Hawley retainer

A Hawley retainer is a type of retainer that a patient can be fitted with after brace removal. This type of retainer has an acrylic plate that is formed to fit the shape of the patient's palate and has metal wires that help keep the teeth aligned.

I recommend: Brace Place Orthodontics offers information on Hawley retainer usage and care.

Essix retainer

An Essix retainer is made of clear plastic that is molded to fit the patient's teeth. Is not as visible as other types of retainers.

I recommend: If you are interested in the fabrication process of Essix retainers, you can visit Essix.com to read up on the process and see pictures of steps.

Bonded retainer

A bonded retainer consists of a wire with plastic spacers attached to it that is placed on the back of the teeth. It is then secured to the teeth.

I recommend: The Journal of Orthodontics has an article that provides steps, with pictures, of applying a bonded retainer to the lower teeth.

Alginate

Before orthodontic work can be performed, a mold of the patient's teeth is taken. Alginate is the soft compound that is used to take the mold of the teeth.

I recommend: Head over to Dentsply International to see various types of alginate that they can provide.

Removable appliance

A removable appliance sounds like something you would use in a kitchen, but it is actually any orthodontic device that a patient can remove from their mouth.

I recommend: To read more on removable appliances, visit Batastini Orthodontics.

Retention phase

The retention phase is the time during which the patient wears a dental retainer. This phase comes after the active phase, which is when the patient is wearing braces.

I recommend: If you visit the Colgate-Palmolive Company, you can read more about the retention phase along with other information about braces and orthodontics in general.