A retainer is the next step in completing your orthodontic treatment.

It would be great if once your braces came off, you never had to give your teeth a second thought beyond brushing and flossing. But even when your braces are finally removed, your teeth and jaw ligaments still need time to settle into their new alignments. Retainers are used to make sure everything stays in its proper place. Without a retainer your teeth would move back into their old positions and you would be back to square one!

girl putting retainer into her mouthThere are three types of retainers: fixed, Hawley, and clear. A fixed retainer is cemented in place behind your teeth, by the dentist and cannot be removed. A Hawley retainer is one of the most common types of retainer. You can remove it for meals or sports and fits in the upper or lower arch of your teeth. A clear retainer is made of a special type of clear plastic. It may not be as durable as Hawley or fixed retainer, but it is less noticeable to other people.

When you receive a retainer, it is important that you wear it exactly according to Dr. Kimberly Fee’s instructions. You may have to wear it only at night, or for a certain amount of time each day. You will also need to properly clean your retainer, and if it is removable, you will need to store it correctly. If you live in the Prescott, Arizona, area and are nearing the end of your orthodontic treatment, call 928-778-7410 today to schedule your appointment for a retainer.