Hawley Orthodontic Retainer

A Hawley retainer is a custom-made retainer with a wire that runs across the front of the teeth and clasps to keep it in place. The acrylic plate is positioned onto the tissue while the wires are made to hold teeth in their final position after orthodontic treatment.

No, a Hawley retainer’s purpose is to prevent your teeth from shifting out of the corrected position. If your teeth have already shifted, the retainer may feel tight, but it is not designed to shift then back.

For the first several months it is recommended to wear the hawley retainer full-time, removing only for eating and cleaning. After this, your orthodontist may recommend transitioning to nighttime wear. Many people wear their retainers indefinitely at night to prevent shifting.

No, you should always remove your Hawley retainer before eating to prevent damage to the device and trapping food particles around your teeth. Drinking plain water wit your retainer in is acceptable but you should remove it for all other beverages. Sugary or acidic drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay by trapping the liquid between the retainer and your teeth.

Clean your retainer daily by gently brushing it with a soft brush and mild soap or denture cleaning tablets. Rinse thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water afterward. Always store your retainer in its case when you are not wearing it. This will prevent it from getting lost, damaged or thrown away.