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What Are the Different Types of Retainers?

Love Yourself, Love Your Smile

Comparing an Invisalign retainer to a regular retainer.
  • Dr. Monica Madan
  • October 19, 2022

Seeing your perfect smile for the first time after months of orthodontic work is a true experience. Whether you have been progressing through sets of Invisalign trays or have been wearing braces for a couple of years, the reveal of a beautifully straight set of teeth is undeniably exciting. In addition to the numerous health benefits of orthodontic work, perhaps the greatest benefit is showing off a smile that you absolutely love!

Of course, once your smile is perfectly aligned, it is essential that you put in effort to maintain it—that’s where a retainer comes in. While braces or Invisalign treatment can give you the smile of your dreams, a retainer is what keeps it in place. 

Every tooth is anchored to the gums through a layer of connective tissues. As braces/Invisalign trays reposition teeth during treatment, the movement causes the connective tissues to stretch. Once treatment is complete and the braces/trays are removed, the connective tissues naturally revert to their original shape. This threatens to reverse your orthodontic progress. 

Retainers prevent regression by keeping teeth firmly in place. In this article, we look at the different types of retainers available today and examine which retainer option could be right for your needs:

Retainer Type #1: Clear Vivera Retainer

Like Hawley retainers, Clear Vivera retainers are removable at any time. However, they look and feel much different. 

Also known as “clear retainers,” Clear Vivera retainers appear nearly identical to Invisalign clear aligners. Made of completely transparent plastic, Clear Vivera retainers do not have the conspicuous metal wires that Hawley retainers use to keep teeth in place. Instead, Clear Vivera retainers are custom-molded to snuggly fit around the patient’s entire smile, covering both the front and back of teeth. 

Clear Vivera retainers tend to be more affordable than Hawleys. They are also more inconspicuous—a great quality for those who need to wear retainers outside the house for extended periods. 

For those looking for an affordable retainer with an inconspicuous look, the Clear Vivera retainer is likely the best fit. However, if you would prefer a longer-lasting retainer, either the Hawley retainer or permanent bonded retainer will better suit your needs. 

Clear Vivera Retainer Pros Clear Vivera Retainer Cons
  • Completely transparent appearance
  • Easy to clean
  • Relatively affordable
  • Does not last as long as Hawley retainer or permanent bonded retainer
  • May warp more easily than a Hawley retainer
  • Does not feel as natural on the teeth as a Hawley retainer

Retainer Type #2: Permanent Bonded Retainer

While Hawley and Vivera retainers are both removable types of retainers, permanent bonded retainers fall into the category of “fixed” retainer.” Permanent retainers are made of solid or braided metal wire and are cemented directly to the back of the front teeth. These retainers are most commonly placed on the bottom row of teeth, although they can be placed on the top row as well.  

Also called “lingual retainers” or “bonded retainers,” permanent retainers can remain in place for life. The main advantage of permanent retainers is constant retention. Patients with Hawley or Clear Vivera retainers are often tempted to stop using their retainers, while patients with permanent retainers never have to worry about wearing a retainer for the proper amount of time. If the permanent retainer needs to be adjusted or becomes damaged, or if the patient simply wants to remove the retainer, an orthodontist can remove it during a simple procedure. 

Permanent retainers are a good option if you want the utmost convenience, constant retention, and a completely inconspicuous look. At the same time, permanent retainers do have some drawbacks. For example, flossing becomes much more difficult once a permanent retainer is installed and many patients report discomfort on the tongue. 

If you think that a permanent retainer is right for you, make sure to discuss all of your options with a professional orthodontist before deciding whether this option is right for you. 

Permanent Retainer Pros Permanent Retainer Cons
  • Completely conspicuous appearance retains teeth at all hours of the day
  • Complicates oral care may cause tongue cuts or general discomforts

Retainer Type #3: Hawley Retainer

When most people think of the word “retainer,” the Hawley retainer is likely the type of retainer that they imagine. Invented by Dr. Charles A. Hawley in 1919, Hawley retainers have been a staple of orthodontic treatment for over a century. 

The baseplate of a Hawley retainer is made from plastic or acrylic and is custom made to fit comfortably along the roof of the patient’s mouth or along the inside bottom row of teeth. Emerging from the baseplate is an adjustable metal wire called the “labial wire” that runs on the outside of the teeth. The labial wire rests comfortably on the teeth and prevents them from reverting to their original position. If an orthodontist needs to adjust the retainer’s tightness, the labial wire allows for easy modification.

Hawley retainers are a comfortable way to maintain a perfect smile. Although there are more inconspicuous options available today, the Hawley retainer is still popular due to its effectiveness, sturdy build, and ease of use. 

Hawley Retainer Pros Hawley Retainer Cons
  • Can last up to 5 to 10 years with proper care
  • Uses adjustable wire
  • Easy to clean
  • Very noticeable to others
  • Slightly more expensive than an Vivera retainer
  • May cause lisping at first

Have More Questions about the Different Types of Retainers? Beverly Hills Orthodontics Has Answers

Whether you’re looking for a new retainer or just starting your orthodontic journey, the team at Beverly Hills Orthodontics is here to help. Since 2008, BHO has provided the greater Los Angeles area with top-notch oral care. Offering Invisalign, accelerated orthodontic treatment, and braces to both teens and adults, Beverly Hills Orthodontics has the skills and services to provide you with the perfect smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

Your Smile Is More than just two rows of teeth - it's how you show your personality to the world.

Let Dr. Madan and her team help you help keep your smile looking (and feeling) better than ever.
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patient reviews

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We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our communities with the highest quality care. Check out what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with us!

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Before finding BHO, I had consultations both telling me traditional braces were my only option. I knew my case would be a bit challenging but as an adult, metal braces weren't going to work... for me, aesthetically speaking. I'm so glad I followed my instincts and gave BHO a shot! From the moment I walked in, I knew this was the place. Modern amenities with a super friendly staff explaining everything along the way - what a great first impression! I just started my treatment and can't wait to see my results! Dr. Madan and her team are legit! Don't hesitate to get the smile your deserve!read more
Nydia J.
Our entire experience with the staff and services at Beverly Hills Orthodontics has been fantastic. Their knowledge, advice and care has been exceptional and I have no hesitation in... recommending them to anyone looking for first class orthodontic care. Special shout outs to Dr Madan and Gabriel for their above and beyond care❤️read more
Juliet P.
What a wonderful experience. Dr. Madan and the entire staff are professional, kind, and very understanding. So far they have made the experience of Invisalign extremely easy. I just wish I... had gone there sooner!read more
Claire P.
I recently relocated to Los Angeles and not long after being here needed to have some repair dental work done and did not know where to turn. I was given a referral to Dr. Madan and could... not be happier. I was able to receive an appointment really quickly and was advised of an immediate plan of action to get my corrective work going. Dr. Madan is extremely knowledgeable about her craft and to top it off, she has a great temperament that instantly put me at ease and made me feel like she genuinely cared. Her Beverly Hills office is vibrant, with really friendly & pleasant staff, who make you feel comfortable and bring all the right vibes! No question I would recommend Beverly Hills Orthodontics to anyone looking to have work done on their teeth and perfect their smile.read more
Dionnee H.
Dr. Madan and her team at BHO are truly amazing. She has treated myself and my daughter and we both now have BEAUTIFUL smiles because of her. She is an expert at what she does and is... caring and attentive. I recommend this office to everyone all the time!!!!!! The best!!!read more
Mia C.
Tia literally invented the Invisalign game. Changing lives one smile at a time.
William S.
BHO is the only place where you'd want to get your braces done! Their staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. Their helpdesk staff always greet you with a smile on. Dr. Madan and her team... of technicians are always ready to answer all of your questions, address any concerns and get you on the road to obtaining the perfect Smile.read more
Bella M.
Amazing people and amazing results-Highly recommend
Ben S.
I’m impressed by the technology and professionalism of Beverly Hills Orthodontics. They are knowledgeable about my unique orthodontic needs and were able to provide recommendations on my... treatment as an adult patient. I’m very excited to begin my Invisalign journey!read more
Victoria G.
Best Orthodontics around! Dr. Madan and her amazing team are always on point, bringing both my kids beautiful smiles. Have been coming to the BH office for several years now and absolutely... love the results and customer service! Would (and have) highly recommended them!read more
J I.
We had a terrific experience with Dr. Madan. They always worked with our schedule and made us feel welcome and happy at each appointment.
Audrey K.
Great experience. Treatment was quick and easy for me and the staff was great to deal with and professional. I’m very happy with my new smile.
Steve V.
I usually don’t do many reviews but I had to for this office! I am myself a Pediatric Dentist and I researched for the best office for my daughter. She just finished her Invisalign ... treatment at Beverly Hills Orthodontics and we are so happy with her smile! I have been practicing Dentistry for over 20 years and I am so impressed with the team here. From the front desk to the Doctors and their assistants, everyone has made our experience so wonderful! As a Dentist, I would recommend BHO for anyone wanting to improve their smile😊read more
Nina G
BHO is awesome and Dr. Monica Madan and their team are so friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. I started with some aesthetic improvements for my wedding photos and was very impressed... with the initial results. However, I had a major cross-bite that would typically require surgery to correct, which wasn’t appealing. After consultation with Monica she thought it would be possible to correct with Invisalign so we decided to proceed for the long haul. While it’s been a long time, the results have been outstanding. I wasn’t sure I would be able to be B withstand that long of the treatment and achieve these results but after seeing the progress it’s been very encouraging and motivating to stick with it. I’m likely on my last refinement and the before and after is remarkable and transformative. Their office is always bright, clean, and has a lively vibe going on. Always feel good being there and better when I leave. Couldn’t recommend them more highly enough. Monica has done a great job building this out and creating a great team and experience.read more
Matt W.
Beverly Hills Orthodontics has been a wonderful experience. The team are extremely professional and experienced. I completed my Invisalign treatment today and had enameloplasty and zoom... whitening to complete the treatment. I’m so happy with the results. Dr. Madan, Gabriel, and the rest of the team listened to my concerns, set up several check-up appointments with me to follow my progress, and provided me with refinements when my teeth were being stubborn. The office is also a great atmosphere with current music playing, friendly staff, and amazing views of Los Angeles from the dentist chair! I would highly recommend this orthodontic practice. Thank you, everyone!read more
Sophie D.
Great overall service staff was very helpful with explaining process. Would highly recommend as it was a smooth process with no surprises along the way.Would like to highlight the... multiple locations which make it easy for scheduling appointments dependent on where you live or what part of LA you will be in that day.read more
Sean M.
My son and daughter have been coming here for years! Absolutely love them.
Tarja C.
I started my Invisalign treatments here and the staff was really friendly and patient with all my concerns and questions. Love it!
Jana M.
Super great experience! Came in for my consultation around the beginning of the year with a plan in mind to have my teeth straight before graduation through Invisalign and the BHO team... completely surpassed my expectations. My USC graduation is in 2 weeks, I just got my brackets off and smile is looking awesome. Annabel and Gabriel were so welcoming, friendly, and made the experience that much better. Dr. Madan was awesome she was always around and extremely hands on, great personality! Definitely come here if you’re looking for an orthodontist!! 10/10! :)read more
Eva P.
Really great experience so far, especially compared to other ortho places where I've had treatment before. For example, my partner went to another place and doesn't hear from them for... months at a time, whereas this place uses an app to keep in touch every week.They were running a special when I signed up which took nearly $1,000 off invisalign - super helpful considering the price!!! I don't think it runs all the time so you might want to ask them - but they combined it with my dental insurance so the cost came out really affordable... less than $100/month for 12 months.Even when I needed tooth filing, attachments, and refinements across multiple visits, they were super kind and flexible to meet my very very hectic schedule definitely recommend going here!read more
Jonathan B.
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