Types of Removable Retainers
- Hawley, Vacuum-formed, Begg, and Barrer are types of removable retainers.
- Removable retainers can be worn part-time or full-time as advised by the orthodontist.
- Removable retainers are easier to clean compared to fixed retainers.
- Hawley retainers are one of the oldest types of removable retainers.
- Hawley retainers consist of metal wires surrounding the anterior teeth.
Hawley Retainers
- Hawley retainers can be adjusted to finish treatment and minor movement of anterior teeth.
- Hawley retainers allow for various adaptations and additions.
- Hawley retainers have inferior aesthetics and may interfere with speech.
- Aesthetic versions of Hawley retainers with clear wires have been developed.
- Research shows Hawley retainers are not effective for preventing incisor irregularity relapse.
Vacuum-formed Retainers
- Vacuum-formed retainers are made of polypropylene or polyvinylchloride material.
- They are virtually invisible when worn, offering an aesthetic advantage.
- Vacuum-formed retainers cover the occlusal surfaces of the teeth.
- They are commonly worn overnight and removed while eating.
- Vacuum-formed retainers may lead to decalcification of teeth if worn while eating or immediately after a meal.
Begg Retainers
- Begg retainers allow occlusal settling without wire work crossing the occlusion.
- They can be worn during eating but are less retentive than Hawley retainers.
- The labial bow of Begg retainers is more prone to distortion.
- Begg retainers are robust enough to be worn during eating.
- Begg retainers are used to realign minor lower incisor relapse.
Barrer Retainers
- Barrer retainers carry acrylic bows both labially and lingually.
- The original Barrer appliance extended only to the canines.
- Cribs on the first molars have been added to prevent swallowing or aspiration.
- Barrer retainers can be used to realign minor lower incisor relapse.
- Spring retainers are another name for Barrer retainers.
Orthodontic retainers are custom-made devices, usually made of wires or clear plastic, that hold teeth in position after surgery or any method of realigning teeth. Once a phase of orthodontic treatment has been completed to straighten teeth, there remains a lifelong risk of relapse (a tendency for teeth to return to their original position) due to a number of factors: recoil of periodontal fibres, pressure from surrounding soft tissues, the occlusion and patient’s continued growth and development. By using retainers to hold the teeth in their new position for a length of time, the surrounding periodontal fibres adapt to changes in the bone which can help minimize any changes to the final tooth position after the completion of orthodontic treatment. Retainers may also be used to treat overjets.
