?
        • Clear Invisible Plastic Aligners May Cause An Allergic Reaction
        • How To Properly Clean Your Retainers or Aligner Trays
        • 16 Best Tips & Hacks for Invisible Aligners
  • FAQs
  • Resources
    • Glossary of Orthodontic Terms
    • Types and Classes of Bites
    • Food Tips For Braces
    • Metal Mouth Message Board
    • Glossary of Orthodontic Appliances
  • And More
        • Written By Dental Professionals
        • Just For Fun
        • Blog Posts
        • Reader Stories
          • First Day In Braces Stories
          • Braces Removal Stories
          • Embarrassing Stories
        • Lynn's Dental Braces Journal
        • ArchWired In The News
You are here: Home / FAQ Questions / What are the types of retainers?

What are the types of retainers?

August 13, 2019 By Lynn Schneider; Editor, ArchWired.com

FAQs » Wearing Retainers After Braces » What are the types of retainers?

To retain means to keep in place; therefore, an orthodontic retainer is used to keep your teeth in their new positions after your braces come off. Most orthodontists use one of these three types of retainers:

EssixRetainerA clear plastic retainer (also called an Essix Retainer) is sometimes placed on the upper teeth one or two days after the braces are removed. It resembles the Invisalign appliance. It is normally worn only at night and lasts an average of 24 months. After it wears out the orthodontist may replace it with a traditional wire retainer. Some people have commented that this type of retainer can be uncomfortable.

 

BondedRetainers.jpgA bonded retainer is normally placed behind the lower teeth after the braces are removed. It is a wire “permanently” bonded to the teeth with composite material. Sometimes this type of retainer is used for the upper teeth, but usually this is not possible because it would interfere with your bite. A bonded retainer will remain in place for several years.

 

HawleyRetainersA wire retainer (also called a Hawley Retainer) is normally placed after discontinuing use of either the clear retainer or bonded retainer. This type of retainer has the added benefit of being adjustable so that minor tooth movement is possible. Sometimes a wire retainer can be worn full time instead of braces to correct mild crowding. As you can see, the acrylic part of the retainer can be made in a variety of colors and patterns.

Primary Sidebar

FAQ Categories

  • Invisible Aligners
  • Thinking of Getting Braces
  • How Braces Work and Feel
  • The ArchWired.com Website
  • Wearing Retainers After Braces
  • Day-to-day Living with Braces and Orthodontics
  • Keeping Your Braces Clean and Comfortable

Categories

  • General
  • Before Getting Braces
  • During Braces
  • Retainers After Braces
  • Just Got Braces
  • Lynn's Dental Braces Journal
  • Food Tips For Dental Braces
  • By Dental Professionals
  • Getting Jaw Surgery
  • Reader Stories
    • My First Day In Dental Braces
    • Other Reader Stories
    • Dental Braces Removal Stories
    • Humorous Reader Stories
  • Just For Fun
  • Braces Polls Archive
  • Invisible Aligners
  • Blog Posts
  • ArchWired In The News

Keep Your Teeth Clean!

Heal Painful Mouth Sores!

For Oral Hygiene On The Go!

Effortlessly Clean Aligners & Retainers!

Retainer Brite

Get News & Info from ArchWired!

  • Home
  • About Us
  • ArchWired on Facebook
  • Disclaimer and Privacy Policy
  • Contact

ArchWired.com: Providing free orthodontic information since 2001 - Copyright © 2021
· All rights reserved. Other products mentioned are copyright of their respective companies.