Retainers (Hawley, Essix and Fixed)

How to prevent relapse and keep your teeth straight, beautiful, and healthy with retainers

Generally, no orthodontic treatment is complete without the “retention” stage. This is the last phase of treatment. SHN Orthodontics knows that patients have worked diligently to maintain compliance with treatment, which has led to their evenly-spaced teeth and healthy and beautiful smiles. For this reason, our team in Mission Viejo, California, wants to protect these renewed smiles and this investment of time, money, and energy in your oral and overall health and well-being. 

Dental retainers 

The retention phase essentially involves wearing another specialized appliance called a “retainer.” Retainers are even advised for patients who have completed treatment with a braces alternative: clear aligner therapy (like Invisalign®). Unlike the many other appliances available at our specialty practice, retainers come in various materials and designs. Depending on your needs, our orthodontist, Dr. Shannon Hilgers Nissen, may select from an array of options such as: 

• Removable Hawley retainers made from a blend of acrylic/plastic and metal wire
• Removable Essix or Vivera™ retainers made from a clear plastic 
• Fixed or permanent wire retainers that are cemented or bonded to the teeth

While the design and, accordingly, how these retainers are worn and cared for can vary, they are all unified in their ability to retain treatment outcomes. They help to hold the treated teeth in their proper placements. Accordingly, they help to overcome the natural tendency for the teeth to shift back into their pre-treatment positions. This process is called “relapse,” and it can undo the results that you have worked so hard to achieve. 

It is essential to maintain any instructions for care and wear provided by Dr. Nissen. Continued compliance with this treatment step minimizes relapse and prevents the development of additional complications; notably, failure to properly clean your appliance can present a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. You do not want one treatment to result in the need for another treatment to resolve, for instance, tooth decay caused by dirty retainers. 

This step may also be a lifetime commitment, though wear time can decrease with the passage of time. We welcome any questions you may have. Call our team at SHN Orthodontics in Mission Viejo, CA, today at (949) 830-4101 to discuss more.