Post-treatment retention

A fixed retainer stays in place rather than being taken out. In the available comparison of 18 studies and 1,471 participants, fixed and removable retainers had no statistically significant difference for most stability outcomes.

A clear retainer is a removable plastic tray that sits over the teeth after orthodontic treatment. It should be taken out while eating to avoid damage.

The clinical comparison found no statistically significant difference in plaque index, gingival index, or most stability outcomes between retainer types. Removable retainers were associated with greater increases in arch length.

Eating with a removable retainer in place can damage it. Hard or sticky foods can dislodge the wire of a fixed retainer.

Across the reviewed studies, fixed and removable retainers did not show statistically significant differences in gingival or plaque indices. The reported rankings were exploratory because many estimates were imprecise.

Braces move teeth with attached brackets and wires, while clear aligners can be removed daily but address a narrower set of cases. Retainers are worn after orthodontic treatment to maintain its result.

Choose between a tray that can be removed and a retainer that stays fixed by considering the eating rules and the need to maintain orthodontic results. Both types are used after treatment.