4 Types of Retainers: Which Is Your Best Option?

Types of retainers you can get after braces or Invisalign include Removable Clear Retainers, Fixed (Bonded) Retainers, Hawley Retainers, and Begg Retainers. The best option depends on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and the likelihood of your teeth shifting.

What Are Retainers?

Retainers are custom-made orthodontic appliances that help keep your teeth in their new positions after braces or after clear aligner treatment. They prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back, helping you maintain a straight, healthy smile.

4 Types of Retainers After Braces: A Quick Comparison

Choosing between the different types of orthodontic retainers is easier when you understand how each one works. The table below compares the most common options used after braces or clear aligner treatment.

Retainer Type	Description	Best For
Removable Clear Retainer	Thin, transparent plastic retainer custom-made to fit your teeth.	Patients who want a discreet, removable option.
Fixed (Bonded) Retainer	A wire is permanently attached behind the front teeth.	Patients with a higher risk of teeth shifting.
Hawley Retainer	Acrylic base with a metal wire across the front teeth.	Patients who may need small post-treatment adjustments.
Begg Retainer	A modified Hawley retainer design with a wraparound wire for extra stability.	Patients who need additional support after complex orthodontic treatment.

If you’ve recently completed Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will recommend the retainer that best protects your new smile based on your treatment results and lifestyle.

1. Removable Clear Retainers

Clear retainers are among the most popular types of retainers for teeth because they are almost invisible and comfortable to wear. They are custom-made from durable, clear plastic using digital scans or impressions and fit snugly over your teeth.

You should remove these retainers while eating, drinking anything besides water, or brushing your teeth.

Popular brands of removable clear retainers are: Essix, Vivera, and Zendura.

Pros:

• Nearly invisible when worn
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Easy to remove for meals
• Simple to clean
• Great for maintaining straight teeth after braces or aligners

Cons:

• Can crack if dropped or chewed
• Must be worn consistently
• Easy to misplace
• May stain without proper cleaning

Average Cost:

Starting from $100 and can go as high as $1,200 per set, depending on the brand you choose.

2. Fixed (Bonded Lingual) Retainer

A bonded retainer is one of the most reliable types of orthodontic retainers because it stays attached to your teeth around the clock.

A thin wire is bonded behind the front teeth, usually on the lower arch. Since it remains in place, you don’t have to remember to wear it every day.

Pros:

• Provides continuous retention
• Cannot be forgotten
• Excellent for preventing lower front teeth from shifting
• Long-lasting solution

Cons:

• Requires extra care when flossing
• Can collect plaque if not cleaned properly
• The wire may occasionally loosen or break

Average Cost:

Approximately $250 to $550 per arch, depending on the material used.

Related Read: Removable vs Permanent Retainers

3. Hawley Retainer

Hawley retainers have been used successfully for decades. They feature an acrylic base with a thin metal wire that sits across the front teeth.

Unlike clear retainers, they can often be adjusted by your orthodontist if minor tooth movement occurs.

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Adjustable
• Long lifespan
• Allows teeth to settle naturally

Cons:

• Metal wire is visible
• Takes longer to get used to
• Slightly bulkier than clear retainers

Average Cost:

Approximately $150 to $350 for a single arch and $300 to $600 for a full set.

4. Begg Retainers

The Begg retainer is a modified version of the Hawley retainer designed to provide additional stability after more complex orthodontic treatment.

Its wraparound wire offers improved retention while minimizing interference with your bite.

Pros:

• Excellent stability
• Durable construction
• Supports full-arch retention
• Suitable for complex orthodontic cases

Cons:

• More noticeable than clear retainers
• Bulkier than Essix retainers
• Not recommended for every patient

Average Cost:

Begg retainers typically cost $150 to $300 per arch, and around $300 to $600 for both upper and lower arches.

Which Type of Retainer Is Best for You?

The answer depends on your teeth, bite, treatment history, and daily habits. Here’s a quick guide to which type of retainer may suit you after braces, but always check with your orthodontist to see what they recommend.

1. Clear Retainers May Be Best If You:

• Recently completed braces or Invisalign treatment.
• Want a nearly invisible retainer.
• Prefer a lightweight, removable option.
• Have stable teeth with minimal risk of shifting.

2. Hawley Retainers May Be Better If You:

• Need small post-treatment adjustments.
• Grind your teeth.
• Want a retainer that can be repaired or adjusted.
• Don’t mind a visible wire.

3. Fixed Retainers May Be Right If You:

• Want continuous retention without remembering to wear a retainer.
• Previously had spacing between your front teeth.
• Experienced crowding before treatment.
• Prefer a long-term solution.

4. Begg Retainers May Be Recommended If You:

• Completed complex orthodontic treatment.
• Need extra stability across the entire dental arch.
• Want a stronger alternative to standard removable retainers.

Related Read: Retainer Instructions

Keep Your New Smile Looking Its Best with Thurman Orthodontics!

At Thurman Orthodontics, we create customized retention plans for our patients, helping children, teens, and adults protect their investment in a healthy, confident smile. If you’ve completed braces or clear aligner treatment and want expert guidance on what type of retainer is best after braces, our team is ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Different Types of Retainers

1. Can I switch from a permanent retainer to a removable one?

Yes. In many cases, your orthodontist can remove a bonded retainer and replace it with a removable one if it suits your oral health and treatment goals. However, this decision should always be made with professional guidance.

2. Which type of retainer is best?

There isn’t one retainer that’s best for everyone. The right choice depends on your orthodontic history, bite, lifestyle, and the likelihood that your teeth will shift. Your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable option for you.

3. What type of retainer is best after braces?

Many patients choose clear retainers after braces because they are comfortable, nearly invisible, and easy to wear. However, some patients benefit more from fixed or Hawley retainers depending on their orthodontic needs.

4. Which type of retainer lasts the longest?

Bonded retainers and Hawley retainers generally last longer than clear plastic retainers when they are properly maintained. Regular checkups help ensure your retainer continues working effectively.