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After finishing orthodontic treatment, your dentist or orthodontist will recommend a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position. The two most common types you'll come across are clear retainers and Hawley retainers. Both do the same fundamental job, but they work differently, feel different to wear, and suit different situations.
Here's a straightforward comparison of clear retainers and Hawley retainers to help you understand the difference and figure out which one is right for you.
What Is a Clear Retainer?
A clear retainer, sometimes called an Essix retainer, is a thin transparent tray moulded precisely to the shape of your teeth. It fits snugly over the entire arch like a mouthguard, holding each tooth in its exact position. Clear retainers are the most common type recommended after clear aligner treatment because they're virtually invisible, comfortable to wear, and easy to maintain.
They're removable, which means you take them out for eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning your teeth. Most people wear them nightly on an ongoing basis after an initial period of full-time wear immediately post-treatment.
What Is a Hawley Retainer?
A Hawley retainer is a more traditional design made from a combination of acrylic and metal wire. The acrylic plate sits against the roof of the mouth or along the inside of the lower teeth, and a wire runs across the front of the teeth to hold them in position. They've been used in orthodontics for decades and are known for their durability and adjustability.
Hawley retainers are bulkier than clear retainers and more visible, though the wire is on the front of the teeth rather than behind them. They're also adjustable, which means a dentist can make minor modifications to the wire to tweak tooth position if needed after treatment.
How They Compare
Visibility
Clear retainers are virtually invisible when worn. Most people find that friends and colleagues don't notice them at all. Hawley retainers are more visible due to the metal wire running across the front teeth. For most adults, this is a significant factor.
Comfort
Clear retainers are generally more comfortable, particularly in the early adjustment period. They fit closely to the teeth with no bulky acrylic component. Hawley retainers can feel bulky initially, particularly the upper version which includes an acrylic palate. Most people adapt to both over time.
Durability
Hawley retainers are significantly more durable than clear retainers. With proper care, a Hawley retainer can last 5 to 10 years or more. Clear retainers typically last 6 to 18 months depending on how well they're maintained and whether the wearer grinds their teeth.
Effectiveness
Both types are effective at retaining teeth when worn consistently. Clear retainers hold each tooth in its exact position by covering the entire surface. Hawley retainers hold the overall arch position but allow a small amount of natural tooth settling, which some orthodontists consider beneficial. For most people the retention outcomes are comparable.
Adjustability
Hawley retainers can be adjusted by a dentist if minor tweaks to tooth position are needed after treatment. Clear retainers cannot be adjusted and must be replaced if the fit changes significantly.
Speech
Clear retainers have a minimal effect on speech for most people. Hawley retainers, particularly upper ones, can affect speech slightly while the tongue adjusts to the presence of the acrylic palate. Most people adapt within a few days.
Cost
From a dental clinic, clear retainers typically cost $300 to $600 per set. Hawley retainers from a clinic typically cost $200 to $500 per arch. Jawology's custom clear retainers start from $149 per set, making them significantly more affordable without the need for a clinic visit.
Cleaning
Both are removable and cleaned outside the mouth. Clear retainers are cleaned with a soft brush, mild soap and cool water. Hawley retainers are cleaned similarly but the wire requires extra attention. Both can be soaked with retainer cleaning tablets.
Which One Is Better?
For most adults, particularly those who've completed clear aligner treatment, a clear retainer is the better choice. The near-invisibility, comfortable fit, and ease of use make them significantly easier to wear consistently, which is ultimately what determines how well your results are maintained.
Hawley retainers make more sense in specific situations. They're worth considering if durability is a priority and you'd rather replace a retainer less frequently. They may also be recommended if you have specific bite-related needs that benefit from their adjustability, or if your orthodontist has a particular preference based on your treatment history.
In practice, many people end up with both types at some point. A common approach is to use a clear retainer for nightly wear and have a Hawley as a backup, or to transition to a Hawley for daytime use in the early months post-treatment when more wear time is recommended.
Jawology Clear Retainers
Jawology's custom clear retainers are made from Zendura-FLX, a premium dental-grade material used by professional orthodontic practices. They're available from $149 per set with no clinic visit required. You take impressions at home, send them back, and your retainers are made and delivered to your door within 2 to 3 weeks.
Multi-set packs are available for ongoing replacement at a lower per-set cost:
- 1 Set: $149
- 2 Sets: $279
- 4 Sets: $495
- 8 Sets: $695
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clear retainers as effective as Hawley retainers?
Yes, for most people. Both types are effective at retaining teeth when worn consistently. Clear retainers hold each tooth precisely in position by covering the entire surface. Hawley retainers hold the overall arch position with some allowance for natural settling. Retention outcomes are comparable for the majority of orthodontic cases.
How long do clear retainers last compared to Hawley retainers?
Clear retainers typically last 6 to 18 months with proper care. Hawley retainers are significantly more durable and can last 5 to 10 years or more. If longevity is a priority, a Hawley is the better choice. If comfort and invisibility matter more, a clear retainer is the right option.
Can I switch from a Hawley retainer to a clear retainer?
In most cases yes, though it's worth checking with your dentist first. If your teeth have been stable in their position for some time, switching to a clear retainer is generally straightforward. New impressions will be needed to make the clear retainer.
Do clear retainers affect speech?
Minimally for most people. There may be a slight adjustment period of a day or two while the tongue adapts to the feel of the retainer, but most people find their speech returns to normal quickly. Hawley retainers, particularly upper ones, tend to have a slightly more noticeable effect on speech during the adjustment period.
Can I order a clear retainer online without going to a dentist?
Yes. Jawology's custom clear retainers are ordered entirely from home. You take impressions using the included kit, send them back, and your retainers are made and delivered. No appointment needed.
What is an Essix retainer?
Essix is a brand name that has become a commonly used term for clear thermoplastic retainers in general, in the same way "Hoover" is used to refer to vacuum cleaners. An Essix retainer and a clear retainer are essentially the same thing: a transparent custom-fitted tray worn over the teeth to maintain their position after orthodontic treatment.
Keep Your Smile Straight.
Order your custom Jawology clear retainer from $149. No clinic visit required.
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