| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | OA-0317 |
| Type | retention |
| Category | retention |
| Fixed/removable | removable |
| Primary function | post-treatment retention with anterior tooth control |
| Malocclusion target | post-treatment relapse prevention; anterior rotation control |
| Inventor | Dr. Robert M. Ricketts |
| First year | 1970s |
| Period | modern |
| Status | current |
| Wire gauge | 0.030–0.036″ SS labial bow; interproximal crossings |
| Uses TADs | no |
The Ricketts retainer is a variation of the Hawley retainer (Hawley retainer) featuring a distinctive labial bow design developed by Dr. Robert Ricketts. Instead of a simple labial bow spanning the anterior teeth, the Ricketts bow crosses through the interproximal embrasures between the lateral incisors and canines, then curves distally to contact the canines from the labial. This interproximal crossing allows the bow to stabilize individual anterior teeth — particularly useful for maintaining corrected canine positions and lateral incisor rotations after treatment. The Ricketts retainer is preferred by orthodontists trained in the Ricketts (BioProgressive) treatment philosophy, and by clinicians who want maximum anterior tooth control in their retention appliance.
The labial bow contacts the anterior teeth (incisors and canines) individually through the interproximal embrasures, allowing the wire to be adjusted to apply selective labial or lingual forces on specific teeth. This is more flexible than a standard Hawley bow, which contacts all anterior teeth as a group. The interproximal crossings also provide additional retention points. The posterior clasps (Adams or ball) anchor the appliance to the molars or premolars.
Post-treatment retention for cases where individual anterior tooth positions (especially canines) need to be maintained precisely; practices trained in Ricketts/BioProgressive orthodontics that use Ricketts appliances throughout treatment; cases where canines or lateral incisors were corrected from significant rotations; upper and lower retention where anterior tooth control is the priority.
More complex to fabricate than a standard Hawley bow — the interproximal crossings require precise wire bending and must not create tissue irritation at the embrasure. If the interproximal crossing wire is too thick or poorly contoured, it causes gingival impingement. Slightly more difficult for patients to remove.
the lateral-canine embrasures
curve
The critical step is the interproximal crossing — the wire must pass cleanly through the embrasure without contacting the gingival papilla. The model must be lightly trimmed at the embrasure to allow passage of the wire without tight binding that would make the appliance impossible to seat. Loops at the lateral-canine crossing provide adjustment range. CFL offers the Ricketts in both 2K and with Adams clasps — upper and lower variants at same pricing.
design; same price range.
maximum coverage.
Education](https://learn.greatlakesdentaltech.com/product/ricketts-retainer/)
Lab](https://www.qcortho.com/finishing-and-retention-orthodontic-appliances.html)
crossings, fabrication, business notes.