Retainers are orthodontic devices used to maintain the alignment of teeth after braces or other orthodontic treatments.
There are two main types of orthodontic retainers:
1. Removable Retainers:
 Clear Plastic Retainers: Also known as Essix retainers, these are transparent, removable retainers similar in appearance to clear aligners. They fit snugly over the teeth and are less noticeable than Hawley retainers.
Hawley Retainers: These are the traditional type of removable retainers made of a combination of metal wires and acrylic. The acrylic portion sits against the roof of the mouth or along the lower teeth, while the metal wire wraps around the front teeth to keep them in place.
2. Fixed Retainers:
These are permanent retainers consisting of a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth  to keep them in position. Fixed retainers are not visible and do not require removal, but they require careful oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup.
Regular wear of retainers is crucial to prevent teeth from shifting and to protect the investment in orthodontic treatment.