Retention

When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. The retention phase lasts for a minimum of 24 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
At Northern Dental Specialists we offer several different kinds of retainers, because each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, we want to find the best retainer that fits your mouth and your lifestyle.

The Hawley Retainer

The Hawley is our most popular removable retainer and can be used for the upper or lower teeth. It is also the most fun because you can design your own color scheme (see examples above).

Advantages:
Most resilient to wear and tear
Minor adjustment can be made to it if teeth start to shift

Disadvantages:
The wire on the front can be seen
Can affect speech temporarily

The “Invisible” Retainer

The invisible retainer is made custom formed material to fit your teeth. These can be made for the upper and lower teeth as well.

Advantage:
As the name implies they are nearly invisible when worn

Disadvantages:
Softer material can wear out over time, especially if you grind or clench your teeth
If teeth shift, they are not adjustable

The Fixed Lingual Retainer

The fixed lingual retainer is bonded to the back of the teeth, similar to how braces are bonded to the front. It is our most common retainer for the lower teeth.

Advantages:
Permanently in place and can’t be lost or forgotten

Disadvantages:
More difficult to clean around
Not adjustable

The Tooth Positioner or Pre-Finisher

The tooth positioner looks like an athletic mouthguard and retains the upper and lower teeth at the same time.

Advantages:
Can make final minor correction to the bite
Only one retainer is needed

Disadvantages:
Bulkier than the other retainers
Difficult to wear for mouth breathers