The main types of retainers after braces are clear removable retainers (such as Essex and Vivera), bonded retainers glued behind the teeth, and acrylic-and-wire Hawley retainers. All hold teeth in place; they differ in visibility, upkeep and effort.
Taking braces off or finishing your last aligner is a great day, but it is not the last step. At Hansen Orthodontics in Wichita, Goddard and Hutchinson, the retention phase is where we protect all of that work. Below we walk through each retainer we offer, how they compare, and how Dr. Hansen helps you choose.
Why do you need a retainer after braces at all?
Teeth are not set in concrete. They sit in bone and are held by gum tissue and tiny fibers that stretch while teeth move. When braces come off, those tissues still remember where the teeth used to be, and they pull gently in that direction. Without something holding the new positions, teeth can drift, and spaces or crowding can slowly return.
Retention gives the bone and soft tissue time to settle around each tooth in its new spot. That is why every treatment plan at our practice ends with a retainer, whether you wore braces or Invisalign aligners. The type of retainer is a choice; wearing one is not. Our post on wearing your retainers after braces explains what happens when they are skipped.
What are the main types of retainers after braces?
Retainers fall into two families: removable retainers you take out to eat and clean, and fixed retainers that stay attached to your teeth. Within those families, our other treatments page lists four retainers we use at Hansen Orthodontics: in-house Essex retainers, Vivera retainers from Invisalign, bonded retainers, and Hawley retainers.
Three of those are removable and one is fixed. None of them is right for everyone. The right fit depends on how your teeth moved during treatment, how likely they are to shift, your habits, and honestly, how good you are at remembering to put something in every night.
How do clear removable retainers like Essex and Vivera work?
Clear retainers are thin, custom-shaped trays that snap over your teeth, a lot like an Invisalign aligner that does not move teeth. They are barely noticeable when you smile or talk, and you take them out to eat, brush and floss.
Our Essex retainers are made in our own office. We scan your teeth with the iTero scanner, print a precise model on our SprintRay 3D printer, and form the retainer from durable clear plastic. You can read more about that process on our technology page. Because it all happens in-house, there is no long wait for an outside lab.
Vivera retainers come from Invisalign and are made with the same technology used to make Invisalign aligners. They are also clear and custom-fit. Like any removable retainer, clear trays only work when they are actually in your mouth, so a consistent routine matters more than the brand.
What is a bonded retainer, and is it really permanent?
A bonded retainer is a thin wire attached to the inside surfaces of your teeth, usually the front teeth. It cannot be seen from the outside and it holds teeth 24 hours a day without you doing anything. That is why people call it a permanent or fixed retainer, and why it is a favorite for patients who know they would forget a removable one.
Permanent is a bit of a stretch, though. A bonded wire stays in place until your orthodontist removes it, but the bonding can loosen and the wire can bend over time, especially if you bite into hard foods with your front teeth. If a bonded retainer comes loose, call us rather than waiting, since the teeth it was holding can start to move.
Bonded retainers also change your cleaning routine. Plaque collects around the wire, and regular floss cannot slide between those teeth from the top. A floss threader or water flosser makes it manageable, and your regular dental cleanings become even more important.
What is a Hawley retainer, and who is it a good fit for?
The Hawley is the classic retainer many parents remember. It has a custom acrylic base that rests against the roof of your mouth (or behind the lower teeth) and a wire that wraps across the front of your teeth. It is durable and can be adjusted, which lets the orthodontist make small tweaks without making a brand new appliance.
Kids and teens often like that Hawley retainers can be personalized with a variety of colors and patterns. Some patients notice a slight change in their speech for the first few days while the tongue gets used to the acrylic.
How do the retainer types compare side by side?
Here is a quick look at how the four retainers we offer stack up on the things patients ask about most.
| Retainer | Fixed or removable | How it looks | Daily care | Often a good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essex (made in-house) | Removable | Clear, barely noticeable | Rinse and brush gently; keep in its case when out | Patients who want a clear, in-house retainer with quick replacement |
| Vivera (Invisalign) | Removable | Clear, barely noticeable | Same as other clear retainers | Patients who want a clear retainer from Invisalign |
| Bonded | Fixed | Hidden behind the teeth | Floss threader or water flosser around the wire | Patients who want hands-off, all-day retention |
| Hawley | Removable | Visible wire across the front teeth | Brush the acrylic and wire; keep in its case when out | Patients who want an adjustable, colorful option |
How do you choose the right retainer for you or your child?
Start with how your teeth moved. Teeth that were badly crowded, rotated, or had large gaps closed are more likely to try to shift back, and a fixed retainer in that area can be a smart safety net. A mild case may do very well with a removable retainer alone.
Then be honest about habits. A teen who tends to leave things on lunch trays may be better served by a bonded retainer, while an adult who never misses a night might prefer the easy cleaning of a removable one. If you play a contact sport, our guide to sports mouthguards with braces is worth a read.
Finally, think about cleaning. Removable retainers let you brush and floss normally. Bonded retainers take a little more effort around the wire. There is no wrong answer, only the one you will actually stick with, and our team will help you find the retainer that fits your lifestyle.
What happens if you lose or break your retainer?
It happens to almost everyone at some point: a retainer wrapped in a napkin, left in a hotel room, or chewed by the family dog. The most important thing is to call us quickly. Teeth can start shifting within a short time without a retainer, and a small shift is far easier to fix than a large one.
Because we make Essex retainers in our office with our SprintRay 3D printer, we can respond quickly when a retainer goes missing. Keep your removable retainer in its case whenever it is out of your mouth, and keep it away from heat, which can warp the plastic. Our post on how to take care of your retainer has more day-to-day tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I need to wear a retainer after braces?
Retention is long term. Teeth can move throughout life, so most patients wear a retainer in some form for years. Your orthodontist will give you a wear schedule when treatment ends and may adjust it over time.
Is a permanent retainer better than a removable one?
Neither is better for everyone. A bonded retainer works without effort but needs careful cleaning, while a removable retainer is easy to clean but only works when you wear it. Many patients do well with one, the other, or both.
Can I get a new retainer if mine no longer fits?
Yes. If a retainer feels tight, cracked or loose, call us. Because we make Essex retainers in our own office, a replacement does not depend on an outside lab.
Do retainers hurt?
A new retainer can feel snug for a few days, and a retainer you skipped wearing may feel tight when you put it back in. Ongoing pain is not normal, so let us know if it does not ease.
Keep Your New Smile With Hansen Orthodontics
The right retainer is the one that fits your teeth, your habits and your routine. If you are finishing treatment, curious about your options, or need a replacement, our team in Wichita, Goddard and Hutchinson is happy to help. Call or text (316) 722-6717 or request a free consultation to get started.