Hawley Retainer Configuration... Docs?

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#1 Post by **Anticipator** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 9:07 am

Okay, so my search on Archwired for Retainer Brite led me to the information that it's not safe for solder, which both of my retainers have.

That's disappointing because I'd really like to have a quick fix to keeping it clean -- interestingly enough my ortho gave me samples of Retainer Brite and said nothing! I'll call the office to verify on Monday.

This led me to wonder about why my retainers have solder, or after looking at a few on here have different clasp configurations and bends and such around bicuspids and molars...

Is there a standard configuration? Are certain clasps and wires intended to focus specific attention to predicted problem areas? What can my retainer's shape and wiring tell me about my orthodontist's plans for my teeth? I'm really curious to have some insight from one of our dental professionals into how they go about prescribing the shape and configuration of retainers.

#2 Post by **sportsgrl97** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 1:49 pm

hey i have been wondering the same thing... it seems like some of my friends that go to the same ortho have the same hawley configuration and some of my other friends that go to the same ortho have completely different ones......... strange.??

michelle

#3 Post by **Anticipator** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 2:35 pm

Can't say re configuration.

My lower retainer has solder points, and when I asked about cleaning my ortho reminded the assistant to get a sample of Retainer Brite, but made a point to say that denture cleaners were not an acceptable alternative because of the solder points

Hmmm.... I know I've read somewhere on this board that Retainer Brite is uppriced and repackaged denture cleaner. Can't recall where or whether the source was reputable but I bought into it true or not.

Surprised me. Anyway, way I see it is, if the Retainer Brite causes problems, I'll let them know and be requesting a replacement set of retainers from them free of charge, since I was acting on their advice.

Yeah, I was considering this too, seeing as how they were even trying to encourage me to purchase Retainer Brite through their office. BUT...

Best case scenario they pop for new retainers and grudgingly accept fault for prescribing the wrong kind of cleaner, and I'm still stuck for at least a week (their lab turnaround time) without retention, and possibly compromised results.

Worst case scenario I have the same retention and results issues plus I'm out another $250 to $350 (per the handout that came with my retainers) for repair or replacement.

I'll call and ask on Monday to get a professional second opinion to Lynn's ortho. I'm curious as to why Retainer Brite wouldn't include the information about the solder points being vulnerable anywhere, it seems like a huge liability issue...

#4 Post by **catbutt** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:44 pm

I have a hawley retainer too, and my ortho recommends denture cleaner or white vinegar. They actually recommend vinegar over denture cleaner just because it's cheaper. Is vinegar bad for solder too? I don't think either of my retainers have solder points actually.

#5 Post by **catbutt** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 4:49 pm

Nope I don't have any. In any case I'll be sticking to white vinegar since it's so cheap.

#6 Post by **Anticipator** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:02 pm

Called up my orthodontist today regarding the concern over solder and Retainer Brite and was officially given the go ahead to use it.

I'm still interested in hearing more from Lynn regarding her background with the information.