Retainers and stable resultsQuestion after the braces come off

Which retainers hold the teeth more firmly – fixed or removable?

Answered byDr Ivelina Ivanova-Koycheva, Orthodontist (MSc)Master's degrees in orthodontics in Rome and in aligner treatment in Turin, international lecturerPublished on 12 November 2026

The debate about which retainer is best in terms of strength, durability and effectiveness has existed since the very beginning of orthodontics as a speciality. There is still no consensus among orthodontists as to which option is better, and different specialists and teachers in the field hold different views.

My personal view is that fixed retainers have too many drawbacks for the health of the teeth. They can cause:

  • Gum inflammation

  • Difficulty flossing

  • Tartar build-up

In addition, fitting them on the upper jaw is often impossible because of the way the teeth bite together, and the risk of them coming unstuck is relatively high. If the retainer comes unstuck and this goes unnoticed, the teeth can become crooked again.

For these reasons, I prefer removable aligner-type retainers in most cases. They provide good stability, are easy to clean and do not carry the same risks for the gums and teeth as fixed retainers.

This answer is for general information. Your own case needs an examination by an orthodontist.