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Treatments

Retainers

Maintain your smile after treatment. A retainer helps keep your teeth in their new positions after braces or clear aligner treatment.

  • Three retainer types
  • Free consultation
  • Aventura, Florida

Types of
retainers

The right retainer depends on how your teeth moved and how likely they are to shift. Your orthodontist will recommend the best option and explain how long to wear it.

A clear Essix retainer over the full arch

Essix

Essix retainers are clear, removable appliances custom-made from a mold. They fit over the entire dental arch and are similar to clear aligner trays. Patients remove them for meals and put them back in afterward.

  • Clear and removableNearly invisible when worn.
  • Remove for mealsRemove your retainer for meals and put it back in afterward.
  • Covers the entire archHolds every tooth rather than only the front ones.
A Hawley retainer with a metal wire and acrylic arch

Hawley

These are the most common types of retainers. They utilize a metal wire that surrounds the anterior teeth and holds them in place, anchored by an acrylic (skin colored) arch that sits in the palate of your mouth.

  • The traditional designA metal wire across the front teeth on an acrylic arch.
  • AdjustableYour orthodontist can adjust the wire as your teeth settle.
  • DurableBuilt to last longer than a clear tray.
A fixed retainer bonded behind the lower teeth

Fixed Retainers

Fixed retainers are bonded behind the teeth. They may be recommended when teeth are more likely to shift toward their previous positions after treatment.

  • Bonded in placeNo removable appliance to remember.
  • For teeth likely to driftRecommended when the risk of tooth movement is higher.
  • Requires special cleaningUse floss threaders or an interdental brush to clean beneath the wire.

Explore other
treatments

Braces for all ages, at our Aventura office. Every consultation is free and includes a free digital panoramic X-ray.

Close-up of metal braces on the upper teeth Braces A time-tested approach to straightening teeth. Learn more → Patient holding a clear Invisalign aligner tray Invisalign A modern approach to straightening teeth. Learn more →

Ready when you are

Call us today for a
free consultation.

Your free consultation includes a free digital panoramic X-ray. All orthodontic options and financial options are presented while considering duration of the treatment and insurance coverage.

Request an Appointment Call (305) 466-2809