Retainers are an important part of your orthodontic treatment process, even as an adult. While you may think that retainers are only for children or teenagers, the opposite they can be even more important later in life. When your treatment with metal braces, InBrace, or Invisalign is finished, your teeth will want to return to their initial positions.
Without wearing a retainer, your teeth will eventually revert back to where they were prior to your orthodontic treatment. Retainers are a great way to protect the investment you’ve made on your treatment, and keep your smile looking beautiful.
Styles of Retainers for Adults
It’s important to find the style of retainer that’s best for you. At Emily Funk Orthodontics, we offer three different types of retainers for adults, that each have their own distinct differences.
- Fixed Retainers
Fixed, or permanent retainers, consist of a metal wire placed along the back of the teeth. This option makes it easy to eat, talk, and do other daily tasks that involve your mouth. This discreet solution helps to maintain the position of your front teeth.
- Essix Retainers
Essix retainers offer another esthetic approach to orthodontic retention.
These are clear retainers for adults that fit over your top and bottom teeth, making them practically unnoticeable. Essix retainers are not permanent, so they have to be removed when eating. Most patients only wear these retainers at night to maintain their results.
- Hawley Retainers
Hawley retainers are the most traditional retainer option. These types of retainers have long been trusted to maintain orthodontic treatment results. Hawley retainers are the only retainers that can be adjusted with time in case you have any crowns or dental work completed.