What Kind of Retainer After Braces is Better, Clear Plastic or Wire?

Determining which retainer a patient will receive is done on a case-by-case basis.  Trust that your orthodontist will make the best decision for you.Metal Retainers: may not be the most accepted by patients because of the metal wire, but this retainer is excellent for holding teeth in place and they allow the upper and lower teeth to settle into a good bite.Clear Retainers:  are the most accepted by patients because they are virtually invisible.  They hold the teeth in place pretty well and can allow for minor tooth movements if shifting has occurred, however if gum inflammation or "puffy gums" are present at the end of ortho treatment, then the clear retainers may feel loose once the gums shrink back to normal health.  Permanent Retainers:  are good for front teeth that were severely crowded, however if proper oral hygiene is not maintained, then this is not a good option.  This retainer is only placed in the front, therefore if back teeth were drastically moved, then another retainer must be considered. 

All retainers are effective, wire retainers are more durable, clear retainers are more cosmetic and fixed retainers are permanently cemented behind the teeth. It is easily possible to add springs to the wired retainer to realign the teeth that have moved.

The choice for retainers are determined case by case... In my office there few cases where I recommend the metal retainers (Hawley), but majority of the time I recommend clear retainers... 

Both, plastic and wire retainers work. Plastic retainers, also called Essex, are great, but it is recommended to change them every 5-6 month, because plastic becomes less retentive over time. Vivera retainer is another brand of the same design.
Wire retainers, also known as Hawley retainer, should be periodically checked by a dentist and adjusted, if needed.
There is also a  fixed wire retainer called Lingual Bar, which is attached to the back side of the lower front teeth. It is invisible when you smile and hold the teeth the best.
There are several options when it comes to retainers. All have pluses and minuses. You can pickup option that works for you.

                Both types of retainers work well as long as you wear them correctly. I would return to your Orthodontist to determine how much relapse of your teeth has occurred and together you can decide on the proper retainer for the problem that you had. Be honest and let them know how much you are willing to wear the retainer. Good luck.

There are two types of retainers typically used in post-orthodontic treatment; Fixed and Removable. Fixed retainers normally are comprised of a wire bonded to the inside of the anterior teeth. These types of retainers require little maintenance by the patient, but can dislodge from teeth based on occlusion, eating habits, or dental habits (bruxism, clenching, etc). Removable retainers come in two forms, acryicl based appliances with wires or clear "Essix" type retainers that look like stiff bleeching trays or a Clear Correct/Invisalign tray. The clear retainers are very effective in keeping all the teeth maintained, but are less rigid and normally don't last as long as the acrylic/wire retainers (known as Hawley retainers). I normally offer both types of removable retainers, but always let those that want the clear retaines know that they will need to be replaced more often due to simple wear.

I have worked extensively with both types of retainers and I have found that clear retainers retain better. I will always try to use clear retainers but sometimes they are not the best choice for a given patient. Minor tooth movement can also be accomplished with clear retainers to correct minor relapses.

The two types of retainers that you mentioned are the most common types of retainers.  They both have advantages and disadvantages.  Some orthodontists primarily us the wire retainers (Called Hawley retainers, named after Dr Hawley from many years ago) because they have been around the longest.  I typically use Hawley retainers on the upper, mostly nights only, because I do a lot of expansion of narrow upper jaws to ideal.  The Hawley holds the expansion better than the invisible retainers do.  Invisible retainers hold individual tooth alignment better in many cases, especially on the lower front teeth.

For younger patients, compliance is often an issue. A removable clear retainer may not be the best solution becuase it's more likely to get lost or forgotten. A fixed wire retainer is by far more predictable!

In the case of adult patients that is usually less of an issue. As long as the removable retainer is worn, it will offer the patient tremendous benefits:

1. You can brush and floss quite easily!

2. It can be taken out for a night out or a social function. Not as intrusive.

3. It holds all the teeth not just the front teeth which is critical for bite health long after the cosmetic expecations are met.



They're both good option, and often time your dentist/orthodontist will consider all those factors in offering you the ideal retainer for you.



Either way, its important to remember that proper professional maintenance as well as home care of your mouth and retainers will help you keep your new smile for a lifetime!

Each type has their pros and cons. For example:

Clear retainers are not noticeable and if worn well hold the teeth very well.  On the other hand, they can be worn through with heavy grinding or become distorted when exposed to heat.  

The wire of typical Hawley retainers wrap around the front surface of the teeth.  They allow the teeth to naturally "settle" into place much better since there is nothing covering the biting surface.  They also allow for easy adjustment to help keep teeth in check.

So in summary, if you are cosmetic conscious and your finished result is near perfect, you don't need any adjustment or settling, and don't grind your teeth, the clear ones are a good way to go.

To really answer this question for YOU  it is imperative that as you talk with your orthodontist and trust his/her judgment.