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Types of fixed retainers : 2025 comparison (PEEK, multi-strand wires, essix retainers)
Why Compare Types of Retainers ?
Retainer types today are divided into two main categories : fixed retainers and removable appliances.
Among bonded wires, the latest innovation is the custom-made PEEK retainer. This metal-free polymer is biocompatible, invisible in imaging, and nearly unbreakable, providing 24/7 stabilization.
The metal alternatives — multi-strand stainless steel or titanium wires, as well as older rigid bars — remain economical or traditional options but are subject to wear, imaging artifacts, and increased risk of breakage or discomfort.
For removable retainers, the Essix tray prioritizes lightness, the Vivera extends longevity by providing three identical sets, while the Hawley plate still allows minor post-treatment adjustments.
Clinical data, however, is unequivocal : by 2025, most removable retainers fail long term because they rely entirely on patient compliance. Learn everything about fixed retainers in our comprehensive guide dedicated to fixed retainers.
Faced with this challenge, practitioners turn to fixed solutions like PEEK, which are more reliable, foolproof, and free from risk of breakage.
Fixed Retainer Wires
At one point, it was believed that clear aligners would replace fixed retainers. Convenient, discreet, and easy to produce, they seemed to check all the boxes. But in hindsight, clinical reality proved otherwise : according to Pratt’s study (2010), nine out of ten patients stop wearing them before three years.
Today, fixed retainers have regained their rightful place in stabilization protocols. Always active, invisible from the front, and above all impossible to remove, they provide retention independent of patient compliance.
The Custom eZtain PEEK Wire
The newest addition to the world of dental retention, PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is gradually establishing itself as the best alternative to traditional metal alloys.
This aerospace-grade material is now winning over orthodontists thanks to its unique properties, perfectly suited for long-term retention. Precisely milled to the micron from a digital impression, this lingual wire integrates with surgical accuracy into the patient’s arch — eliminating the need for manual bending still common with traditional metal wires.
Metal-free, it is fully biocompatible, radiolucent, and MRI-compatible — thus eliminating imaging artifacts and allergy issues related to nickel found in traditional metal wires.
Multistrand Metal Wire
Long considered the reference for fixed retention, this twisted stainless steel wire has been used by generations of orthodontists. Flexible, adaptable, and economical, it served for decades to maintain tooth alignment after treatment.
However, with clinical hindsight and current demands, its limitations have become increasingly apparent. The twisted structure retains plaque more easily and complicates hygiene. Its metal composition, enriched with nickel, may cause allergic reactions and poses problems during MRI examinations.
Finally, it requires annual check-ups and eventually a full replacement. At a time when orthodontists aim for lifelong retention, more reliable and hassle-free for patients, this type of wire is starting to lose ground.
The Retention Bar
Not to be confused with a classic lingual wire : the retention bar is a thicker, more rigid device, often used in the 1990s and 2000s. It is welded or bent to bond only on the canines, without adhering to the front teeth. As a result, the incisors may still shift slightly over time.
While once valued for its sturdiness and quick placement, it now presents several drawbacks. It interferes with the tongue, may cause irritation or speech difficulties, and remains visible when opening the mouth wide. Like its more recent metal counterpart, it also creates artifacts during MRI scans.
The dental retention bar, now outdated, has been replaced by the more flexible and discreet multistrand wire, and more recently by the custom PEEK wire : a modern solution combining comfort, durability, and MRI compatibility — a real breakthrough in post-orthodontic stability.
Summary table — The different types of fixed retainers
| Variant | Material | Durability* | Perceived comfort | Hygiene (ease) | MRI compatibility | Estimated cost | Common use 2025 |
| Custom PEEK wire by eZtain | High-performance polymer | Unbreakable ≥ 5 years | ★★★★ | ★★★ | Yes (radiolucent) | €€€ | “Lifetime” stabilization |
| Multistrand metal wire | Stainless steel | Breakage/detachment 2 – 3%/year | ★★ | ★★ | No (artifacts) | € | Economical alternative under regular monitoring |
| Grade 5 titanium wire (nickel-free) | Pure titanium | Approx. 10 years | ★★★ | ★★ | Limited (reduced artifacts) | €€ | Hypoallergenic option |
| Retention bar | Rigid wire Ø 0.9 mm | > 10 years (rarely replaced) | ★ | ★★ | No (strong artifacts) | € | Historical cases only |
*With strict hygiene and annual check-ups.
Removable retainers
Presented as a comfortable and modern innovation, removable retainers have long been seen as the future of post-treatment stabilization. They are removed for eating, brushing teeth, traveling… On paper, everything seemed easier.
But in reality, their effectiveness entirely depends on patient compliance. And the figures speak for themselves : after two years, fewer than one in two patients still wear them three nights a week; after three years, fewer than 10% (Pratt study, 2010). Too easy to forget, too dependent on motivation, they pose a real risk of relapse.
They still have value in some cases, particularly for temporary retention or gradual treatment ends. But for serious, “lifetime” stabilization, orthodontists now turn to fixed solutions, especially PEEK retainers — more reliable and easier to live with daily.
That said, it’s still useful to be aware of the three types of removable retainers still offered in specific cases.
Essix retainer
The Essix retainer is a thin transparent shell, made from a dental impression or scan. It covers the dental arch and is usually worn at night, like a discreet mouthguard, to keep teeth aligned after orthodontic treatment.
Thin and transparent, it is generally worn at night. Its main advantage is simplicity : no glue, no lingual adjustment, and low-cost replacement when it wears out or gets lost. The downside is twofold : short lifespan (one to two years) and effectiveness closely tied to patient discipline; as soon as the night routine is abandoned, teeth can shift.
Vivera retainer
Produced in sets of three by the same manufacturer as Invisalign aligners, the Vivera uses a thicker polyacrylate material than the Essix. The manufacturer supplies three identical retainers upfront, extending protection to about five years if replacements are spaced wisely. Pressure distribution across the arch reduces the risk of isolated micro-movements, but daily wear remains essential. Its cost, higher than Essix, is justified by its announced longevity and manufacturing precision.
Hawley retainer
A product of traditional orthodontics, the Hawley retainer combines a palatal resin base and a U-shaped labial wire hugging the incisors’ edge. Durable and adjustable, it allows for correction of minor relapses via simple wire adjustments. On the downside, its bulk can impair speech, makes it visible when talking, and leads many patients to stop wearing it early. Its current role is limited to cases requiring small occlusion adjustments not achievable with clear aligners.
Summary Table — Removable Retainers
| Type | Recommended Wear | Average Durability | Measured Compliance* | Indicative Cost | Preferred Uses |
| Essix Tray | Every night | 1 – 2 years | ~ 50 % at 24 months | € | Standard stabilization if strict discipline |
| Vivera Tray | Every night | ≈ 5 years (3 sets) | ~ 55 % at 24 months | €€€ | Previous aligner treatments |
| Hawley Plate | Every night | 5 – 10 years | ~ 40 % at 24 months | €€ | Occlusion adjustment, historical cases |
*Compliance rates according to the instrumented study by Pratt 2010.
Trends 2025 : towards “zero breakage, zero forgetting”
The convergence of clinical data on late relapse and the advent of digital manufacturing have profoundly changed post-treatment retention strategies. Practitioners now seek devices that maintain teeth without voluntary patient intervention, whether for compliance or repair visits.
This evolution also addresses new clinical challenges : managing nocturnal bruxism, durable prevention of orthodontic relapse, and the pursuit of truly passive dental stabilization.
In this context, the transition is accelerating : bonded wires remain the standard, but metal alloys are gradually giving way to custom PEEK, which offers mechanical strength, invisibility, MRI compatibility, and complete absence of nickel.
The result ? No more emergencies due to broken wires, unexpected appointments, or repeated replacements. Once installed, the retainer stays in place without hassle, complicated maintenance — and most importantly, without stress.
What is the best dental retainer ?
For adults, the most reliable solution is a custom fixed PEEK wire : it contains no metal, does not break, remains invisible, and does not interfere with MRI. Metal wires and trays remain valid options but require more repairs or disciplined wear.
What are the drawbacks of fixed wire retainers ?
A wire fixed to the teeth facilitates plaque buildup; it requires careful brushing with interdental brushes. Metal versions can break or detach (2-3 % per year), create MRI artifacts, and, when containing nickel, may rarely cause skin allergies.
Practical FAQ
My wire detached : what should I do ?
If one of the bonding points comes off, protect the irritating end with some orthodontic wax and contact your practitioner the same day; the less time teeth have to move, the simpler and faster the repair will be.
Should I avoid certain foods ?
Anything that requires very strong biting, like ice cubes, pits, or very hard crusts, increases the risk of detachment. Cut firm foods before chewing and avoid biting pens or nails.
How do I clean around a fixed wire ?
Careful brushing with a soft brush after every meal is essential. In the evening, use an interdental brush or Superfloss under the wire to remove plaque that accumulates between the teeth and composite; this is the best way to prevent tartar and gingivitis.
I lost my retainer : is it urgent ?
If the retainer is your only retention device, you have ten to fourteen days before micro-movements become noticeable. Beyond that, a new impression will be needed to make another, and teeth may have already shifted visibly.
The fixed wire irritates my tongue; is that normal ?
Mild discomfort during the first week is common; the tongue quickly adapts. However, persistent pain or localized tingling often signals the start of detachment : schedule a check-up before the wire fully detaches.
Conclusion
The stabilization phase is no longer the “annex” it was twenty years ago : it determines the longevity of a treatment whose time and cost are already significant. Retainer wear statistics show that truly durable retention must be independent of patient motivation. In this light, fixed retainers remain essential, and the shift to high-performance polymers marks a decisive advance. The custom PEEK wire developed by eZtain combines mechanical security, invisibility, and full compatibility with medical imaging; it thus meets current clinical demands while freeing practitioners from breakage emergencies.
Considering these criteria, the eZtain PEEK wire today combines all the qualities of the best retainer wire for those seeking long-term stability without maintenance.
For further reading, see our complete guide to retainer wires, as well as our articles dedicated to installation and maintenance.
The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only; it does not replace the examination and personalized advice of a certified orthodontist.