A Removable Retainer is an appliance that you wear to keep your teeth in their new positions after your braces are taken off. At first, you wear the retainer 24 hours a day, and then only at night.
There are two types of removable retainers: an Essix Retainer, made from clear plastic; and a Hawley Retainer, made from acrylic and wire. No matter the type, a retainer attaches to your upper and lower teeth and holds them in the correct positions while your Periodontal Ligaments solidify.
Synonyms:
Retainers