Retainers are used to hold the teeth straight after the braces are removed. They are also used for holding certain teeth in position while other nearby teeth erupt into the mouth. During treatment with braces, the bone and gums around the teeth change. It takes 12-24 months after braces are removed for the bone and gums to remodel in the new positions of the teeth. During this time, the teeth have a high tendency to move. This is called orthodontic relapse. Wearing retainers will help prevent orthodontic relapse. For some patients, lifelong retention may be necessary.

Hawley Retainers
	Hawley retainers are the typical retainers that people picture when they think about retainers. They are made of plastic, with wires that hold the teeth in place.  Modern Hawley retainers can be fabricated in a variety of colors.
Pull Down (Clear Retainers)
	These retainers are clear plastic that is tightly molded over the teeth. They are nearly invisible when worn by the patient. Since they only cover the teeth (not the gums), they tend to be the most comfortable for the patient to wear.
Holding Arch (lower and upper)
	These retainers attach to both back molars by a wire that rests on the inside surface (tongue side) of the teeth. It is used to keep these teeth from moving. This retainer is not removable by the patient. Holding arches can be placed on upper or lower teeth.  They are used when the orthodontist wants to hold permanent teeth from moving, but allow the baby teeth to fall out and new permanent teeth to erupt. Commonly used when baby teeth are lost early due to cavities, preventing space loss, or when a patient finishes Phase I treatment and is waiting for more teeth to erupt.
Bonded Lingual Retainer
	This retainer is made of a small stainless steel wire. It is contoured accurately to the inside (tongue side) of your front 6 teeth and cemented directly to the back surface of these teeth. This retainer prevents orthodontic relapse of these teeth, while allowing settling of the back teeth. It is typically used for the lower teeth.