Retainers
Maintaining Your Smile after Braces

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Comparison table of dental clear retainers brands: Essix, Zendura, and Vivera. It shows prices, fit and precision, durability, and what each retainer does.
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Clear Retainers

Clear retainers are one of the most popular options for maintaining your teeth alignment after braces or aligner treatment. They are transparent, removable, and designed to fit closely over your teeth.

At Tanglin Dental, we offer several types of clear retainers depending on your clinical needs, durability requirements, and budget.

The 3 main clear retainer types we offer are:

  1. Essix Retainers

  2. Zendura Retainers

  3. and Vivera Retainers

Essix Retainers

Essix retainers are the standard clear retainers commonly used after orthodontic treatment. They are affordable, discreet, and reliable at maintaining tooth positions.

They are often suitable for:

  • Urgent replacements - we can often fabricate them on the same day

  • Patients looking for a cost-effective option

  • Short- to medium-term retention

Essix retainers may wear down over time - particularly in patients who grind or clench their teeth.


Zendura Retainers

Zendura retainers are made from a more durable, higher-strength material. At Tanglin Dental, we design the Zendura retainers to be contoured to your gums for a better fit.

Zendura retainers are suitable for patients who:

  • Grind or clench their teeth

  • Are looking for a more refined and comfortable fit

Zendura retainers are often a popular middle-ground option for patients seeking increased durability.

Vivera Retainers

Vivera retainers are manufactured by Invisalign using the same technology behind Invisalign aligners. They are designed for long-term durability, and are contoured to your gums for improved comfort.

Vivera retainers are suitable for patients who:

  • Grind or clench their teeth heavily

  • Are seeking a more comfortable fit

  • Are looking for a reliable long-term solution to maintain their smile

In selected cases, we are also able to close minor gaps that may have developed between your teeth over time.

Comparison table of alternative retainer options, showing Hawley retainer and fixed retainer features, including price, design, best for, duration, and qualities like durability and convenience.

Hawley Retainer

Illustration of a dental model showing the upper and lower teeth, with the lower teeth and gums visible.

A Hawley retainer is a removable retainer used after orthodontic treatment. It is made of a thin metal wire that runs across the front of your teeth, held in place by an acrylic (plastic) base.

The wire can be adjusted by the dentist to ensure a proper fit and to make minor corrections if needed.

Lifespan: 3 to 5 years, with 6 monthly adjustments at the clinic

Fixed Retainer

An illustration of the upper jaw and roof of a mouth showing teeth and a wire orthodontic retainer.

A fixed retainer, also known as a permanent retainer, is usually made of a thin stainless steel wire that is custom-fitted to the back of the front teeth. Because it sits behind the teeth, it is invisible when you talk or smile.

Fixed retainers are designed to stay in place indefinitely, helping to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

Lifespan: Several years, regular checks required.

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Patient Guide

Retainer Usage & Care

Learn why retainers are essential, how to use them, and which type is best for your teeth.

Read More →

Brighter, healthier smiles.