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Retainer and Finishing

Custom retainers are available, contact us if you have any questions.

Hawley Retainers

The Hawley retainer includes a metal wire that typically surrounds the six anterior teeth and keeps them in place. The labial wire, or Hawley bow, incorporates 2 loops for adjustment. It is anchored in an acrylic arch that sits in the palate (roof of the mouth). The advantage of this type of retainer is that the metal wires can be adjusted to finish treatment and continue minor movement of the anterior teeth as needed.

Custom Retainers are available, contact us if you have any questions

Hawley Retainer (Upper or Lower) with Ball Clasps

Hawley Retainer with Adams Clasps

Hawley Retainer with Soldered C Clasps

Hawley Retainer with “C” Clasps

  • Acrylic palate
  • Cuspid to Cuspid Hawley labial bow with adjustment loops
  • Circumferential clasps around the distal of the 1st or 2nd molar

Hawley Retainer with Flat Wire & Clasps

  • Acrylic in the palate
  • Cuspid to Cuspid Hawley flat labial bow with adjustment loops
  • Ball clasps between 2nd bicuspids and 1st molars

Rickets Hawley Retainer

  • Acrylic palate
  • Clasps according to Doctor Preference
  • Modified labial arch wire( lateral to lateral) with extensions that helps prevent the cuspids from rotating

Hawley Retainer with no Clasps or Rests

  • Acrylic palate
  • Cuspid to Cuspid Hawley labial bow with adjustment loops
  • Circumferential clasps around the distal of the 1st or 2nd molar

Hawley Retainer with Occlusal Rests – Usually a lower appliance

  • Acrylic in the palate
  • Cuspid to Cuspid Hawley flat labial bow with adjustment loops
  • Ball clasps between 2nd bicuspids and 1st molars

Wraparound Retainers

A Wraparound retainer has a wire that wraps around the full arch upper or lower and crosses over into the palate in the posterior. A “C” clasp or Adams clasp can be used in the posterior for extra retention. Stabilizing wires may be incorporated into the design to support the arch wire. This appliance is preferred when there is limited interproximal-occlusal space or minor spaces that need to be closed.

Custom Retainers are available, contact us if you have any questions

San Antonio Wraparound Retainer

Wraparound Retainer

QCM Wraparound Retainer

Invisible Retainer/Essix

Labial Bow Soldered to Clasps

  • Acrylic palate
  • Labial arch wire wraps around full arch and solders to clasps on the 1st or 2nd molars
  • Stabilizing (crossover) wires can be added distal of the laterals or cuspids to help support the wire(depending on Doctor Preference)

Bonded Retainers

A bonded 3×3 retainer is probably the most commonly used retainer to stabilize the mandibular anteriors following the completion of orthodontic treatment. Due to the bonded 3×3 retainer being a permanent fixed appliance it requires minimal patient cooperation and provides less adverse tooth movement after treatment. It consists of a well- contoured wire fitted against the lingual of the anteriors, canine to canine (hence the name 3×3 retainer).

It can also be ordered in various lengths. For example, 1×1 (central to central), 2×2 (lateral to lateral), or 4×4 (bicuspid to bicuspid).

When placing a bonded retainer on the upper arch the depth of the bite must be considered. If the patient’s bite is deep it may be that an upper 3×3 retainer cannot be placed without the incisal edges of the lower teeth interfering with the retainer. When sending your case to the lab for an upper 3×3 retainer always include a lower model as well.

Custom Retainers are available, contact us if you have any questions

3x3 Bonded Retainer

  • Lingual bar cuspid to cuspid
  • Pads on cuspids (can be customized to doctor preference)

1x1 Bonded Retainer

  • Lingual bar (central to central)
  • Pads on central (can be customized to doctor preference)

Spring Retainers

Spring Retainers are most often used for minor anterior tooth movement. They can be used on the maxillary or mandibular arch and are very effective in aligning slight to moderate crowding of the anterior teeth by resetting the teeth, adapting the labial bow, and adding facial acrylic. (additional charge for resets).

Custom Retainers are available, contact us if you have any questions

Modified Spring Retainer (Aligner)

Simple Spring Retainer (Aligner) with Extensions

  • 3×3 labial bow that crosses over the occlusion distal of the cuspids
  • Anterior resets 1 reset included
  • Facial acrylic on the labial bow
  • Lingual acrylic 2×2
  • Wire extensions to the distal of the 2nd bicuspids

Orthodontics product catalog

Each DDS Lab orthodontic appliance is handmade by our certified technicians with the highest precision. The surface finish and overall quality will not only impress you but most importantly — your patients. Our products range from space maintainers to functional appliances to retainers.

Explore our orthodontic product catalog by clicking on the button below. 

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DDS Lab | Full-Service Modern Dental Lab

Our experts are passionate about supporting your dental practice

  • Full-service Certified Dental Laboratory (CDL)
  • Certified Dental Technicians available for case planning
  • Member of National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL)
  • Exclusively utilize fully approved FDA materials
  • Experienced fixed and removable specialists on staff
  • Whether you know exactly what you need, or you’re looking for advice on a complex case, we’re here for you

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