Woman smiling with straight teeth having retainers post orthodontics

Orthodontic Retainers in Hawthorn

Orthodontic retainers are indispensable tools in maintaining the results achieved through orthodontic treatment.

Whether you've just completed braces or aligners, or you're looking to prevent teeth from shifting, retainers play a crucial role.

They act as a safeguard, preventing teeth from shifting back to their original misaligned state.

Retainers are typically worn as advised by an orthodontist, to ensure long-term stability and prevent orthodontic relapse.

What Types of Retainers Are There?

Man wearing reatiners to help keep his teeth straight

Retainers are essential for anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment. If you've invested in achieving a straighter smile, a retainer is what protects that result long-term.

There are three main types available, each suited to different needs and preferences.

Fixed retainers, also called bonded or permanent retainers, are a thin wire affixed to the back of the front teeth. They provide continuous support without relying on the patient to remember to wear anything, making them particularly well suited to those who are prone to misplacing removable appliances.

Removable clear retainers are custom-made trays that fit snugly over the teeth, similar in appearance to an aligner. They can be taken out for eating, brushing and special occasions, offering flexibility while still maintaining tooth alignment.

Hawley retainers are a removable acrylic plate with a wire that sits across the front teeth. They are durable, adjustable and easy to repair, making them a reliable long-term option for many patients.

Dr Carolyn will recommend the most appropriate retainer type, or combination of types, based on your treatment, your teeth and your lifestyle.

Why Do I Need to Wear Retainers?

Completing orthodontic treatment is a significant achievement, but it is not the finish line. Teeth are held in position by the surrounding bone and soft tissue, and both take time to fully stabilise after being moved. Without a retainer, teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions. This is called orthodontic relapse.

Relapse is greatest in the months immediately after treatment, which is why retainers are typically worn full-time at first and then reduced to nights only over time. However, teeth move throughout life so long-term or even lifelong retainer wear is recommended.

Dr Carolyn will discuss a retainer plan with you at the end of your active treatment, including which type of retainer suits your case and how long and how often you should wear it.

Orthodontic patient with retainer at Dr Carolyn Ng's Hawthorn practice

Appliance Examples

Removable

Clear removable retainers, often called Essix retainers, fit snugly over the teeth like a thin, transparent tray. They are virtually invisible when worn and are the most common type of retainer provided after orthodontic treatment today.

Consistent wear is essential to prevent teeth from shifting back toward their original positions.

Fixed

Diagram showing a bonded wire glued to the front teeth on a dental model

A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the inside surface of the front teeth, usually the lower front four to six teeth. Because it is permanently in place, it provides continuous retention without relying on the patient to remember to wear anything.

Fixed retainers require regular monitoring at check-up appointments to ensure the wire remains securely bonded. Flossing around a fixed retainer requires a floss threader or interdental brush, which Dr Carolyn's team will show you how to use.

Hawley

A Hawley retainer is made from a custom-fitted acrylic plate that sits against the roof of the mouth or the lower gum, with a wire that wraps around the front teeth to hold them in position. They are durable, adjustable and easy to clean.

Like removable retainers, they need to be worn as prescribed by Dr Carolyn.

Dr Carolyn Ng — Specialist Orthodontist Hawthorn

Choosing a specialist orthodontist like Dr Carolyn Ng ensures that you receive the highest standard of care for your orthodontic needs.

As an orthodontist in Hawthorn, Melbourne, Dr Carolyn combines her expertise with state-of-the-art technology to deliver personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique requirements.

Whether you're a teenager or an adult, Dr Carolyn is a strong advocate for retainers in their crucial role in minimising orthodontic relapse and maintaining good oral health.

The information contained on this website is general in nature and does not cover all appliances or treatment modalities. It does not take into account your personal situation. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek advice from a dental professional.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers

After orthodontic treatment, teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions — a process called orthodontic relapse. The bone and soft tissue surrounding the teeth take time to fully stabilise after being moved, and without a retainer, this drift can begin quite quickly. Wearing your retainer as directed is the simplest way to protect the result you have achieved.

Most patients wear their retainer full-time for the first few months after treatment, then reduce to nights only. However, the tendency for teeth to shift never entirely disappears, so long-term part-time retainer wear — often indefinitely — is recommended for most patients. Dr Carolyn will give you a specific retention plan based on your individual case.

A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the inside of the front teeth — it stays in place all the time and requires no effort from the patient. A removable retainer is a clear plastic tray or acrylic appliance that is taken in and out by the patient. Many patients have both — a fixed retainer on the lower front teeth and a removable retainer for the upper arch.

If you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth will gradually begin to shift. The speed and degree of movement varies from person to person, but some relapse is likely over time without retention. If you have lost or broken a retainer, contact Dr Carolyn's practice as soon as possible — the longer you leave it, the more movement may have occurred.

If your teeth have shifted and your retainer no longer fits properly, do not force it in — this can damage your teeth or the retainer. Visit Dr Carolyn to assess the degree of movement. Depending on the situation, a new retainer may be made or, in some cases, a short course of retreatment may be recommended.

Removable retainers should be rinsed with cold water every time you remove them and cleaned gently with a soft toothbrush — avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic. Retainer cleaning tablets can also be used. Fixed retainers require a floss threader or interdental brush to clean between the teeth around the wire. Dr Carolyn's team will demonstrate the correct technique at your retainer fitting appointment.

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Retainers:

keeping smiles together!

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Dr Carolyn Ng
Orthodontist Hawthorn

Orthodontic Retainers in Hawthorn

What Types of Retainers Are There?

Why Do I Need to Wear Retainers?

Appliance Examples

Removable

Fixed

Hawley

Dr Carolyn Ng — Specialist Orthodontist Hawthorn

Frequently Asked Questions About Retainers

Why do I need to wear a retainer after braces?

How long do I need to wear my retainer?

What is the difference between a fixed and a removable retainer?

What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?

Can I wear my old retainer if my teeth have moved?

How do I clean my retainer?

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Retainers After Orthodontic Treatment: What You Need to Know

Retainers:

keeping smiles together!