The majority of relapse, which occurs after braces are removed, is usually across the lower front teeth. For the most part, it is due to patient’s poor use of the lower removable retainer. We take the cooperation out of having to wear a lower retainer by permanently bonding a lower wire to the back of the lower canines. They are invisible, comfortable to wear and easy to clean and floss.
We have a wide variety of colors and designs for our patient’s personal preference. We choose the maxillary hawley rather than a clear overlay retainer, because the hawley allows for better settling of the bite once braces are removed. As you can see from this picture no wires come across the bite to interfere with normal biting forces, preventing the settling of teeth. Improving the fit of teeth after the braces are removed is imperative to the stability of your final result. We have our patients wear the retainer for the first 6 months 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and nighttime thereafter.
Lower Bonded Retainer
Upper Removable Hawley Retainer