After months of orthodontic treatment, you finally have the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. However, your straight teeth can start to shift back to their original position if you don’t carefully maintain your results. A Hawley retainer is a proven dental appliance that will hold your teeth in place after you’re done with braces or clear aligners.
Hawley retainers have been used for decades as an effective way to maintain long-term orthodontic treatment results. They are a type of removable retainer customized for each patient, gently holding the teeth in place to prevent them from drifting or shifting. Hawley retainers are a common option recommended by orthodontists.
What Materials Are Used To Make Hawley Retainers?
Hawley retainers are made using durable metal wires and custom-molded acrylic or plastic plates to anchor the retainer in your mouth. These materials are generally sturdy and will last a long time with the proper care. You will need to follow care instructions from your dentist and wear them as long as recommended to keep your teeth aligned.
How Do Hawley Retainers Work?
The metal wire on these retainers goes over the front six teeth, with metal loops resting over your canine teeth. This wire prevents your teeth from moving and stabilizes your smile, while the loops make it easy for your dentist to make subtle adjustments to the retainer. The stainless-steel wire anchored to a molded base fits the roof of your mouth to hold the top retainer in place.
A lower retainer fits along the inside of your teeth on the bottom to help stabilize them if needed.
How Long Do I Have To Wear A Hawley Retainer?
After you remove your metal or ceramic braces or complete Invisalign treatment, your dentist will give you further instructions for your retainer. A Hawley retainer is typically worn all day and night for the first few months to help your teeth settle into their new positions.
As the bone surrounding your teeth hardens with consistent retainer use, you will only have to wear your retainer at night while you sleep. However, forgetting to wear your retainer or not wearing it as often as directed could lead to your teeth shifting back.
Absolute Dental offers different types of retainers to keep your teeth straight. You can smile confidently knowing your teeth are perfectly aligned after orthodontic treatment with these retainers:
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We Accept Most Dental Insurance
Absolute Dental is a preferred provider for most insurances, unions, and hotels that include: Aetna, Ameritas, Boon-Chapman, Caesars Palace, Cigna, Delta Dental, Diversified, Geha, Guardian, Harrah’s, HealthSCOPE Benefits, Health Plan of Nevada (HPN), Humana, Liberty, Met-Life, MGM-MIRAGE, Premier Access, The Standard, Station Casinos, Teachers Health Trust, United Concordia, United Healthcare, Venetian, and The Zenith. We also accept Medicaid.
If you do not see your dental insurance listed here, just give us a call to confirm!
While Hawley retainers are a popular choice to help patients maintain their newly aligned teeth, there are some things to consider.
Benefits Of Hawley Retainers
There are plenty of reasons why Hawley retainers have withstood the test of time. Some benefits of using this orthodontic appliance include:
Easy to clean: You’re able to remove a Hawley retainer, which makes it easier to clean the appliance as well as your teeth and gums.
No dietary restrictions: Because Hawley retainers are removable, you typically won’t have any restrictions on what you can eat or drink. Just make sure to remove the retainer before eating to avoid damage.
Adjustable: One thing that sets Hawley retainers apart from clear plastic retainers is their adjustability. Orthodontists can make subtle adjustments to optimize your treatment results.
Easy to customize: Each Hawley retainer is custom-made for the patient’s mouth, with the molded base fitting perfectly against the mouth’s hard palate and floor. This often makes the retainer fit better with less movement or irritation.
Long-lasting: When you properly clean and care for your Hawley retainer, it can last for years without needing replacement. Gently clean your retainer every day and keep it in a case when not in use.
Appropriate for crossbites: A Hawley retainer may be the best option for certain misalignment issues, including anterior and posterior crossbites.
Challenges Of Hawley Retainers
Although there are several benefits to Hawley retainers, some considerations or challenges to keep in mind include:
Patient compliance: The most important factor for successful outcomes with a Hawley retainer is patient cooperation. You must wear your retainer regularly to maintain results. If you fail to wear the retainer as directed, your teeth will drift and become crooked with time.
Visible wire: Some patients do not like that the metal wire on a Hawley retainer is more noticeable than a clear retainer.
Speech adjustments: Patients may experience lisps or issues talking with a Hawley retainer — particularly in the first few days of use. However, this typically improves with time as patients adjust to the appliance.
Heat damage: Hawley retainers are sensitive to heat and can easily become warped if you’re not careful. Never use hot water to clean your retainer to prevent damage.
Interested In Hawley Retainers? Schedule An Appointment At Absolute Dental Today!
You might have questions like, “Where can I get a Hawley retainer near me?” Or, “Is there an orthodontist near me that offers affordable retainers?” The answer is yes to both! The skilled team at Absolute Dental is ready to partner with you on all your dental and orthodontic care needs, including retainers.
We offer discounts and flexible payment options to make quality dental services accessible for Nevada families. Special offers include braces and a complete exam with X-rays! If you would like to learn more about Hawley retainers or other services at Absolute Dental, contact us to book an appointment.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Las Vegas
At Absolute Dental, we’re proud to provide comprehensive dental care to families across Las Vegas. Whether you’re in need of teeth cleaning, cosmetic dentistry, braces, or pediatric dental care, we’ve got you covered. From general care to emergency dental services, we’re here to help you and your loved ones maintain healthy, beautiful smiles, with convenient locations in your neighborhood.
The cost of Hawley retainers depends on whether you need one for both the top and bottom teeth and how often you need replacements. While they can range anywhere from $150 to $300, they are durable and last longer than other types of retainers. If you take care of your retainers, you can go years without purchasing a new set.
With the proper care, a high-quality Hawley retainer can last five to ten years. To prolong its life, keep it clean, avoid heat, place it in a case when not in use, and see your dentist regularly for adjustments.
