Types of Retainers: Removable and Fixed

If retainers are not worn after braces, there is a high chance that the teeth will shift back and become uneven again. There are two main types of dental retainers: fixed and removable. What is the difference between them, and which type is better to choose?

Why Retainers Are Needed

After treatment with braces or aligners, it is always necessary to wear retainers. The reason is that teeth move in response to pressure, and there are constant multidirectional forces acting on them. This is why the condition of teeth worsens with age, and they shift after treatment with aligners or braces.

Pressure on the teeth may be caused by:

•  cheeks;
•  jaw muscles;
• tongue.

For example, when the jaw muscles contract, the outer part of the upper dental arch also constricts. Over time, the upper jaw becomes narrower and takes a V-shape. As a result, the upper front teeth may overlap, cross, or protrude. This means that teeth can never remain completely stable on their own. No matter how long you wore braces, teeth can always shift back. In short, braces (or aligners) are used to move teeth into the correct position, and retainers hold them in place.

Some people may notice a change in their teeth after just one day without retainers, while others may maintain correct alignment much longer.
It is important to remember: without retainers, teeth will always move to some extent.

Fixed or Removable Retainers?

There are two main types: fixed and removable.

• Fixed retainers – made of wire, bonded to the back side of the upper or lower front 6 teeth, though sometimes only to the front 4 teeth.
• Removable retainers – made of plastic. They come in two types: fully transparent trays (Essix) and orthodontic appliances made of plastic or acrylic with a metal wire (Hawley). Transparent retainers are more aesthetic, while Hawley retainers are more durable.

Fixed Retainers

If your dentist recommends fixed retainers, it is important to know that they require careful maintenance. If they break or begin to detach, food can get stuck in them.

This is a good option, but only if you regularly visit your dentist and hygienist.
Ideal fixed retainers should not interfere with biting or closing your mouth and should be thin.

Although they can last for years, they may break if you bite something too hard or brush your teeth too aggressively. In this case, it is important to visit a dentist to replace the retainer, because uneven pressure from the wire can cause teeth to shift.

Wires (similar to those in braces) can make proper cleaning between the teeth very difficult, even with dental floss. This must be done professionally. Never try to remove a fixed retainer on your own.

Advantages:

•  Work 24/7 without any effort from you;
• Durable;
• Eliminate the risk of losing or damaging the device, which sometimes happens with removable retainers.

Disadvantages:

•  Difficult to maintain hygiene;
• Possible breakage;
• Unlike removable retainers that can cover all teeth, fixed retainers do not prevent movement of the back teeth, which may require additional retention methods.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are more hygienic, as nothing is permanently attached to the teeth, and they can be easily cleaned.

However, they need to be replaced periodically. While we sleep, we may clench or grind our teeth, which puts stress on the plastic. Over time, it bends and loosens.

Advantages:

• Easy to maintain;
• Comfortable: many people find these retainers more comfortable to wear, especially the clear plastic ones that have minimal effect on speech.

Disadvantages:

• Requires user discipline: these retainers must be worn consistently;
• Easy to lose or damage: since they can be removed, there is always a risk of losing or breaking them;
• Need for replacement: Hawley retainers can last for years with proper care, but clear plastic retainers often need replacement every 6–12 months.

How Often Should Removable Retainers Be Worn?

In most cases, clear retainers are recommended to be worn day and night during the first few months after teeth alignment. They should only be removed for eating and brushing teeth. After that, you can wear them only at night for the next 6 months, and then only 3 times a week.

Fixed vs. Removable Retainers: Comparison

The choice between fixed and removable retainers becomes easier when you understand the differences. Both types are designed to keep teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment, but they do so in different ways.

The design and placement are key differences. Fixed retainers consist of stainless-steel wires attached to the back (lingual) surface of the teeth, making them nearly invisible when speaking or smiling. Removable retainers are made from clear plastic or acrylic, sometimes with a metal wire, and can be taken out as needed.

Fixed retainers stay in place 24/7, providing constant retention and minimizing the risk of teeth shifting. However, removable retainers depend entirely on the user’s discipline. Forgetting to wear them or ignoring the recommended schedule may cause teeth to shift back.

Care requirements also differ. Cleaning around fixed retainers can be difficult, while removable retainers are easier to clean and allow normal brushing and flossing.

Dentists often recommend fixed retainers for the lower teeth, where relapse is more likely, and removable retainers for the upper teeth to avoid possible bite interference.

Choosing the right retainer depends on your habits and preferences. Fixed retainers work continuously but require thorough cleaning. Removable retainers offer flexibility but require consistent wear.

Talk to your dentist to determine which option suits you best.

Retainers are extremely important—especially if you don’t want to wear braces again! The team at YAREMA DENTAL clinic can align your teeth and move them into the correct position, but after the braces are removed, it is necessary to stabilize all the progress achieved. Teeth can shift throughout life, and retainers help prevent this.

Have questions about retainers? Schedule an appointment and receive professional консультаtion from our specialists.