Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam

Which feature is commonly associated with a finished Hawley retainer?

1. A dental crown

2. An acrylic palate

3. A metal filling

4. A removable partial denture

The correct answer is: An acrylic palate

The feature commonly associated with a finished Hawley retainer is an acrylic palate. The Hawley retainer is a type of orthodontic appliance that helps maintain teeth in their new positions after braces have been removed. Its design includes a plastic or acrylic portion that rests against the roof of the mouth (the palate) and is custom-molded to fit the individual's arch. This acrylic component provides stability and helps to retain the alignment of the teeth while allowing for some minor adjustments as needed. The metal wire framework that typically accompanies the acrylic also serves to impart strength and retention, but it is the acrylic palate that is particularly characteristic of this type of retainer. The structure and material choices of the Hawley retainer support its primary function of preventing tooth movement post-treatment, making the acrylic palate a defining feature of its design.