| Removable retainers are constructed from acrylic materials and sometimes metal wires in the laboratory. There are two kinds of removable retainers: Hawley retainer Essix retainer |  |
| There is a special type of hawley retainer called wraparound hawley retainer in which a circumferential wire connects most posterior teeth from on side to other side. There is no wire running on the occlusal side of the teeth like Hawley retainer. Thus this retainer easily let teeth to be settled into position after treatment. Sometime, a wire is placed in the bicuspid area to maintain vertical support.The most common indications for wraparound Hawley retainer are orthodontic cases treated with bicuspid extraction. |  |
Differences between Hawley and Essix retainers
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Considerations for removable retainers |
| Removable retainers should be used 24 hours a day (even when sleeping), unless your orthodontist recommends less time. Take your retainers out when eating and brushing and swimming. Most removable retainers are supplied with a retainer case for protection. When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in the retainer case and out of reach of children and pets. |  |
 | Clean the retainers gently once a day with a toothbrush without toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors. To freshen up the retainer taste, rinse well with mouthwash (but do not them in mouthwash) and then rinse thoroughly. Over-soaking appliances may cause them to become brittle. |
| During the first few days of retainer use, many people experience extra saliva in their mouth. This is natural and is due to the presence of a new object inside the mouth and consequent stimulation of the salivary glands. |  |
 | It may be difficult to speak for a while after getting a retainer, but this speech difficulty should go away over time as one gets used to wearing it. Avoid flipping your appliance with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth or breakage of your appliance. |
| Your new appliances may make your teeth sore for a day or two, especially after an adjustment. If you have a sore spot on your gums, do not try to adjust them yourself but call our office at 021- 66520980 so that we would set an emergency session to adjust the appliances. |  |
 | Anytime teeth move, the retainers become tight. This is your signal that you have gone too long without wearing them. As long as the retainers are fitting comfortably, teeth are remaining stable |
Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care but with proper care they will last for years!. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately and you should know that an additional charge will be incurred for lost or broken appliances. |  |
 | Regardless of what your friends advise you, there will never be a day when you can stop wearing your retainers. Always bring your retainers to your appointments. |
Failure to wear the retainers as directed by the orthodontist will result in relapse. Any future re-treatment fees will be at the patient’s expense. |  |
