Your braces represent a serious investment in improving the alignment of your teeth. Each of your adjustment appointments at Dr. R. Cree Hamilton’s orthodontic clinic has gradually repositioned your teeth one step closer to their ideal alignment. Now that your teeth have been fully corrected, Dr. R. Cree Hamilton can uninstall the orthodontic hardware.
It’s worth noting that the periodontal ligaments anchoring your teeth in your mouth will still have some residual tension left over from the adjustments. To prevent this tension from causing your teeth to relapse out of their ideal position, Dr. R. Cree Hamilton will fit you for a removable Hawley retainer.
This is a removable mouthpiece that your orthodontist will shape from dental acrylic. It will be held in place by special wires that interlock with your upper teeth. Your Hawley retainer will need to be worn at specified time. If any part of it is bent, damaged, or suffers excess wear and tear from lack of care, it could increase the amount of time you need to use a retainer.
You can drink and speak normally while the retainer is in your mouth. However, you will need to take it out when you are eating. This prevents food particles from getting trapped under the retainer and helps prevent unnecessary damage.
It’s best keep your retainer in its case when you’re not using it. It’s best to get in the habit of keeping the case quick at hand. Improvising with a napkin or plastic bag should only be a last resort.
If you had your teeth realigned by braces at our office in Las Vegas, Nevada, clinic, and you have questions about retainers, call 702-243-3300 to speak to a staff member at Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics.
