Please note:

One upper and one lower retainer are included in your treatment fee

For best results, retainers should be worn full time (except when eating) for the first 6 months after your braces are removed.  Following the first 6 months, retainers should be worn overnight. 

 

Option 1 - Hawley

Replacement Cost: Moderate

Positives:

1. Longest lasting (even up to 20 years if taken care of)
2. Allows for some limited post treatment adjustments
3. Easy to see therefore less likely to lose

Negatives:

1. Visible wire that some patients may refuse to wear during first 6 months
2. Removable, therefore requires cooperation

 

 

Option 2 - Essix

Replacement Cost: Most Economical

Positives:

1. Invisible therefore more likely to be worn
2. More comfortable than Hawley

Negatives:

1. Shorter life span
2. Hard to see when outside mouth (more likely to lose)
3. No ability for post treatment adjustments
4. Removable, therefore requires cooperation

 

Option 3 - Lingual

Repair / Replacement Cost: Expensive

Positives:

1. Cannot be seen (bonded behind the teeth)
2. Not removable so requires no cooperation

Negatives:

1. Not possible on every patient - requires Dr. approval
2. Provides no control to posterior (back) teeth
3. Positioned where lower teeth impact and may cause breakage requiring replacement
4. No warranty (not even for one day)