Best Retainers of 2026: Ultimate Guide to Types & Choosing the Right One

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Key Summary Points

• Retainers are necessary after braces or aligners to keep your teeth from shifting and maintain long-term results.

• Clear, Hawley, and fixed retainers each suit different needs based on lifestyle, visibility, and maintenance.

• The best retainer depends on your individual needs, including how consistent you are and your budget.

• GetCheeky offers custom retainers, mouth guards, and sports guards for convenience and a perfect fit.

After months or even years of braces or aligners, the last thing you want is for your teeth to shift back out of alignment. But that’s exactly what can happen without the right retainer.

Adults finishing orthodontic treatment and parents supporting their child’s smile journey often ask: Which retainer is best? The answer is that it depends on your needs and orthodontic treatment.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about retainers, including types, how they compare, what to expect in terms of cost, and what makes some options more user-friendly than others.

We’ll also cover why custom retainers like the one by GetCheeky can be a smart choice for maintaining a perfect smile at an affordable price.

Why You Need Retainers

Retainers are custom-made dental devices that hold teeth in their corrected position after orthodontic treatment. If you had metal braces or clear aligners, your teeth have gradually moved into a new position, but they won’t stay there on their own.

Teeth can shift back to their original position due to natural forces such as bite pressure and jaw movement. Retainers maintain bite alignment and protect the investment you made in orthodontic treatment.

Not wearing a retainer can lead to issues, such as:

• Teeth shifting back into misalignment.

• Bite problems, including discomfort when chewing.

• Jaw strain or pain, especially if alignment changes affect how your teeth meet.

Some patients also experience more than normal wear and tear on certain teeth due to improper positioning.

Wearing a retainer as instructed by your orthodontist or dentist can help prevent these issues before they become costly or painful.

Types of Retainers

There are different types of retainers, each with its own pros and cons. Understanding them can help you determine which one is best for your needs.

Clear Retainers (Essix / Vacuum Form)

Labs mold clear plastic retainers to the exact shape of your teeth, usually from an impression kit or 3D scan. Often called Essix retainers, they are practically invisible and more comfortable to wear.

Our Cheeky custom-fit retainer falls into this category. As one of our bestsellers, it's thin, latex-free, BPA-free, and you can wear it comfortably throughout the night.

Pros:

• Discreet appearance

• Custom fit for comfort

• Easy to wear during the day or night

• Easy to remove when you have to eat or brush your teeth

• Prevents the wearing down of teeth due to grinding

• Affordable: $200 – $600. Our Cheeky retainer goes for an affordable $133. And when you subscribe to our service, you can save 30% on your custom retainer.

Cons:

• May wear out over time and require replacement every six months to two years, depending on use.

• Can trap plaque if you don't clean them regularly.

Hawley Retainers

This is the traditional type of removable retainer, with an acrylic base that sits against the roof of your mouth (for upper arch teeth) or lower arch, and a metal wire that wraps around the front teeth. These retainers are slightly more expensive than Essix retainers but last five to 10 years.

If your Hawley retainers get damaged, you can get them repaired rather than paying for a new set. Also, a dentist can make minor adjustments to the retainer for a better fit.

Pros:

• Durable and adjustable

• Easy to clean thoroughly

• Easy to remove when you eat or brush your teeth

• More difficult to stain

• Mid-range price: $300 – $700

Cons:

• Visible wire makes it less discreet.

• Can affect speech and swallowing.

• Bulky base that may be uncomfortable for some patients.

• Don’t protect against teeth grinding.

• More expensive to replace if lost or damaged.

Fixed (Bonded) Retainers

Also known as permanent retainers, these are thin wires (often titanium, copper, nickel, or a combination) bonded behind the upper teeth or the lower front teeth. They're good for people who struggle with wearing removable retainers consistently.

Fixed retainers can last five to 10 years, although some patients can get them removed if their teeth are settled in.

Pros:

• Always in place, never forgetting to wear them

• Excellent for preventing relapse in high-risk cases

• Durable

• No issues with talking

• Difficult to damage

Cons:

• Can be harder to clean around and may cause plaque and tartar to build up.

• Requires professional placement and removal.

• Can break if you eat hard foods.

• Most expensive to buy and replace: $500 – $1,000

• Metal wire can irritate your tongue.

• Someone with an overbite may not be able to get a fixed retainer behind their upper teeth.

• Can damage lower teeth when they hit the bonded retainer.

Comparison Table

Which are the Best Retainers?

Clear Retainers

Premium clear retainers are a good choice for most people and teens. Their nearly invisible look and snug fit make them suitable for everyday life.

Plus, our Cheeky custom clear retainer promises quality materials at an affordable price.

Best For:

• Visual-Conscious Users: Those who want a less visible look for work or school.

• Occasional Grinders: People who need a protective barrier against light tooth grinding.

• Convenience Needs: Anyone who wants a retainer that is easy to remove for eating and cleaning.

• On a Budget: Clear retainers are the most affordable on the list.

Hawley

Some people still get Hawley retainers, especially younger patients or when your orthodontist needs to make additional adjustments.

Best For:

• Longevity Needs: Those who want a device that can last five to 10 years with proper care.

• Younger Patients: Kids or teens who might lose a clear, invisible tray more easily.

• Adjustability: Patients whose bite still needs minor settling or small tweaks post-treatment.

• Cleaning: Those who want retainers that are easy to clean.

Fixed Retainers

If you’re someone who forgets or struggles with consistency, a fixed retainer might be your best option.

Best For:

• Forgetful: People who forget to wear retainers daily.

• Dedicated to Oral Hygiene: People who are good and consistent at cleaning and taking care of their teeth.

• High-Relapse Cases: Patients with high relapse risk due to previous crowding.

How to Pick the Right Retainer

Step 1: Consider Lifestyle & Compliance

Start by being honest with yourself about your habits:

• Do you lose things easily?

• Do you forget to wear dental devices?

• Are you willing to clean your retainer every day?

Example: If remembering to wear your retainer is a challenge, fixed retainers may be the best option for you because they require less maintenance. But if you're disciplined, clear retainers may be more comfortable.

Step 2: Visual Preferences

Do you prefer retainers that are easy to see, or something more discreet? For example, if you work in a public-facing role or want a minimalist look, clear retainers are the best choice.

Hawley retainers, while effective, are more visible, so they may not be the top choice for these people.

Step 3: Oral Health & Hygiene Factors

You should also consider how dedicated you are to your oral hygiene, as some retainers require more thorough cleaning. If your dental hygiene is good, any retainer works.

But if you're prone to plaque or struggle with flossing, avoid fixed options. Removable retainers like GetCheeky’s make cleaning simpler.

Step 4: Budget & Cost Considerations

Costs vary for a full set (Top and Bottom):

• Clear plastic retainers: $200 – $600

• Hawley retainers: $300 – $700

• Fixed/bonded retainers: $500 – $1,000

Cost Factors

• Provider vs. Direct: Ordering clear retainers through an online lab such as GetCheeky can cost $100–$150 per set. However, getting them through an orthodontist includes professional fitting and scans, which increases the price to the $400–$600 range. Buy the best retainers online through GetCheeky.

• Fixed Retainer Labor: The higher cost for fixed retainers is also in the chair time. An orthodontist must manually bond the wire to each tooth through a detailed process.

• Location: You may pay more for retainers in major metropolitan areas.

Note: Some dental insurance plans cover the first set of retainers as part of your orthodontic treatment, but almost none cover replacements.

Retainer Care & Maintenance Tips

• Rinse your retainer every time you remove it.

• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush & mild soap.

• Soak weekly in a retainer-safe cleaning solution.

• Avoid heat such as hot water, dishwashers, and hot cars.

• Avoid using toothpaste or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch plastic.

Signs You Need a New Retainer

• Visible cracks or damage

• Warping or poor fit

• Unpleasant odor that doesn’t go away after cleaning

Getting a new retainer when needed prevents teeth movement and helps keep your smile in its perfect position.

GetCheeky Retainers, Mouth Guards & Sports Guards

We offer a full suite of affordable, dentist-approved dental protection products made for a perfect fit. We ship quickly, and help you stay pain- and problem-free.

Our retainers custom-fit into your unique dental structure. We strictly use BPA- and latex-free materials to help keep your smile straight and prevent unwanted shifting.

We also have custom night guards that reduce teeth grinding and prevent chipped teeth. You will notice less jaw pain and headaches for a more restful sleep.

If you need to protect your teeth during physical activity or contact sports, choose our custom sports mouth guard. It is durable and comfortable.

Order our free impression kit, take your dental impressions at home, mail them back to us, and we'll send you a retainer or mouth guard that fits perfectly. It's fast and requires no dental visits for your convenience.

FAQs

Which Type of Retainer is best?

The ideal retainer depends on your individual needs. For example, if you want less visible retainers, then clear ones are the best option. If you need retainers you won't forget to wear, fixed retainers may be best for you.

Which Retainers Last the Longest?

Hawley and bonded retainers are among the different types that offer the longest lifespan, often lasting five to 10 years with proper care.

Can I Go 2 Hours Without my Retainer?

Missing a couple of hours occasionally won't undo your straightening results, but frequent lapses may cause your teeth to start shifting.

Which Retainer is More Expensive?

Hawley and fixed retainers tend to be pricier due to customization and materials, but costs vary based on your dental file and treatment plan.

How Fast Will Teeth Shift Without a Retainer?

Teeth can begin to move within days without wearing a retainer, which can put pressure on your gums and make it harder to keep your teeth aligned.

Conclusion

Choosing a retainer depends on your lifestyle, dental history, and budget.

Clear retainers are comfortable and affordable. Fixed retainers work well for those with high relapse risk, while Hawley retainers offer durability and adjustability.

The only way to keep your teeth from shifting is through consistency. Wearing your retainer as directed helps preserve your smile and supports lifelong oral health.

GetCheeky makes it easy to get custom, dentist-quality retainers from home with a free impression kit and fast delivery. Plus, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.