Article
The Hawley Retainer is the most commonly used removable retainer. It has been basically unaltered in design and application since its introduction to the specialty nearly 100 years ago.1
Most patients have a tendency to remove the Hawley Retainer by pulling down the labial bow, which can eventually lead to distortion of the appliance.
We modified the design of the appliance by incorporating a helix into the U loop of the labial bow (Figures 1–3). This helix provides rigidity as well as adjustability to the retainer. Owing to its strong framework, it provides a rigid finger purchase for removal of the retainer without distorting the appliance. Care should be taken that the helix does not impinge upon the gingiva.
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