Whether you are active in orthodontics or not, every dentist at one time or another has had to replace a patient’s retainer...and while there are many different appliance designs and variations, the Maxillary Final Retainer is the basic retaining appliance. It features Adams Clasps on the first molars and a standard, tightly adapted "Hawley"-type labial arch wire running from the distal of both cuspids. The acrylic should be well adapted to the palate and the lingual aspect of the teeth. Every effort should also be made to keep it thin for comfort. Note: For fabrication of this appliance, always send the lab both upper and lower casts --along with a bite relationship. .