Removable Retainers
In the New York Area
Removable Retainers (Hawley & Essix)
Congratulations! The active phase of your orthodontic treatment is officially complete, and your new smile looks incredible. However, getting your braces removed or finishing your last set of clear aligners is only the first part of your journey. To keep your teeth perfectly straight for years to come, you now enter the most crucial, long-term phase of your treatment: retention.
At LAVAAN Smiles, we provide custom-fitted removable retainers to help you protect your investment and preserve your beautiful results for a lifetime.
The Importance of Retention
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth need time to settle into their new positions. The surrounding bone, gums, and periodontal ligaments are still soft and pliable. Without a retainer to hold them in place, your teeth have a natural memory and will almost immediately attempt to drift back to their original, crooked positions—a process known as "orthodontic relapse."
Consistent retainer wear ensures that your teeth stay exactly where they belong while your jawbone fully hardens and stabilizes around them.
Types of Removable Retainers We Offer
Because every patient has different lifestyle needs and preferences, LAVAAN Dental offers the two most popular, highly effective styles of removable retainers:
1. Essix (Clear) Retainers
Essix retainers are currently the most popular choice for our teen and adult patients. They look and feel very similar to Invisalign clear aligners.
Aesthetic & Discreet: Made from transparent, medical-grade plastic, they are virtually invisible when worn.
Comfortable: They fit snugly over the entire arch of your teeth without any bulky wires or acrylic on the roof of the mouth.
Complete Coverage: Because they completely encase the teeth, they do an excellent job of holding the exact position of every single tooth.
2. Hawley (Traditional) Retainers
Hawley retainers are the classic, highly durable retainers you likely remember from your own childhood. They consist of a custom-molded acrylic base that rests against the roof or floor of the mouth, connected to a metal wire that wraps around the front of the teeth.
Exceptional Durability: Hawley retainers are robust, easy to clean, and can last for many years with proper care.
Adjustable: If your teeth shift slightly, the metal wire can often be adjusted by our team to guide them back into place without needing a completely new retainer.
Customizable: The acrylic base comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns, making them a great choice for younger patients!
Caring for Your Retainers
To ensure your retainers stay clean, fresh, and functional, follow these simple daily habits:
Clean Them Daily: Gently brush your retainers with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive soap (avoid regular toothpaste, as it can scratch the material).
Keep Them Cool: Never expose your retainers to boiling water, hot cars, or dishwashers, as high heat will warp the plastic.
Use Your Case: If your retainer isn't in your mouth, it should be in its case! Never wrap it in a napkin, as it is easily accidentally thrown away.
Keep Away From Pets: Dogs and cats love the smell of the materials used in retainers. Keep them safely stored out of reach of your furry friends.
Protect Your New Smile
Don't let all your hard work go to waste! If you need a replacement retainer or want to discuss which retention option is best for your lifestyle, our expert team is here to help. Call your office to schedule an appointment.
"My favorite dentist office I’ve ever been to. The front desk staff is nice and capable. I never have to wait and the hygienist and dentist are fabulous."
