The most important thing after removing braces is preventing the teeth from shifting, in order to keep the teeth in place a retainer must be worn. However, when it comes down to choosing which type of retainer is best?

There are many types of retainers we'll take a look at three of the most common and  you can determine which one might best suit your needs.

Metal Retainers are Better Than Clear Plastic Retainers?

The 3 main types of retainers used today are: Hawley retainer, clear retainer and fixed retainer. The Hawley retainer and fixed retainer are made of metal and the clear retainer is made of plastic.

Hawley Retainer Vs Clear Retainer

The Hawley retainer and clear retainer are both removable which makes it convenient. The Hawley retainer has wires that go around the teeth so in terms of aesthetics it's not the best. However, the Hawley retainer is durable and adjustments can be made more easily.

In comparison to the Hawley retainer, the clear retainer is made of plastic and is similar to Invisalign which is virtually invisible when worn, but the biggest disadvantage is that it doesn’t have a long life span compared to traditional retainers.

Fixed Retainer Vs Clear Retainer

Both the fixed retainer and clear retainer are virtually invisible to the eye. The fixed retainer is fitted on the back of the teeth and can’t be removed whereas the clear retainer can be removed. In terms of results, the fixed retainer will keep the teeth in place better as it can’t be removed. The clear retainer can be damaged and lost so compared with the fixed retainer it's not so convenient.

Therefore, different types of retainers have their pros and cons, so it’s best to ask your orthodontist which retainer is best for you.