Types of Retainers

Image of Clear retainers - Gainesville, GA | Wilson Orthodontics

Clear Retainers

We provide clear retainers for the majority of our patients at the end of their treatment. They are thin, transparent trays that fit directly over the teeth, closely resembling an Invisalign® aligner. Clear retainers are inexpensive, convenient, and virtually invisible when worn, which makes them a popular choice for our adult orthodontic patients. Always remember to brush your retainer anytime you take it out of your mouth or before putting it in.

Removeable Hawley Retainers

The orthodontic Hawley retainer is composed of a molded piece of acrylic, cast to match the contours of your mouth, with an array of metal wires protruding from it designed to hold the teeth in place. It’s the most common option for retention and likely what first comes to mind when you think of the word “retainer.”

Hawleys are convenient, removable, and effective, but you’ll need to always remember to brush your retainer anytime you take it out of your mouth or before putting it in.

Bonded Retainers

Bonded retainers, also called fixed orthodontic retainers, are usually used for patients who have a high risk of tooth regression. These retainers are made from a single metal wire that’s cemented directly to the teeth, usually running across the backside of the lower front teeth.

Fixed retainers are convenient and highly effective in that they stay in all the time, but you will need a floss threader to properly perform oral hygiene. If your bonded retainer ever does start to come loose, simply contact our office to schedule a repair appointment.

Bonded retainers will always require the use of clear retainers too, as they only hold the front 4-6 teeth. Not everyone is a candidate for a bonded retainer, so count on us to help advise you of your options.

Which Retainer Do I Need?

Let us help you find out when you book a free consult.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Dr. Wilson and his staff go above and beyond to Read More
Felicia Waycaster
google
Amazing I can’t rave enough about how awesome my sons Read More
Amy Kempton
google
The staff and Dr. were so friendly and took the Read More
Dyan Wojnarowski
google
This office is very thorough from beginning to end. They Read More
Ashley Krivsky
google
Great staff and great doctors. Very clean and kid friendly Read More
Jasson Hutchison
google
Everything went smoothly for the most part, tailored to my Read More
Dahir Abdulaziz
google
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff!!
Maricruz Flores
google
Absolutely love Wilson!!! Would definitely recommend everyone that needs orthodontic Read More
Heidi Bridges
google

Find Us Conveniently Located in Gainesville

With a convenient location in Gainesville, we are proud to serve the communities of Flowery Branch, Oakwood, Dawsonville, Dahlonega, and Jefferson.

Wilson Orthodontics in Gainesville, Georgia