Dental Retainer Types

There are two main categories of dental retainers: removable and permanent. As the name says, the first type is removable so you can eat and clean your teeth. In contrast, permanent, or fixed, retainers remain fixed in your mouth until a dental professional removes them.

Removable Retainers for Teeth

The two most common types of removable dental retainers are Hawley and clear. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks.

Hawley Retainers

A Hawley retainer is the traditional type of dental retainer often used after braces or other orthodontic treatments. It has a metal wire that wraps around the front of your teeth.

Like all retainers, the Hawley retainer is molded to your smile and sits on the roof of your mouth to keep teeth from shifting. With proper wear, these dental retainers do a great job of keeping your smile in place.

Despite their effectiveness, Hawley retainers have a few drawbacks. The metal wire design of this type of retainer may be uncomfortable for some wearers, especially those with smaller mouths. At first, these retainers can feel bulky or even affect speech. As this type of retainer is visible on teeth, it can make some wearers feel self-conscious.

Clear Retainers

Clear retainers are a more modern option than Hawley retainers. They allow you to keep your teeth from shifting without the hindrance of a visible wire on your teeth. In addition, clear retainers are easy to clean.

Many wearers find clear retainers more comfortable than Hawley retainers. SmileSet’s clear retainers are designed for optimal comfort using patented Comfort-Edge Technology. Our dental professionals create custom retainers using a mold of your mouth, helping you maintain your confident smile.

Although clear retainers are more susceptible to staining than Hawley retainers, they are easier and more hygienic for most retainer wearers. If you use SmileSet’s subscription renewal service, we’ll replace your clear retainers regularly.

Permanent Retainers

For some people, permanent retainers may be a better option than removable retainers. Dental professionals often suggest permanent retainers for those who are especially forgetful about wearing removable retainers at night.

Permanent, or “fixed,” retainers, however, can be more difficult to clean. They require regular use of special tools to ensure food and debris do not build up.

Additionally, permanent retainers may not last forever and may need to be replaced over time. Installing or removing permanent retainers requires a visit to a dental professional’s office, and often comes with associated costs.

Deciding on a Type of Dental Retainer: Removable vs. Permanent

Need help determining which type of dental retainer is best for you? The best way to decide is to speak with a qualified dental professional to discuss all possible options.

When trying to determine the best type of dental retainer for you, consider lifestyle and personal factors. Based on your specific dental history, your orthodontist or other dental professional may recommend one specific type of dental retainer.

Each person's habits and hygiene practices vary, which is why there’s no “one-size-fits-all” option when deciding on the best type of dental retainer. As you consider which type may work best for you, some questions to ask yourself include:

• Are you involved in lots of athletics or contact sports? If so, a permanent retainer may be a good option for you.
• Are you most concerned with visibility and appearance? If so, clear retainers offer the most discreet look with their clear, invisible look.
• How consistent will you be at remembering to wear your retainers nightly? If you tend to be forgetful, the permanent type may work better for you.
• How consistent will you be at regularly cleaning your retainers? Removable retainers are easier to clean than permanent ones.

Why Replace Your Removable Dental Retainers Regularly

Many people forget to replace their removable retainers, although this is a critical part of maintaining your smile investment.

For optimal hygiene and comfort, you should replace your clear retainers about every six months. Old retainers can breed bacteria, as well as becoming looser and therefore less effective. Both improper fit and loosening can impact how well your teeth remain in place.

To make your life easy, SmileSet offers an easy subscription model that delivers new clear retainers to your door every six months. Our “set it and forget it” philosophy ensures you’ll receive a new retainer automatically every six months. You can not only save time and money but also ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come. We keep your dental impression kit on file, so you don’t have to worry about doing a new impression kit every time your clear retainers need replacement.

Ready to learn more about easy, clear retainer replacement with SmileSet? Inquire about our easy process and take our smile quiz to get started today!