Once you’re your smile has been straightened, our orthodontist, Dr. John Lawson, will create a retainer for you to wear to make sure that your teeth settle in to their new positions. One of most common retainers is the Hawley retainer. It is created using metal and plastic and will be crafted to fit over an arch of teeth. It is held in place partly with metal loops. Every smile is different, and our orthodontists will give you instructions as to how long you need to wear your retainer each day. It is important to wear your retainer as the orthodontists directs in order to keep your teeth from drifting back into their original positions.
It is important to clean your retainer properly. It needs to be cleaned every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, cool water and a toothpaste that is formulated to clean retainers. Regular toothpastes often contain abrasives that can scratch your retainer. Your retainer does a tough job, but it is very delicate and can be damaged by exposure to heat, a blow to the mouth, from being dropped. Pets also find that retainers make great chew toys! You should be careful with your retainer and if you need to take it out, you should keep it in the case we will give you.
If you have questions about your Hawley retainer in Rochester, Minnesota, or if you need to make an appointment, we would love to see you at Orthodontic Health Center! Call 507-282-6447 today and we will be happy to help you plan your visit!