Description
Treatment & Care
This upper or lower Hawley retainer is constructed with a 3×3 labial bow and a set of ball clasps. It is easily adjustable with the labial omega loops and provides excellent retention with the clasping placed between the premolar and molar.
Because of these plastic and wire components, though, this retainer can be distorted or changed by heat or damage from impact, so handle with care. Orthodontists typically fabricate a retainer for each arch and encourage you to wear it regularly for upwards of two years. Initially, the retainer should be worn near full-time (16-18 hours daily). Usually after a few months, your orthodontist will reduce the amount of wear you’ll need to keep things in place each day.
Cleaning your retainer is akin to cleaning your teeth: Brush it gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also soak it in a cleaning agent similar to a denture cleaner a few times per week
to freshen and kill germs that sit in the grooves of the mold. As always, it is best to follow your orthodontist’s recommendation for how to clean your Hawley-retainer or otherwise.
Materials
- Wire: American Orthodontics Chromium Cobalt
- Acrylic: JBC Monomer and Polymer
- Clasping: Leone 0.32 Ball Clasps / C-Clasps / Adam’s Clasps
