Permanent Retainers
Permanent retainers are created by permanently affixing titanium, copper, or nickel wires to specific locations in your mouth. These retainers cannot be lost and rarely need to be replaced if they are cared for properly. They can be harder to clean, however.
Removable Retainers
There are two kinds of removable retainers available, one temporary and one more durable. The temporary retainers are made from clear plastic and normally last up to a year before they must be replaced. Many patients consider them the most comfortable type.
The more durable removable retainer, known as the Hawley retainer, is created with a metal wire and either plastic or acrylic. You can choose which color you want your Hawley retainer to come in. They can last up to two decades if you care for them correctly.
Removable retainers are more popular because they can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning. It is easier to clean your teeth and you have no food restrictions when you have a removable retainer.