What type of orthodontic retainer should I choose?

My braces are coming off in 3 weeks (yay!!!!) and my ortho asked what type of retainer would I prefer - clear plastic one or the one with a wire. If you ever had one or another, can you comment on how comfortable they are? It seems to me that the clear plastic one is better looking, and that the wired one may be very uncomfortable (since it touches the roof of your mouth), but I would like to hear from people who actually wore them.


Also, if you are an orthodontics specialist, can you briefly outline advantages and disadvantages of each one?

What type of orthodontic retainer should I choose?
well, i had both. the wires were on the first front teeth on top and bottom, and i wear my plastic one at night. the wires bothered me for the first few days, and it's kind of a pain to floss normally, but it might be different with your orthodontist. i'd say that you'd probably want the plastic one because it won't be as uncomfortable and it's easy to take care of. my orthodontist said that the wires would last longer though, but i still think the plastic is better in your case.
Reply:i would choose the clear ones. I have the wired ones first of all they look ugly and they are hard to talk with i dont know about the clear ones but they might be better looking then the wire ones. and the wired ones are really uncomfortable i wish i could have choosen which retainers i wanted
Reply:hey. your orthodontist is probably talking about an Invisalign-like retainer. I've been wearing these clear plastic things for about a year. I really like them but you just have to take good care of them because if you don't, they could get a little icky.





they are comfortable to wear and people can't notice them unless you tell them.
Reply:The clear retainers are usually temporary because they stretch and distort over time. They look nice, but if your case was difficult and there is concern your teeth will shift easily, get the Hawley (wire) retainer. You were it all the time for the first year, then only at night.
Reply:I still have and wear my retainer from 1968! It is plastic and metal and is the original. This is what I recommend as it is so durable, comfortable, and keeps my pearly whites in place. Congratulations! to you on getting your braces off. You won't believe how smooth your teeth feel. I know I kept checking them since they felt so different. Best wishes.
Reply:clear plastic one is much better than wired.
Reply:I wore the clear retainer. It's not too bad and my doctor had me wear it every day and only take it off when I ate. Then, he told me to only wear it at night before I went to bed until he eventually told me to not use it any more. At first, it might be a bit uncomfortable, but compared to braces, it's nothing. Then, once you're used to the retainer, you won't even feel it.





Good for you and take care of that beautiful smile!!