Your teeth won’t stay straight on their own. After months (or years) of braces, the last thing you want is for them to shift back.
When transforming your smile, an often forgotten about aspect is the retainer phase. A retainer is a dental appliance that you wear over your teeth to help keep teeth in their correct position after braces, which is why getting one is so important.
But not all retainers work the same way. Essix and Hawley retainers each have strengths and drawbacks, and choosing wrong could mean discomfort, extra costs, or replacements sooner than expected.
So, which one’s better? That depends on your teeth, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to picking a Hawley retainer vs Essix.
What is an Essix Retainer?
An Essix retainer is a clear plastic tray that fits over your teeth to hold them in place. It looks a lot like an Invisalign aligner and molds tightly to your bite.
People love Essix retainers because of the comfortable fit and discreet appearance (it’s nearly invisible when worn) it offers. These appliances are also lightweight, easy to pop on and off and don’t interfere with speech like bulkier options.
But the tradeoff is that Essix retainers do not last for as long as some other options. The plastic can wear down, crack, or warp over time, especially if you grind your teeth or drink hot beverages while wearing it. On average, an Essix retainer lasts around 3 years before needing to be replaced.
Best for those who want a subtle, easy-to-wear retainer and don’t mind swapping it out every few years.
What is a Hawley Retainer?
The Hawley retainer is one of the most trusted post-braces devices. It’s removeable and has an acrylic base that rests against the roof of your mouth (or behind your lower teeth) with a thin metal wire wrapping around the front to hold your teeth in place.
People choose Hawley retainers because they last up to 10 years due to the acrylic and wire construction. They can also be adjusted if your teeth shift. This is great because if your teeth move, instead of replacing the entire retainer, your orthodontist can just adjust the wire.
The biggest con for the Hawley retainer is that it’s more noticeable than clear plastic ones. Some people also need time to adjust to speaking with the acrylic piece in their mouth.
Best for those who want a durable and adjustable retainer and don’t mind a visible wire.
Biggest Differences Between Hawley Retainer vs Essix
When comparing a Hawley retainer vs Essix, the biggest differences come down to appearance, durability, and adjustability.
Best Appearance: Essix
Essix retainers are clear and nearly invisible compared to Hawley’s visible metal wire, making them the best choice for anyone who wants to keep their orthodontic work discreet.
Most Durable: Hawley
While Hawley retainers are more noticeable, they’re also far more durable, lasting up to 10 years compared to Essix’s 3 years.
Most Comfortable: Essix
Essix has a slight edge on comfort. Their retainers are smoother and fit like a mouthguard. And while Hawley retainers allow for more flexibility and airflow, some people have noted that they can feel a bit bulkier.
Easiest Maintenance: Hawley
The Hawley retainer vs Essix is much easier to maintain for several reasons. The first being that they last longer, therefore they do not need to be replaced as much.
As for cleaning, with a Hawley, you just need to brush your teeth as you normally would. An Essix retainer is also fairly easy to brush (separately from your regular teeth brushing), but it is more prone to staining and warping over time.
More Affordable Price: Hawley
While many assume Essix retainers are the cheaper option, that’s not always the case. Essix retainers often need to be replaced more frequently (whereas Hawley retainers are more of a long-term investment), and in some cases, they can cost more upfront.
And depending on where you get your retainers, the price might vary.
Hawley Retainer vs Essix Prices
Hawley Orthodontic Retainer: Starting at $189.99 per arch
Essix Partial Denture Retainer: $299.99 per arch
Which Retainer is Best for You?
Ultimately, both retainers do the same job—keeping your teeth straight. But of course you want to get the absolute best one for you. So when choosing between a Hawley retainer vs Essix, we recommend considering your budget, preferred aesthetic, appliance longevity, and how often you’re willing to replace it.
- If you want something discreet and comfortable, an Essix retainer is a solid option.
- If durability and adjustability matter more, a Hawley retainer is the better investment.
Do you need an affordable, high-quality retainer without the hassle of going to the dentist in person? Dental Lab Direct provides at-home solutions that will save you time and money.
So order today and keep your smile in shape for years to come!
