RETAINERS 101: Which retainer is right for you l Dr. Melissa Bailey

[@MirandaZ2000]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos! They are so so helpful!

[@TrayMinder]

It’s great to hear that you found them to be helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@queenmarish4275]

@@TrayMinder what is the difference btw the clear retainers and the nytguard i guess there are some nightguards which are clear

[@candyd8678]

Finished Invisalign, Ortho sent me home with a clear retainer and my last Invisalign set as a back up. He told me to wear the retainer every night. I’ve been compliant with nightly use. Now 6yrs later I had some discomfort on upper right tooth, Ortho said I had a little movement and probably good idea to get new retainers. He said their office has pts wear retainers until they feel it’s loose… Um that would mean you have already had movement! So, now I have to wear that last Invisalign set 24/7 for two weeks, then wear it during the day and wear the old retainer at night for additional two weeks (total 4 weeks) to realign the teeth, then back to office for a scan and order new retainers (vivent). He then said they have a subscription plan for vivent. I’m upset b/c I would have def changed the clear aligners yearly to prevent movement, but they said nothing to me. Anyway, moving ahead, does the above 4 week treatment with rescan and new aligners sound good? I will then change out for new aligners each year. Appreciate your help.

[@robertcochran7103]

Thank you so much for posting this excellent video. I am a new Invisalign user. I discovered your channel yesterday and I would like to see most or all of your videos. One of your suggestions has already helped me a lot: to use Cerave brand Healing Ointment to deal with dry lips.

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for watching, I’m glad to hear that the tips were helpful for you.

[@jackstark9759]

Dr. Bailey, your videos are great. I have Hawley retainers. What is the best method for safely cleaning and maintaining without damaging the wires?

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Very very informative. My orthodontist said I only need to wear my retainer at bedtime. I hope I wasn’t given bad advice.

[@TrayMinder]

Thank you for watching! It's important to follow your orthodontist's specific instructions regarding retainer wear, as they have tailored your treatment plan based on your individual needs. If you have concerns or questions about the recommended wear schedule, it's best to discuss them with your orthodontist to ensure you're on the same page.

[@borz55]

another con of fixed retainer is if you had widening of the upper arch, and your tongue is not resting up in your palate during rest at all times, there is nothing supporting that new wide arch so it will get narrow again (since the fixed retainer is only attached to the front 6 teeth).

[@TrayMinder]

Absolutely a great point. An overlay retainer is recommended over a fixed retainer.

[@Dr.Aayushi]

Hello Ma’am, I really feel so satisfied and at peace after watching your videos, they’re really addressing my issues in the best way possible! I’m currently pausing my Invisalign treatment due to gum recession and mild bone loss, but my main concern is restarting the Invisalign treatment again after getting the gum graft (probably next month) as I’m scared of loosing my teeth. Could you help me know if in the long term (after finishing Invisalign treatment), in how much time do the teeth get strong like before (or do they not?) and can I increase longevity of the strength of my teeth? I really want to be able to feel like my teeth are strong, even after finishing the treatment. I’d really appreciate your advice. Thank you!

[@AngieLamourt]

I’ve had my fixed retainer on the bottom of my teeth for about 8 years so far with no problems

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for sharing your experience with others.

[@kunalsolanki3347]

Any bad smell ?

[@AngieLamourt]

@@kunalsolanki3347 Not so far, after brushing I use mouthwash & floss twice a day religiously, once after waking up & once before going to bed

[@shellseaellacott9049]

My top fixed retainer broke after 9 years last year in april it broke and now its broken again since last Saturday

[@user-gw8zf1el3d]

Thanks so much for these helpful videos

[@TrayMinder]

I appreciate your input and I'm happy to know that the video has provided useful information for you.

[@satez416]

I just stumbled on your channel by accident and oh boy i am glad that i did it : ) . your videos are so informative and i thoroughly enjoying watching your videos and also making notes of important points !! . In my mid 20's i had braces for about 4 years because of asymmetric class 3 malocclusion and upper canine crowding and i have been wearing fixed retainer for the past 12+ years on both jaws. Now i'm in my mid 30's & I am so tired of maintaining them every single day :( & i have decided to get rid of them and use the Hawley.... But my concern is that i have slight bone loss caused by Orthodontic treatment so im afraid that if i remove fixed ones, my teeth might shift/ become loose. so please advice is it ok if i switch to Hawley retainer now instead of fixed ones and will it cause any issue ?. Many thanks Dr. Bailey for your videos and you are very much appreciated !! :)

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for watching. You have a good question. As long as the hawley retainer is well made and well fitted, you should have minimal issues (assuming that you wear it consistently and indefinitely).

[@patriciamaemagpantay8045]

can you please make a video on how to properly care with the retainers

[@TrayMinder]

See the cleaning guides on the TrayMinder channel.

[@Kinosec-10]

Really good video- thank you!

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for watching and commenting:)

[@christinevu3682]

After completing my invisalign treatment, I did develop a posterior open bite. Elastics were used to minimize the open bite. There's still about 1mm of open bite on my right side around my premolars. I was prescribed the standard Hawley retainer with Adam clasps for my upper teeth for full time wear and had a permanent lingual wire placed on the lower teeth. It has now been 1 month since I've had the Hawley retainer and I haven't noticed the open bite closing completely. I was just given an upper and lower Essix retainer to wear only at night. Will this help close the posterior open bite completely?

[@TrayMinder]

Everyone is different when it comes to settling. Teens settle much faster than adults. Sometimes it can take 6-12 months for adults while only 8 weeks for teens.

[@jisharoney7380]

As long as essix retainer s r given , the open open bite never closes rt?

[@JessieBanana]

Thank you for making this video. I get my braces off in June, but I didn't get a lot of information on retainers. It was just sort of a whatever you want kind of thing, but I'd like to do what is best for my case, so I'm sort of left to figuring it out on my own. I had a crossbite and overbite that have since been corrected. My teeth weren't overcrowded, my wisdom teeth were removed years ago in my early twenties. I don't want my bite to shift.

[@TrayMinder]

Glad you found the video to be helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@jessicaj.358]

So what retainer did you choose?

[@doihaley3134]

Thank you Dr. Bailey 😁

[@TrayMinder]

Glad you found it to be helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@doroth215]

This video was very helpful to me. Am wearing Aligners at the moment and I have been wondering if I should go for the fixed Retainer or the Regular transparent Retainer when my teeth are finally Aligned. I would be getting the normal transparent Retainer.

[@TrayMinder]

Great to hear that. Thanks for watching.

[@yenisoediro]

hi doc, which type of retainer is best for teeth with a history of overcrowding?

[@radicalie]

Thanks for the video! Very useful since I’m coming to the end of my Invisalign treatment. How many how’s a day do you recommend wearing the retainers please?

[@TrayMinder]

Full time is 20-22 hours per day. You have to hold the teeth in their ideal position while the bone is forming around the roots in the new position.

[@radicalie]

@@TrayMinder thanks for your reply! Can I use my last Invisalign trays as retainers?

[@georgebalan6201]

@@radicalie I don’t think so as they’re not built to last for years, they probably would last much less. In addition, they’re not that thick so can be worn out super quickly. Getting a vivera or other clear retainer is probably a good option!

[@GamingHarry]

Can you combine fixed with other methods? Thank you so much!

[@TrayMinder]

Great question. Fixed retainer can be combined with clear or Hawley retainers.

[@temisv9197]

i there! I just finished my braces and my dentist said I can wear my clear retainers at night! But I read a lot online that i should wear the retainers 22 hrs a day for the first couple of months. Just a bit confused since my dentist said I just have to wear it at night. Should i follow my dentist and only wear them at night or use them the whole day?

[@TrayMinder]

Always follow the advice of your treating doctor.

[@federicarainone4188]

thank you so much for the video. my dentist said i can use the last aligner as a retainer and not buy another one. that seems strange to me. are aligners and retainers made of the same materials? am i right to use the last aligner or will my teeth shift?

[@AustinCMN]

Most people say clear retainers are more comfortable, but for me they really aren’t! I feel like my bite is off and can’t fully close my mouth. It felt less uncomfortable to have braces on. Is that normal?

[@TrayMinder]

A small minority of patients do report this. It either takes time to adjust or they have to switch to a different type of retainer if they can't tolerate it.

[@patclaus8510]

Thanks for all these fabulous videos! So much more helpful than my own orthodontist :0) So when you say to wear retainers 24/7, do you mean just exactly as we have done with our regular trays, with just 40 minutes three times a day that they would be out, for eating and brushing??

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for watching :) Yes, wear full time except for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene.

[@patclaus8510]

@@TrayMinder OK, I am going to do that even if my orthodontist tells me to just wear them at night. Thank you!

[@jlo_too2493]

Great video! I never needed braces. I had a Hawley retainer that had small hooks for bands that pulled my front 2 teeth together. I was able to switch to nightime only to maintain the correction. Then I had a molar pulled and my retainer didn't fit anymore and 1 wire broke. My teeth slowly shifted back again and now I have a huge gap again. I'm trying to find a new hawley retainer with hooks I can order online to start over and pull my front teeth together again. Is there anywhere online I can get a new one? Thanks for any help you can provide.

[@TrayMinder]

Thanks for watching. Retainers are passive (for the most part) so it’s best to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist if you’re looking for active tooth movement (like closing gaps).

[@jasoncarloorbase5801]

I think I’ll go with that essix retainer, but should I change it every month? Or I can still use them for a long time with proper care?

[@TrayMinder]

Use it for the long term with gentle and proper care.

[@sofluffyunicorn]

Hi I ask my ortho to switch for essix to hawley for my bottom teeth she said that they don't make hawley for the bottom. SO I got a new essix retainer that is more flexible. I clench on my essix retainer and I'm scared to wear them in the night so I try to wear them in the day for couple of hours how many hours is enough?

[@TrayMinder]

If you’re a clencher in your sleep like me, try an upper night guard. It serves as a retainer and helps people who grind and/or clench. However, the custom ones from the general dentist can be pricy but they do last a very long time.

[@dawnnydawn8051]

So if Iam correct you yourself went with the Hawley? I am getting my braces off in a few weeks and they are pushing me towards the clear retainer to keep my teeth as straight as possible. However, if it doesnt last as long. It makes the decision harder. Not even sure which ome to get at this point. Can you tell me why YOU decided on the Hawley??

[@TrayMinder]

Hi! Every doctor has their preferred treatment and retention plan. My original orthodontist gave me a Hawley retainer so that is what I had when I made the video a few years ago. Since I finished my own clear aligner treatment in 2024, I prescribed myself the clear retainers (Vivera Brand from Invisalign).

[@ironic492]

On my 6 week delay for my Invisalign right now and I’m wondering how I should clean my upper retainer?

[@TrayMinder]

I posted a video on that topic just recently.

[@maryschaefer3980]

Can you use both...clear and the holly-wired?

[@TrayMinder]

Some people use the clear during the day because it’s more esthetic and the Hawley retainer at night.

[@maryschaefer3980]

My clear retainers were cut too low. Is that a mistake or es it really to not hurt the gum like orthodontist said? I don’t like hiding my teeth because retainers are not covering the teeth

[@LeeFoxPhotoshop]

I don't know if someone already asked that question but...can you get fixed retrainers and the clear braces retrainer at the same time? To make really sure nothing is moving? (I'm kind of paranoid...)

[@TrayMinder]

Yes, it’s always best to couple fixed retainer with a removable one for better protection.

[@LeeFoxPhotoshop]

@@TrayMinder Oh thank you Dr. Bailey for your quick reply! I'm going to start my invisalign journey soon and I'm watching all of your videos right now! Really great information in good understandable pieces :)

[@KA-nv2zb]

Can one use the Hawley retainer during night and the clear retainer during the day?

[@graphicempire5189]

Did you find out an answer brother?

[@ngweso]

My dentist prescribed me retainers to straighten open bite, but I’ve never had braces? Will they still align properly, or should I get braces?

[@TrayMinder]

Your question is quite specific. Without orthodontic records, it’s hard to say. The orthodontist should be able to give you their recommendations and alternative treatments. Good luck.

[@ngweso]

@@TrayMinder oh okay. I’ll make sure to ask them. Thank you!

[@tanzilakh8502]

do a clear retainer hold the movement of teeth up and down...?? I had teeth pushed up into bones will clear retainer prevent it from coming down again??

[@fadidafadida4471]

Thanks for the video. I used to have a underbite but my braces with elastics fixed my bite, how would and what kind of retainers would help keep my bite correct and not revert back to an underbite?

[@TrayMinder]

Glad it helped! Retainers hold your teeth but not your jaws. Refer to this video for more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqPWoYKFqbCsm8U

[@itslit2682]

Hi there! I just finished Invisalign and my dentist said I can wear my clear retainers at night! But I read a lot online that i should wear the retainers 22 hrs a day for the first couple of months. Just a bit confused since my dentist said I just have to wear it at night. Would love to hear your opinion please ☺️

[@TrayMinder]

Some Orthos don’t want their patients to lose their retainers. It takes minimum four months for the periodontal ligament fibers to restructure and reorganize. Retainers help your teeth to become more stable with extrinsic physiological imbalance of forces and restructuring time of periodontal fibers and gingival fibers. It’s best to follow the advice of your orthodontist because they are responsible for your care. A discussion with him/her is the best course of action.

[@AA-dt5dq]

I just got my clear retainers and I can feel the retainer touch a part of the roof of my mouth which is making me gag and feel super uncomfortable. What can I do??? Do I ask my dentist to cut it more, or should I change to a permanent retainer?

[@TrayMinder]

Clear retainers can be trimmed to improve comfort. Talk to your orthodontist and I’m sure they can help.

[@aicanessy6222]

How long would you estimate the clear retainer before it get broken and turn yellowish? 🤔

[@TrayMinder]

6-24 months depending on the material, grinding habits, care, cleaning routine, etc.

[@Solontire]

I always have my hygienist clean mine when I go in for my 6 month cleanings. Still pretty clear and I’ve had em for years.

[@cz7280]

Some Hawley retainers have acrílico some not ... is it better with the acrílic? What is the purpose of it ? Would the Getty hold better with the acrilic on the wire at the front ?

[@msheartface5288]

Dr when your braces are removed and the debonding is done how long before you get retainer? Are they made say one week before your braces are due off?

[@TrayMinder]

Great question - it depends on the ortho office. Some have it premade prior to removal and some make it and deliver it within one week.

[@ruhikaambavaram4532]

My dentist told me to wear my retainer only in the night but Is that right cause many people are using it in the day too?

[@TrayMinder]

It takes four months for the periodontal ligament fibers to restructure and reorganize. It’s best to follow the advice of your orthodontist because they are responsible for your care. A discussion with him/her is the best course of action.

[@deuce7643]

My Top upper molars have shifted alot. I wear a lower hawley, but need a retainer for my Top teeth. Would you recommend a wraparound Hawley?

[@TrayMinder]

Each retainer has pros and cons. Because I don’t know you, it’s hard to make a recommendation. Ask your provider what he/she recommends and why. Wraparound Hawley retainers are good for people who have had extractions and/or have tight posterior occlusion/contact between upper and lower teeth.

[@monicastraub3372]

I wasn't given a choice! My ortho is giving me both the fixed on top and bottom and clear retainers on top. I go through the process of getting out if invisalign and into retainers mid December. Really worried about the maintenance of the fixed. I like to slice my apples anyway. Will I have to wear tge fixed forever? Do I just get them replaced if they break?

[@TrayMinder]

The best way to know if you have to wear a fixed retainer forever is by consulting with your orthodontist. They will be able to evaluate your case and recommend the best course of action based on your individual needs. They may also suggest a removable retainer as a secondary option over the fixed retainer to ensure the stability of the teeth.

[@weasel3478]

My doctor suggest me to wear hawley for 6 months and then he will give me fixed or permanent retainer. He told me it will help teeth to adjust more. And he also told me that if i want he can just give me fixed retainer after braces removed. I really don't want hawley, should i wait for 6 months or just take the fixed one? Another question: do fixed retainer help teeth to shift a little bit for adjusting? (I'm talking about upper teeth)

[@TrayMinder]

Hawley retainers help the back teeth to settle after orthodontic movement. They’re nice because they hold all the teeth. Fixed retainers only hold the front teeth, not the back teeth. As such, back teeth can settle as well, but with more freedom because they’re not been held by a retainer. This can cause adverse effects if there is a tongue habit or extraction spaces that are not retained and held together. Talk to your orthodontist, as only he/she knows the specifics of your treatment.

[@weasel3478]

@@TrayMinder thank you doctor ❤

[@sofluffyunicorn]

Hi, I have a bottom-only essix retainer and my jaw hurt so much in the morning I have jaw and sometimes ear and headache and my molars are sensitive. The orthodontist doesn't see any problems the retainers is well fitted and is not too tight will I go over time will the pain stop once I get used to it or should I go back to my orthodontist thanks a lot !!! Also I feel like I clench my teeth at night before I never did that.

[@TrayMinder]

Some people do clench more with full coverage retainers. If that doesn’t work out for you, your orthodontist may suggest a Hawley retainer.

[@sofluffyunicorn]

@@TrayMinder Thank you I will ask my ortho is it possible to wear only bottom teeth hawley retainer does it exists for the bottom teeth? I don't wear anything on the upper teeth only a fixed retainer. Thank you

[@artaaliu6753]

Hi doctor, I have had a permanent retainer since 2020, and last year, my permanent stitched off, which has created a hole between teeth. The worst of it is that I have a cavity between teeth because a permanent retainer didn't allow to brush properly. What would you suggest me to do?

[@graphicempire5189]

Hey, what's the update now? Can you please shate?

[@milaa3601]

First i got Essix retainers and then i asked for Hawley retainers. Now i have both types..Can i use them both? Hawley retainers at night and plastic during the day?

[@TrayMinder]

Many adults do that at the beginning when full time wear is required.

[@hillaryholt6835]

It’s been years that I haven’t worn my retainer, but the majority still fits besides some pain for the 4 front teeth. Will my retainer help reposition my teeth back to where it was before?

[@TrayMinder]

If you’re lucky and not too much shifting has occurred, you teeth may shift back with full time consistent wear. Good luck.

[@JohnFromBalzacKentucky]

Why are your patients shocked they need to use retainers indefinitely after teeth strengthening treatment? Are you not clear about this from the beginning?

[@aminalawal3999]

They don't tell us😭

[@thetorontogirl]

They don't tell us from the beginning.

[@ishanikundu]

This seems to be a universal practice....no one ever tells unless you enquire.

[@What-videos-to-watch-today]

I had the Hawley retainer after my braces but because it does not cover my molars, after a year, I noticed a space between my molars. Should I go back to my ortho and purchase a clear retainer? Thanks.

[@TrayMinder]

Yes, ask your orthodontist which type of retainer they would recommend for your specific needs.

[@jaybland9112]

not asking for medical advice but a general question regarding Howley Retainer with Hydrax finger spring. Can an 8 yr old get such a retainer to fix a misaligned upper incisor tooth. No braces. Want to try the retainer first. I know every case is different but can an 8 yr old use a Howley retainer before considering braces?

[@TrayMinder]

Hawley retainers with finger springs can work for tipping of teeth (ie forward) or slight correction of rotations but there isn’t much control.

[@bluebeary2962]

Hi Dr. Bailey! Can dentures be substitutes to retainers after braces? Thank you!

[@TrayMinder]

Not sure. It depends on what the partial dentures design looks like.

[@revocarlos3869]

Thank you for this video! I was wondering if what my dentist told me is true. My braces were removed and I did not like the result. He said that both my upper fangs' roots are inside, that's why both teeth cannot be moved by braces. Is it true that there are teeth that can't be moved by braces unless undergone a surgery? Also, I never experienced putting rubbers that's connected to upper and lower teeth. Is that normal?

[@TrayMinder]

Some teeth can’t be moved because they are impacted and thus inaccessible by braces or aligners or they are ankylosed. Some people don’t need elastics because their bite is already ideal (lucky!).

[@revocarlos3869]

Thank you so much for replying! I love your content! Keep posting ❤️

[@alinarashad2914]

I feel a little mobility in my upper teeth and i m wearing my retainers for a month now .. is it normal ?

[@TrayMinder]

Mobility can take a while to firm up depending on a number of factors including bone support, root length, bone density, patient’s age, etc. consult with your treating provider for their opinion.

[@GloriousSimplicity]

What material should you use for a nightguard if you are going to use it as a retainer also?

[@TrayMinder]

Night guards are much thicker than full coverage retainers like the essix or Viveras.

[@GloriousSimplicity]

@@TrayMinder I understand that they're thicker, but when I research night custom night guards, they have like six options for the materials ranging in hardness and reported comfort.

[@TrayMinder]

You’re right, there are many types and varieties of night guards. Talk to your general dentist about what type of NGs they like to use.

[@gisellerodriguez866]

I have the clear retainer and now the right side of my top retainers are cracked on the verge of breaking, I assume it’s when I grind. 🙃

[@TrayMinder]

Likely yes. Clear retainers are like shoes. The harder you are with them (ie grinding), the faster they wear out.

[@suricui]

i got on my top teeth braces this week, ceramic brackets. and on the bottom i will be getting a howley retainer next week. i really dunno why honestly. they are straight and looking good. my problems are on my upper teeth . why would the orthodontist put a retainer on lower teeth, at the same time with the treatment for the upper teeth?

[@TrayMinder]

It's likely to maintain while correction is being done on the upper arch. Speak to your orthodontist to ask why.

[@rentedduckliing]

1. How do retainers keep the intrusion/extrusion movement?

[@TrayMinder]

Great question. The full coverage retainers (clear ones) are better for what you’re describing.

[@ikaties21]

Question: Does wearing clear retainers on top and bottom at the same time if you clench and grind cause an open bite (posterior or anterior)? Thanks for the great video!

[@TrayMinder]

Great question. Yes, a posterior open bite can form from clenching for some patients.

[@graphicempire5189]

Hey, have you formed any such open bites? Which type of retainers are you using or used? Can you please share your experience?

[@valeriaaguirre9491]

I just got my braces off and my retainer is tick to the point where I can’t close my mouth only the back of my teeth touch is that normal?

[@TrayMinder]

Hmmm, check in with your orthodontist.

[@shaikhoney7287]

1.How long should you keep permanent retainers???? 2. If they're removed after few years you should wear clear retainers at nights for life??? time??

[@TrayMinder]

Most people keep their fixed retainer until it fails. They will either remove and replace or switch to a removable retainer. Retainer wear is a lifetime endeavor because orthodontics is a treatment, not a cure. Teeth will continue to change and shift during our lifetime.

[@graphicempire5189]

Hey, what did you end up doing ? Can you give me an update please?

[@sarahr733]

Got my retainers today and my ortho said that I need to wear it 24/7 for 5 years. 5yrs! 😭

[@TrayMinder]

Your ortho must think your relapse rate is high....

[@bubbybets9336]

@Sephania you have to wear them 24/7 for the rest of your life?

[@jessicaj.358]

What?? Why didnt he suggest a permanent one?

[@radicalie]

Can I use my last aligners as retainers instead of the Essix retainers that don’t fit properly.

[@TrayMinder]

Yes you can. Just note that Essix retainers are stiffer and thicker so they are “better” retainers.

[@Stasharenee]

Dr. Bailey. My Ortho told me to wear my passive aligners as retainers. I know that you said that we can but would you recommend your patients to wear aligners as retainers? Is Essix or Vivera better?

[@May-km3eb]

How long does clear retainer last?

[@TrayMinder]

Great question. It depends on your retainer type and thickness and your lifestyle (wear time, teeth grinding or not, etc) but most clear retainers do last 2-3 years.

[@May-km3eb]

@@TrayMinder thnx ❤️

[@cz7280]

Is it ok to have both upper and bottom hawley retainers ? Or we have to have one hawley and one of the plastic ones ? You have one hawley and one plastic wondering if that’s preference or best for teeth ? What is best for teeth ? Thank you so much !

[@TrayMinder]

Good question. Your doctor can determine the best combination of retainers for you, based on habits (grinding), initial bite, etc.

[@mumerfarooqkhan9378]

Dear dr. Advice me a good clinic in dubai, which is affordable too for braces

[@TrayMinder]

A good way to find an orthodontist is to ask your general dentist or family and friends from the local area. Unfortunately we don’t have a recommendation for you.

[@afrasidiq9160]

Check Queens medical center in Satwa. Dr Anushka😍

[@mitchpenaroyo9410]

Can i wear retainer for fixed bridge?

[@TrayMinder]

Retainers can be worn if you have a fixed bridge.

[@DeshaunD]

I was allergic to my retainer. Was waking up with my lips on SWOLE

[@TrayMinder]

Oh wow! What kind of retainer was it?

[@hollyhuang1686]

Thank you! I've already finish my invisalign treatment, and i had both upper and lower teeth hawley retainer. My lower teeth is retained very well, but there is a space coming out of my upper front teeth after i wear a few days of hawley so i have to shift it back to my last tray. My dentist suggests me to wear clear retainer but it is really uncomfortable especially for the back teeth, so im still trying to figure out a way to use hawley. it is possible that the upper hawley retainer isn't made accurately? Or is there any problem with my teeth?

[@TrayMinder]

You’re welcome. Depending on how tight your bite is, Hawley retainers can be problematic for some patients. Only your dentist can assess your unique situation and recommend a solution.

[@graphicempire5189]

Hey, can you please share an update?

[@exolasegaming5200]

Why would my orthodontist make me make a fixed retainer and transparent retainer at the same time?

[@TrayMinder]

Fixed retainers only hold six teeth. If you have any habits like tongue thrusting your teeth can shift. Also if you break your fixed retainer, you’ll have a back up retainer.

[@exolasegaming5200]

@@TrayMinder Can I just choose to have just the clear retainer and to just have it all the time instead of having the fixed one?

[@TrayMinder]

Yes, you can always choose that. I don’t have a fixed retainer and my lower incisors were rotated and crowded prior to ortho. I didn’t want to deal with the extra work with flossing. You just have to commit to lifetime retainer wear.

[@poojabehera3863]

Can I use both fixed retainers and Hawley retainers?

[@TrayMinder]

Yes, they can be combined together.

[@daniellajoyladan3496]

Hello i have acryllic Hawley retainer, can i wear them while eating?

[@TrayMinder]

Eating is not advised with retainers.

[@Solontire]

Never get the fixed retainer!!!! It sounds so great to set it and forget it, but your gums will suffer trust me. I tried all the tricks and gizmos and it was such a pain to floss to the point where I just stopped flossing those front 6 teeth. At that point it was my gums or the fixed retainer and I told my ortho to remove the damn thing and get me a removable one. Way easier now to pop that sucker in two times a week and my gums are as healthy as can be.

[@TrayMinder]

Thank you for sharing your experience with others.

[@boricuacolon6880]

CTT chtc 6,,,,..