Retainers

in Bryn Mawr

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What are Orthodontic Retainers

Retainers are the final—and most critical—step in your orthodontic journey. Once active treatment is complete, retainers work 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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Call (484)383-0055

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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

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.

Custom Fabrication

Your digital scans are sent to our lab technicians to 3D print an accurate 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.

Retention Checks

Retention doesn’t stop once you receive your retainers. 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. 

Daily Care of Essix and Hawley Retainers

Brush your retainer gently with cool water every time you take it out.

Brush your retainer with a mild dish soap for daily freshness.

Brush your Essix retainer with a paste of baking soda and water to help it stay clear.

For a fixed retainer, use floss threaders to clean between the wire and your teeth.

Deep Cleaning

Soak your retainer in water with a retainer cleaning tablet.

Soak your retainer in a solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide.

Using an ultrasonic cleaner with a retainer cleaning tablet is also an excellent option.

Important Reminders

Don’t use toothpaste on your Essix retainer; its abrasive ingredients can scratch and dull the surface.

Don’t soak your retainer in hot water, as it will warp the plastic.

Don’t soak your retainer in mouthwash, which can cause damage and discoloration.

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 Essix retainer full-time to prevent shifting until we can repair it.