Full Answer
What is a Hawley retainer?
A Hawley retainer is an oral appliance made of wire and hard plastic or acrylic. The wire extends across the teeth to keep them aligned after braces are removed. The acrylic rests on the roof of the mouth. Hawley retainers are removable. They’re often an affordable option if you don’t lose them or need replacements often.
What is a retainer and how does it work?
The retainer is molded to your mouth to fit comfortably on the roof of your mouth, with the wire settled against the front of your top teeth. The retainer protects the results of your orthodontic care, and prevents your teeth from sliding back into their previous positions.
What color should you not get for a Hawley retainer?
Previous Hawley retainer users would recommend you to avoid getting a light color like shades of gray or white – it has been noted that bright tones like blue and red can maintain their color for a long time. In case your retainer breaks, you can have the Hawley retainer repaired.
What are your clear retainers made of?
Our clear retainers look very similar, but they’re made of a slightly different material — a more durable .76mm thermoplastic polyurethane. There’s nothing obvious to call attention to them.
Which retainer is better Hawley or clear?
Durability: In terms of durability, Hawley retainers and permanent retainers will last longer compared to clear retainers. Though clear retainers do protect against teeth grinding at night, this will wear the retainers down even faster.
Are Hawley retainers visible?
Hawley retainers are more visible, with wires crossing the front teeth, and many patients wear them only when they are not in public or while they are sleeping. Upkeep is very important.
What do Hawley retainers look like?
What Do Hawley Retainers Look Like? A Hawley removable retainer has a somewhat old-school look. It's mostly made up of a red-pink acrylic plate shaped to fit your mouth. It's the metal wire that does most of the actual work, however, with several loops extending to surround your teeth in different ways.
What is the purpose of a Hawley retainer?
The most common type of retainers is the Hawley Retainer. Hawley Retainer literally “retains” your teeth's position by stabilizing them while the bone hardens around them. Patience through this portion of treatment is a key to maintaining your beautiful new smile.
Can I brush my teeth with Hawley retainer?
When brushing teeth, people should brush their retainer as well. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-whitening toothpaste. Afterward, remove the retainer and rinse it thoroughly. People should brush their teeth again after removing the retainer, to clean any areas covered by it.
Can I eat with my Hawley retainer?
Can I Eat with a Hawley Retainer? Remove the Hawley retainer and store it properly before eating. Food can get trapped in the retainer, causing plaque to build up or damage to the device. Store your retainer in the case provided, not in a napkin, and be sure to rinse your mouth and retainer before putting it back in.
How long does a Hawley retainer last?
5 to 10 yearsIf you give your Hawley retainer the TLC It deserves, it can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years! These removable acrylic retainers are often replaced around 8 years. Essix retainers (removable clear retainers, similar to Invisalign®) typically last about 3 years before they need to be replaced.
Do Hawley retainers last forever?
This is the retainer most people picture when they think “retainer.” Made of wire securely attached to an acrylic base, the Hawley retainer keeps the teeth in place, and can even be adjusted, if needed, to improve alignment. They generally last anywhere from three to ten years.
How many hours should I wear Hawley retainer?
Hawley Removable Retainers When your orthodontic treatment is complete, you'll wear the Hawley retainer full-time, day and night, for several months: most orthodontists recommend around 6-9 months. You'll remove it for meals, drinking anything but water, and to brush your teeth, and clean the retainer.
Are metal retainers visible?
Many patients prefer them, however, because they are not as noticeable. Permanent retainers cannot be removed and can sometimes need adjustment in order to be more comfortable. But they are invisible, and because they are metal retainers they are extremely durable.
Can retainers be invisible?
Invisible retainers are discreet appliances used to securely maintain teeth in their new position after an orthodontic case is finished. They are either fixed, in the form of bonded metal wires permanently bonded behind the teeth, or removable, such as our Essix clear aligners.
Are retainers obvious?
So long as your mold and retainer are done correctly, a clear retainer should be practically invisible on your teeth. There could be a slight gap between the bottom of your teeth and the retainer, but it won't be too noticeable. Because of their almost invisible nature, most people wear clear retainers.
How is my retainer supposed to look?
4:036:03How to Put On Retainers! The Orthodontist Way! Hacks ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it fits well the retainer should stay in place and there shouldn't be a gap visible between yourMoreAnd it fits well the retainer should stay in place and there shouldn't be a gap visible between your retainer and the tips of your teeth.
How much is a Hawley retainer?
A Hawley retainer costs anywhere between $150 and $300. These retainers are quite cost effective as they are also durable and typically last betwee...
Can a Hawley retainer straighten teeth?
Hawley retainers aren't used to straighten teeth unless a slight shift is needed after orthodontic treatment has been completed. Their primary purp...
Is a Hawley retainer better?
Hawley retainers are a durable and effective way to keep your teeth straight after you've finished with braces. They don't last as long as permanen...
What is a Hawley retainer?
A Hawley retainer is a removable device made of wire and hard plastic. These retainers have that iconic wire across the teeth that has been the poster child for retainers since its creation in 1919.
What are the different types of retainers?
There are three main types of retainers: Hawley (the metal and acrylic combination), Essix retainers (clear, plastic molds), and Fixed/Bonded retainers. There are pros and cons to each type that all require consideration before making a decision.
What is the best retainer for teeth?
The Hawley retainer is perhaps the most well-known type of retainer used for keeping teeth in place after orthodontic treatment.
How much does a Hawley retainer cost?
Hawley retainers usually cost between $150 and $300, and they can last between 5 and 10 years with proper care.
Why do you need to clean Hawley retainers?
Hawley retainers require daily cleaning to prevent gum disease, bad smell, and food debris from becoming trapped against your palate or teeth. Oral hygiene is always important, but even more so when there are retainers involved.
Why do you wear retainers indefinitely?
Many patients choose to wear retainers indefinitely to keep their teeth straight as they grow older.
Why do you need a retainer with braces?
That’s why an appliance, often the traditional Hawley retainer, is needed to prevent the teeth from reverting back to the way they started.
How Much Does a Hawley Retainer Cost?
The American Dental Association estimates the national average for a replacement retainer to be around $250, though it’s unclear if that’s a Hawley retainer, clear retainer, or fixed retainer. More likely, it’s an average of all those options [5].
Are Hawley Retainers Right for Me?
However, there are a few contexts in which the Hawley retainer comes out on top. Factors to keep in mind include:
What Color is a Hawley Retainer?
Hawley retainers come in a huge variety of colors, and can even be printed with fun designs like watermelon, tie-dye, or stars-and-stripes. The colorful part of the retainer is the hard plastic or acrylic plate that sits on the roof of the mouth, which is connected to metal wires that keep the retainer snugly in place. The acrylic or plastic material can be cast in nearly any color, allowing you lots of customizable choices to make your retainer your own.
Can a Hawley Retainer Move Teeth?
A Hawley retainer is not designed to move teeth. Rather, it is worn to protect the gains made by your orthodontic care, either with braces or clear aligners. Without a retainer, your teeth will naturally start to shift back to their original positions, so wearing a retainer regularly will stop this shifting and keep your healthy bite and beautiful smile in place. While some minor shifting is normal as your teeth settle into place, regular retainer use will prevent your teeth from shifting out of alignment and requiring future treatment.
How Long to Wear a Hawley Retainer?
Retainers are “nighttime for a lifetime”: you’ll wear them more regularly in the first year, but eventually, your orthodontist will instruct you to wear your retainer every night or every few nights for as long as you can – ideally, forever. This will keep your teeth in their appropriate positions, and prevent them from shifting back to their old, improper alignment.
Do Hawley Retainers Break Easily?
Hawley retainers are durable and designed to be sturdy in your mouth. However, accidents happen and the retainers often break – that’s why it’s important to care for your retainer properly, storing it in a case when you take it out so it does not get lost or broken – or eaten by the dog, which is a very common problem with Hawley retainers!
How Comfortable Are Hawley Retainers?
Most people find Hawley retainers to be comfortable and easy to wear, especially since they are worn only at night after the first year when they should be worn full-time. However, the appliance is somewhat bulkier than clear plastic retainers, and some patients find this uncomfortable: the plastic plate can irritate the roof of the mouth, or the connecting wire may poke the lips or gums. For certain patients, clear Essix retainers or a permanent bonded retainer may be more comfortable.
How much does a Hawley retainer cost?
A Hawley retainer generally costs between $350 and $600. The costs vary depending on your orthodontist provider, the region where you’re being treated, and the specifics of your case. The price includes the cost necessary to send molds to a production facility and to have the retainer designed for your mouth and sent back to the office.
What is the most common retainer used by orthodontists?
While clear retainers are becoming more popular, the Hawley retainer continues to be one of the most common and effective retention devices used by orthodontists and preferred by patients. According to a recent study from the National Institute of Health, Hawley retainers were preferred by 90% of orthodontists for use with a maxillary dental arch.
How does a Hawley retainer work?
The Hawley retainer is made out of metal and plastic. Just like your braces, retainers have to be custom molded to fit your mouth and your new smile.
What is the most popular retainer?
Among the available retainers that you can use, the Hawley retainer is the most popular and trusted type of retainer that you can use. It is one of the oldest and most proven removable retainers that you can get. The Hawley retainer is very popular among all age groups since it is heavily recommended by most orthodontists due to its durability ...
How to clean a retainer?
It is a natural cleaning agent that can kill bacteria. Another way to clean your retainers with baking soda is to soak your retainer and your storage case in baking soda and water overnight once or twice a month.
Why do you need a retainer?
A retainer is required to make sure that your teeth will not move back to their original position. It is the best way to keep your new smile longer by making sure that the new position of your teeth is stabilized. This is the final step when it comes to the teeth straightening process.
What happens if you lose a Hawkey retainer?
In case you lose the retainer, it will basically cost you the same price to have it replaced. You will probably be asked to pay an extra fee for the office visit you will make, which is required to ensure that your customized Hawkey retainer will fit.
Do you have to wear retainers after braces?
So, it is basically something that you get to use after you are done using braces. Teeth movement even after orthodontic treatment is actually normal. Just like as parts of the body changes when we age, your mouth and teeth will be affected as well. This is why you have to wear your retainers religiously.
Can you use a retainer to move your teeth?
The answer is no. You can not use a retainer to move your teeth. A retainer does not work the same way as braces do. They are simply designed to protect the new position of your teeth after you are done with your orthodontic treatment. So, it is basically something that you get to use after you are done using braces.
What is a retainer for orthodontics?
Retainers keep your teeth from moving back to their original position. They are made to be worn after your orthodontic treatment — such as clear aligner therapy — ends.
What is a Hawley appliance?
A Maxillary Hawley Appliance is one of the oldest retainer types. It’s also known as a metal retainer or removable wire retainer.
What is a removable retainer?
Removable retainers — those you can put in and remove yourself — include clear teeth retainers and removable wire retainers, also known as Hawley retainers. Fixed retainers are also called permanent retainers. A dentist or orthodontist must place and remove those.
What is fixed retainer?
Fixed retainers are also called permanent retainers. A dentist or orthodontist must place and remove those. Here are a few more facts you should know about the three types of retainers so you can make the right decision for you.
Why is a Hawley retainer visible?
Because of the stainless steel, a Hawley retainer is more visible to others and you won’t be able to hide the fact that you’re wearing one.
Why do you need retainers after moving teeth?
After teeth have moved, retainers allow the bone that hold those teeth in place to rebuild. Retainers help keep the perfect teeth alignment you achieved. Just like your body changes over time, your teeth can change too, and retainers help keep their healthy positioning.
How long do clear retainers last?
They don’t cover the roof of your mouth, so they’re more comfortable overall. Clear retainers typically last up to 6 months. And they’re removable, so, they’re also convenient.
What are Hawley retainers?
Hawley retainers are the most popular retainers available today.These retainers also happen to be the most easily recognized; when you think of retainers, chances are an image of Hawley retainers pops up in your head. Also called wire retainers, this type of retainer has been around forever and are made from a custom mold of the patient’s mouth. These retainers are removable, making it easy to eat, brush your teeth, and clean the retainer when needed. To help keep your teeth straight and in place, these retainers hold your teeth in place and can always be adjusted if they need to be.
What is the most popular retainer?
One of the most popular orthodontic retainers around today is called the Hawley retainer. There are many reasons why it is the most popular but the main reason if most definitely because this retainer does what it is supposed to do—as well as working smoothly and efficiently. This article is to help you learn more about the Hawley retainer, as well as whether it would be a good fit for youor if you might need help from another type of retainer.
Is Hawley retainer good?
As you can see, there are some definite advantages and disadvantages to Hawley retainers. They are incredibly durable, though they aren’t as clearor as unnoticeable as some people may hope. However, they get the job done quickly and efficiently, which is always a plus. Now that you know a bit more about retainers make sure you talk to your dentist or orthodontist as they help you decide which type of retainer is best for you and your lifestyle.
Can retainers be misplaced?
Also, these retainers seem to always be misplaced or broken by patients, which isn’t great. Because they are removable, they can be easily lost or misplaced like that. Trust us, you might think you would never lose them…until you do entirely by accident.
Do retainers help with bite?
These retainers also allow teeth to “settle” in the back of your mouth, which can help if you have either an upper bite or a lower bite. For those that have issues with alignment in their mouth, these retainers are excellent to help settle some problems you might be having. This, again, goes back to how sturdy and durable they are. While permanent retainers also offer this, clear ones don’t and just aren’t as stable.
Do clear retainers look like mouth guards?
Finally, we have clear retainers, which look slightly like mouth guards. These retainers are becoming more and more popular, mainly because you really can’t tell when someone is wearing it or not. The transparency is excellent for those who don’t want to look like they’re wearing a retainer. Just like Hawley retainers, these clear designs are custom made to fit a patient’s mouth and can be removed by the patient whenever needed. However, these types of retainers are not as stable, nor are they as durable, as permanent retainers or Hawley retainers.
Can you remove Hawley retainers?
While Hawley retainers are removable and can be easily (and pain-free) removed by the patient, permanent retainers cannot be removed unless an orthodontist does it for them. These types of retainers are also called fixed retainers, a lingual retainer wire, or bonded wire retainers. While permanent retainers aren’t as common as Hawley retainers are, it is common for patients to get permanent retainers on the lower half of their teeth, as the lower half of the mouth is easier to move and shift (and, therefore, quickly lose their straightness and move back to their former position).
How much does a retainer cost?
Teeth retainers cost anywhere from $100 to $500 per set without insurance. Depending on your dentist, orthodontic retainer costs can vary quite a bit. The cost can also depend on location, and what type you are recommended to use. Here’s a rough guide to how much different dentist retainers cost with a private dentist:
What is the difference between a retainer and a night guard?
While they may look similar, retainers, mouth guards, and night guards are all used for different reasons. Retainers are what help keep your teeth in position after orthodontic care, while mouthguards are designed to keep the teeth safe from injury. Mouthguards are made of flexible plastic that protects the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports. Alternatively, night guards are more firm than a mouthguard and made for patients that clench or grind their teeth at night. Nightguards protect the teeth and jaw from pain and damage caused by the grinding.
How many retainers are there for Vivera Invisalign?
Note that prices are for a single device, except for Vivera Invisalign retainers which come in a set of 4.
What is spring aligner?
Spring retainers, or spring aligners, can help with simple movements of the teeth. They look similar to a normal Hawley retainer, for teeth but they have extra parts that move one or more teeth slightly or help to prevent the teeth from overcrowding or twisting. Invisalign retainers look similar to Essix devices.
What is a retainer for teeth?
There are two main types of teeth retainer your dentist might recommend: a permanent retainer (also known as a bonded or fixed retainer) or one that can be removed such as an Essix or Hawley.
Why do you wear a retainer after braces?
Wearing a retainer after braces helps to hold your teeth in the correct alignment. Both removable and permanent retainers will keep your teeth straight for years to come, as long as you keep wearing them as your dentist advises!
Why do people prefer Essix retainers?
Some people prefer this type because they are less noticeable than wire retainers. Essix retainer costs are similar to the Hawley style, but they may not last as long.
What is a bonded retainer?
The first type is called a bonded retainer. It’s attached to your teeth after your braces are removed to keep them in place for the first few months after treatment. A bonded retainer is recommended if you need to wear your retainer at all times as a follow-up to orthodontic treatment.
How long do you have to wear a retainer after braces are removed?
The typical guideline for a removable retainer is to wear it full time, except for mealtimes and cleanings, for the first 4 to 6 months after your braces are removed, according to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists.
What happens if you don't wear a retainer?
If you don’t wear your retainer according to your orthodontist’s instructions, your teeth will tend to shift back into their old placement. This is known as relapsing. . If you don’t wear your retainer, you may need orthodontic intervention again within 10 years, or even sooner.
What is a retainer?
Use guidelines. Length of wear. Precautions. Cleaning. Takeaway. Share on Pinterest. Retainers are custom devices designed to hold your teeth in place.
How to keep food from hardening on retainer?
Clean your removable retainer with lukewarm water every time you remove it. Rinsing your retainer when it’s still wet with your saliva will keep food from hardening on your retainer.
Why do you keep your retainer clean?
Keeping your retainer clean protects your teeth. In the case of a removable retainer, it can also extend its life span.
Why are clear plastic retainers so popular?
Clear plastic retainers have become popular in recent years because they’re virtually invisible and more likely to be worn. This retainer isn’t the same thing as Invisalign, which is used to straighten teeth, not prevent them from moving out of position.