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3 Types of Dental Retainers: Hawley, Clear and Permanent Retainers
After completing your orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will recommend wearing a retainer, also known as a dental stabiliser, to help keep your teeth in their new positions. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or clear aligners, work by applying gentle, controlled pressure to shift your teeth. This process encourages bone growth on one side and resorption on the other, allowing your teeth to move into alignment.
However, once braces or aligners are removed, your teeth can gradually move back to their original positions — a natural tendency often called “relapse.” This happens because your teeth and gums are still adjusting to their new alignment. Wearing retainers for teeth helps prevent unwanted shifting, preserving your smile and the results of your orthodontic treatment.
Whether you’ve completed your journey with metal braces or invisible aligners, wearing a retainer is the next essential step to maintaining your new smile. But what are the different types of retainers, how long should you wear them, and what’s the best way to clean them? Let’s explore.
Types of Dental Retainers
There are several retainer types available, and your orthodontist will recommend one based on your treatment and lifestyle needs. Here are the most common options used in Australia:
1. Hawley Retainers
Pros: Durable, adjustable, and long-lasting
Cons: Slightly bulky, takes time to get used to
The Hawley retainer is one of the most traditional types. It’s made with an acrylic base that sits against the roof of your mouth or under your tongue, connected by a metal wire that holds your teeth in place. While not as discreet as clear retainers, Hawley retainers are highly durable and can last several years with proper care.
Hawley Retainer Price: They typically cost between AUD $500–$700 in Australia. They are commonly recommended after traditional braces.
2. Essix Retainers (Clear Retainers)
Pros: Discreet, removable, and aesthetic
Cons: Less durable, may need yearly replacement
The Essix retainer, sometimes referred to as a clear retainer, is made from transparent plastic and looks similar to clear aligner trays. It fits snugly over your teeth and is barely noticeable when worn. However, because they are made from thin plastic, Essix retainers can wear down over time and may need to be replaced every 12–18 months.
Clear Retainer Price: Around AUD $200–$300 per arch, depending on your clinic and material quality.
3. Permanent Retainer (Fixed Retainer)
Pros: Always in place, no need to remember to wear it
Cons: Harder to clean, requires maintenance if it loosens
A permanent retainer, also known as a fixed retainer or fixed ortho retainer, involves a thin wire bonded to the back of your teeth using dental composite. It’s most often used on the lower front teeth to prevent shifting. Because it’s permanently attached, you don’t have to remove it — but proper cleaning is essential to avoid plaque build-up.
Permanent Retainer Price: Typically ranges from AUD $350–$600 per arch in Australia, depending on your orthodontist and the complexity of installation.
How Long Should You Wear a Retainer?
Most orthodontists recommend wearing a dental retainer full-time (20–22 hours per day) for the first 6–12 months after treatment. After this period, you can usually switch to wearing it only at night. For some patients, long-term or even lifelong retainer wear is advised to maintain results, as teeth naturally shift with age.
How to Clean Retainers
Proper cleaning is key to keeping your retainers hygienic and long-lasting.
For Removable Retainers (Hawley or Essix):
Soak your retainer in a specialised retainer cleaning solution or use mild soap and lukewarm water.
Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush but avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface.
Rinse thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth.
For Fixed Retainers:
Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean between your teeth and around the bonded wire.
A water flosser can help remove debris in hard-to-reach areas.
Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the wire remains secure.
At Dr Clear Aligners Australia, we understand how important it is to maintain your smile after treatment. We offer a range of retainers to help keep your teeth beautifully aligned.
If your teeth have started to shift because you haven’t worn your retainer, our team can help. Take a free online smile assessment today and receive a customised orthodontic plan designed for your smile goals.
