Hawley Retainers are proven to keep your smile straight
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile, which can occasionally involve wearing braces for two or more years under the direction of an orthodontist. Once the orthodontic treatment is completed, a retainer is required to keep your beautiful smile in place.
Our orthodontists are experts and highly skilled professionals who help you achieve the goal you set before stepping into any dental treatment. We recommend Hawley retainers to prevent the straightened teeth from shifting back to their previous position.
What are Hawley retainers?
Retainers are necessary to stabilize the straightened teeth, and Hawley retainers are among the most trusted orthodontic post-brace appliances. It is a removable object made of metal and plastic that is made specifically to fit your mouth. It effectively keeps your teeth in place by stabilizing them.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Hawley retainers
There are several benefits of Hawley retainers;
- Easy to customize to the patient’s mouth.
- Easily adjustable and removable.
- Cheaper than fixed/bonded retainers.
- Easy to clean.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene is also made simpler by being able to remove them
- More durable than other types of retainers.
- Available in many colors and pattern options.
There are some drawbacks to consider with Hawley retainers.
- The wire sits in the front, which makes it more visible than other retainers.
- Possibly uncomfortable with plastic plates and make it difficult to speak.
- If you don’t clean your retainer, bacteria may grow easily and eventually become unusual.
- These bulkier appliances may irritate your lips, gums, or tongue.
- It can be broken, lost, or damaged.
How to maintain your Hawley retainer?
It is crucial to keep your Hawley retainer clean and properly stored while not in use for it to work effectively, including:
- Clean every day to remove bacteria and food particles.
- Always remember to remove your retainer before eating.
- Avoid exposing it to heat and hot water.
- Properly store it when not in use.
How do you clean your retainer?
There are several tips to ensure your retainers are clean and free from bacteria.
- Clean your retainer daily by brushing it with a soft, bristled toothbrush.
- Clean it with salt and baking soda.
- Do not use abrasive toothpaste or anything to clean the retainer that can scratch its surface. Always use mild soaps or toothpaste.
- Use cotton swabs on the plastic retainer to get into the deepest grooves and ridges.
- Soak it in a cleaning solution to kill germs and bacteria.
When should I remove my retainer?
Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you will wear the retainer brace continuously, day and night, for several months. Most orthodontists generally recommend around 6 to 9 months. Teeth may shift if you do not wear the retainer properly and regularly.
You should take it out while eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing your teeth, and cleaning the retainer.
Your effort to get the perfect smile will be well-spent if you wear your retainer! Contact us immediately for your free consultation if you’re ready to start your journey to a new smile.
