Retainers

in Bryn Mawr

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What are Orthodontic Retainers?

Retainers are the final—and perhaps most critical—step in your orthodontic journey. Once active treatment is complete, retainers work behind the scenes to preserve all the time, care, and investment you’ve put into achieving your perfect smile. Without a retainer, teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original alignment, a process known as "relapse."

We offer three distinct types of custom retainers to suit different needs and preferences:

Essix Retainers (Clear Retainers)

Essix retainers are the most popular choice for patients who want a discreet solution. Made from medical-grade, BPA-free plastic, they look and feel very similar to Invisalign aligners. 

Hawley Retainers

The Hawley retainer is the "classic" retainer consisting of a metal wire that surrounds the front teeth and an acrylic plate that sits on the roof of your mouth (or behind your lower teeth). 

Fixed Retainers (Permanent)

A fixed retainer consists of a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth. 

Retainers in Bryn Mawr | Bryn Mawr Orthodontics

Did you know…

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Teeth can shift at any age, even decades after treatment. We recommend "lifetime retention"—wearing your retainers nightly ensures your smile looks as good in 20 years as it does today.

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Before & After

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The benefits of

Retainers

Preserves Orthodontic Results

You have invested time and effort into achieving a straight smile. A custom retainer is the insurance policy that guarantees your results last. By wearing them as prescribed, you prevent the need for retreatment in the future.

Precision Fit & Comfort

Generic "boil-and-bite" retainers can be bulky and uncomfortable. Our retainers are custom-fabricated using precise models of your teeth. This ensures a low-profile, comfortable fit that won't disrupt your sleep or irritate your gums.

Protection Against Grinding

Some people unknowingly grind or clench their teeth while they sleep. Clear Essix retainers act as a protective barrier to shield your enamel from excessive wear and chipping.

The Treatment Process

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Records & Scanning

As you near the end of your orthodontic treatment (or if you are visiting us specifically for a new retainer), we start with a quick and comfortable digital scan. This captures an exact 3D replica of your teeth, eliminating the need for messy, goopy impressions and ensuring an accurate fit.

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Custom Fabrication

Your digital scans are sent to our lab technicians to 3D print a precise model of your teeth. This model is then used to fabricate your custom retainer using cutting-edge orthodontic technology. We ensure the fit is comfortable and precise to keep your teeth aligned.

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Retention Checks

Retention doesn’t stop once you receive your retainers. Ongoing guidance and regular check-ins are essential to monitor your smile and ensure your retainers still fit properly. Our continuity of care reflects our deep commitment to lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, we recommend wearing removable retainers full-time for 6 months immediately following treatment, then transitioning to 'night-time only' wear indefinitely. 

For Essix and Hawley retainers, brush gently with a toothbrush and cool water every time you take them out. You can use mild dish soap for daily freshness, or soak them occasionally in retainer cleaning tablets. For a deeper clean, you can use an ultrasonic cleaner, or alternatively, soak your retainer in a solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Never use hot water, as it can warp the plastic, and avoid mouthwash to prevent damage. Fixed retainers require floss threaders to clean between the wire and the teeth.

Call our office immediately. Teeth can start shifting in as little as a few days, so please do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. The sooner we can scan your teeth for a replacement, the better chance we have of preventing relapse.

Yes! We actually recommend this 'belt and suspenders' approach for patients. We provide a clear Essix retainer to be worn at night over your fixed retainer. This not only keeps your back teeth stable (which the fixed wire doesn't reach), but also acts as a crucial backup. If your fixed retainer ever breaks or becomes loose, you can switch to wearing the clear retainer full-time to prevent shifting until we can repair it.