| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0315 |
| Type | retention |
| Category | retention |
| Fixed/removable | removable |
| Primary function | full-arch post-treatment retention |
| Malocclusion target | post-treatment relapse prevention |
| Inventor | various; JCO Pearl 1983 |
| First year | 1983 |
| Period | modern |
| Status | current |
| Wire gauge | 0.036″ labial; 0.018″ lingual clasps |
| Uses TADs | no |
The wraparound retainer is a removable retention appliance distinguished by a continuous labial wire that extends from the most posterior teeth (second molars) around the entire arch, contacting all labial and buccal surfaces, without any occlusal wire crossings. It differs from the full labial retainer (Full labial retainer) in subtle ways depending on CFL's product classification — both are circumferential labial designs. The maxillary wraparound uses palatal acrylic for stability; the mandibular wraparound relies on lingual clasps and a small anterior lingual portion. The continuous wire contact from posterior to posterior provides excellent retention of the entire dental arch post-treatment, making it the appliance of choice when comprehensive arch-form retention is desired.
Circumferential labial wire contact maintains all labial/buccal tooth surfaces in their post-treatment position. Interproximal lingual clasps grip the posterior teeth from the lingual to anchor the appliance. The absence of occlusal wire crossings allows the teeth to settle into occlusion naturally. The wire can be adjusted at U-loop locations near the canine-premolar region to tighten retention if mild relapse occurs.
Post-comprehensive orthodontic treatment requiring full-arch retention; cases with rotations corrected across the whole arch; post-expansion cases; adult retention where the widest coverage is desired; mandibular version used bilaterally when the lower arch needs retention without the bulk of a lower plate. Upper and lower wraparounds are often ordered as a pair.
More complex and time-consuming to fabricate than a short Hawley bow. Wire extension to the second molars can cause soft tissue irritation at the retromolar pad (lower) or distal to the last molars if not trimmed carefully. Requires skilled wire bending for precise arch contact. Patients who prefer aesthetics choose Essix (Essix retainer) instead.
retention
(mandibular)
Wire must precisely contact all labial/buccal surfaces of all teeth — gaps allow teeth to shift. The U-loop provides flexibility and adjustment range. Lingual clasps: groove the model interproximally, seat 0.018″ wire to depth, embed retention loop in acrylic. Solder connections at molar terminus if distal extension wire is needed. CFL offers the Maxillary Wraparound and Mandibular Wraparound — both listed but no price shown in current data (price may be on request or same as standard full labial range).
circumferential design; multiple price variants.
(anterior only).
clear thermoformed alternative.
Pearl 1983](https://www.jco-online.com/archive/1983/01/58/)
Education](https://learn.greatlakesdentaltech.com/product/wrap-around-retainer/)
PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5020166/)
fabrication, variants, business notes.