Can Hawley retainers close gaps?

[alibaba]

Does anybody know if Hawley retainers (or other removable appliances) are capable of closing gaps between teeth ie. 1-2 mm between 2 front teeth? Any knowledge or experience on this matter appreciated!

[Dreamer]

Depends on if your retainers were made before the gaps opened up. If so then I would say that yes they could close the gaps but if the impressions for the retainers were made while the gaps were there I would guess they won't close. For me they had to make new Hawleys that were the wrap around kind to close gaps that opened up.

[jennielee81]

1 to 2 mm seems like a lot to close, are you asking this to fix the gaps alone or did you have braces and gaps have opened?

If you are wanting the retainer to be the only form of correction, they can make active retainers that can do some good moving, but only an ortho can evaluate whether this will solve the whole problem or cause new problems in other places.

If you already had braces and the gaps have opened up since, then a retainer may be able to help you out. Though, like I said above, 2mm is a lot.

[Jamesyeats]

A plain Hawley I don't know, but removable appliances can. Springs, screws, all sorts of stuff can be used. I have a gap on one side which has a "finger spring" acting on it, and it seems to be doing it's job!