Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
Last updated
General product information only, not medical advice. Which retainer a person wears is decided by their orthodontist.
Short answer
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) describes three orthodontic retainer types: Hawley (wire) retainers, clear retainers and fixed (permanent) retainers. A retainer is “a device designed to keep your teeth in their straightened position after orthodontic treatment.” Hawley and clear retainers are removable; a fixed retainer is bonded in place. (Source: AAO, checked 2026-10-30.)
Definition and scope
An orthodontic retainer is a device used after orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in their straightened position. This page covers what the three types are and how they differ as products. It does not cover fitting, adjustment or any chairside procedure, which belong to the treating orthodontist.
The three types, compared
The table below uses only the AAO’s own descriptions of each type.
| Type | Structure and material | Removable or fixed | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawley (wire) retainer | Acrylic or hard plastic combined with a metal wire; the AAO notes the wire supports the teeth and the acrylic can often be personalized with colors and designs | Removable | On the roof of the mouth or under the tongue |
| Clear retainer | Removable plastic tray | Removable | Over the teeth |
| Fixed (permanent) retainer | Custom-fitted slender wire, cemented or bonded | Fixed | Inner side of either the upper or lower teeth |
Hawley retainers
The AAO says Hawley retainers are “commonly referred to as wire retainers.” They combine acrylic or hard plastic with a metal wire.
Clear retainers
The AAO describes clear retainers as removable plastic trays that sit over the teeth and can be worn after treatment to maintain results.
Fixed retainers
A fixed or permanent retainer is a custom-fitted slender wire cemented or bonded to the inner side of the upper or lower teeth.
Care by type, as the AAO states it
- Cleaning (removable): the AAO describes gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water, and a retainer-cleaning solution for build-up.
- Temperature: avoid hot water, which “can cause damage.”
- Chemicals: avoid products containing alcohol or bleach, which can damage the retainer.
- Storage: keep a removable retainer in its protective case when it is not being worn.
- Type-specific instructions: the AAO says the orthodontist provides care instructions tailored to the retainer type.
Where it matters for clinics and supply decisions: how the FDA regulates retainers
The federal regulation for orthodontic appliances, 21 CFR 872.5410, defines the device as “a device intended for use in orthodontic treatment” and lists components including the “orthodontic expansion screw retainer.” It classifies the device as Class I (general controls) and exempts it from premarket notification (510(k)) subject to the limitations in 21 CFR 872.9 (eCFR, checked 2026-10-30). Note what this does and does not say: the only retainer the regulation names is the expansion screw retainer, so it does not separately classify Hawley, clear or fixed retainers by name. For related classification examples on this site, see bite blocks, manual toothbrushes and denture reliners.
Common misunderstandings
- “Hawley and wire retainer are different things.” The AAO uses the terms for the same type.
- “Every retainer type is named in the FDA regulation.” The regulation names only the expansion screw retainer.
- “Hot water cleans better.” The AAO warns hot water can damage a retainer.
FAQ
What are the main types of orthodontic retainers?
Hawley (wire) retainers, clear retainers and fixed (permanent) retainers, according to the AAO.
Which retainers are removable?
Hawley and clear retainers are removable. A fixed retainer is cemented or bonded to the teeth.
Is a retainer an FDA-regulated device?
Orthodontic appliances fall under 21 CFR 872.5410, Class I with 510(k) exemption subject to 21 CFR 872.9. The regulation names the expansion screw retainer specifically; it does not name Hawley, clear or fixed retainers.
Sources
- American Association of Orthodontists, Retainers, checked 2026-10-30.
- eCFR, 21 CFR 872.5410, Orthodontic appliance and accessories, checked 2026-10-30.
