A Hawley retainer, also known as a wire retainer, is a removable orthodontic appliance used to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment. It is made of a combination of metal wires and a plastic body designed to fit the roof of the mouth or the lower jaw. The wire is adjusted to fit around the teeth and keep them in place. Hawley retainers are quite common and have been used for many years as a reliable and effective means of retention.