Once your orthodontic journey comes to an end and your teeth are straight, you will receive a clear plastic, removable appliance called a retainer, or a metal and acrylic retainer called a Hawley (after completion of Phase One). Our bodies are dynamic and have a tendency to shift over time and as we age, so a retainer is a life-long commitment as long as you want your teeth to remain as they are. We recommend full time retainer wear in the beginning, then only when you sleep, on-going. This will ensure nothing shifts so that you can maintain the perfect smile you worked so hard to achieve.
If retention ceases, many patients have been known to experience shifting from relapsed teeth. This can happen at any time, so we urge you to stay committed to wearing your retainer to avoid needing to repeat your orthodontic treatment.
