Retainers: Hawley & Thermoplastic
Instructions and what to expect with your child’s Hawley or thermoplastic retainer.
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Why Retainers Are Important
- Retainers help hold teeth in their corrected positions after active orthodontic treatment
- Teeth naturally have a tendency to shift over time, making long-term retainer wear important for maintaining results
- Wear instructions are individualized and may change over time based on stability and treatment needs
Hawley Retainer
- A removable retainer made with an acrylic base and a metal wire that fits around the teeth
- Durable and adjustable when minor modifications are needed
- May feel bulky at first and can temporarily affect speech while the mouth adapts
Thermoplastic Retainer
- A clear, removable retainer that fits closely over the teeth
- Designed to maintain tooth position with a discreet appearance
- Can warp if exposed to excessive heat and may crack if bent, chewed, or handled improperly
Wear Instructions
- Wear retainers exactly as prescribed by your orthodontist
- Remove retainers for eating unless specifically instructed otherwise
- Always place retainers in their case when they are not in your mouth
- Do not wrap retainers in a napkin or place them loose in a pocket, backpack, or purse
- Keep retainers away from pets, as they are commonly damaged when left within reach
- Brush 2x daily with dish soap and rinse prior to replacing back in the mouth
Cleaning Instructions
- Rinse retainers with cool or lukewarm water after removal
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush as directed
- Do not use hot or boiling water, especially with thermoplastic retainers, because heat can distort the fit
- Use only cleaning products recommended by your orthodontist; avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners
- Keep the retainer case clean and allow it to air dry
What to Expect
- A retainer may feel snug when first inserted, especially after active orthodontic treatment
- Temporary speech changes and increased saliva may occur during the first few days
- If a retainer suddenly feels significantly tighter than usual, consistent wear may have been interrupted or tooth movement may have occurred
Lost, Broken, or Poor-Fitting Retainers
- Contact the office promptly if a retainer is lost, cracked, warped, broken, or no longer fits properly
- Do not force a retainer that will not fully seat
- Do not attempt to reshape a retainer with heat or make home repairs
- Delaying replacement may allow teeth to shift
If Something Goes Wrong
- Contact the office if the appliance becomes loose, breaks, is lost, no longer fits properly, or causes significant or worsening pain
- Do not attempt to bend, repair, or adjust the appliance unless specifically instructed by your orthodontist
Questions About Your Child's Appliance?
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's orthodontic appliance, our team is here to help. Call our Dupont office and we'll walk you through it.
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