Now that you have your new, winning smile that was achieved with braces, you can now have the appliance removed. It’s important to keep in mind that there is still some lingering tension in the periodontal ligaments that anchor your teeth in the sockets. As a result, you will need to use a retainer in Sandusky, OH, to maintain your ideal alignment while this tension subsides.
There are three different types of retainers that Dr. Shabbir Adenwalla and Inayat Ashai commonly prescribes.
A Hawley-style retainer is the most common. This style of retainer gets its name from the renowned orthodontist, Dr. Charles A. Hawley. This type of retainer is a thin, tongue-shaped piece of acrylic that is custom fit to the shape of your mouth. It’s removable and when you wear it, the retainer is held securely in place by a set of wires that interlock with a few of your teeth.
In some cases, your orthodontist could recommend a clear, plastic retainer if the braces were only needed to provide small adjustments. This type of retainer is made from a durable plastic material that is molded as your teeth once they are in their new bite pattern. The casual observer won’t even notice you’re wearing it.
A fixed retainer might be needed if your braces performed a significant amount of realignment. This appliance is a strong section of wire that is cemented behind your teeth.
If you are due to have your braces removed and you have questions about what type of retainer you will need, you can call A&A Orthodontics at for a consultation.
