Top Retainer Brands You Need to Know

Choosing the right retainer brand can be crucial for maintaining orthodontic results and ensuring long-term dental health. Various brands have garnered a reputation for quality, comfort, and effectiveness, making it difficult to select the best fit for your individual needs. In this article, we will explore some of the top-rated retainer brands recommended by dental professionals and satisfied users alike. Whether you're looking for durability, affordability, or a custom fit, you'll find what you need in the detailed list below.

Illustration of retainers

Best brands of retainers in 2025

Invisalign

Invisalign, developed by Align Technology, is a leading brand in the clear aligners market, known for its high-quality and effective orthodontic solutions. As of 2018, Invisalign clear aligners have been used in the treatment of over 5 million people, with worldwide shipments to teenagers totaling about 87.1 thousand cases. The brand's Vivera retainers, made using 3D printing technology, offer a convenient and aesthetically appealing option, with each set including four upper and four lower retainers. Invisalign's market dominance is further reinforced by its strong sales performance and collaborations with dental care providers, contributing to a significant market share. The brand's products are preferred for their comfort, predictability, and the ability to adapt to various orthodontic needs.

Vivera

Vivera retainers, produced by Align Technology, are renowned for their superior strength and aesthetic appeal, making them a top choice for orthodontic retention. These retainers are made with proprietary clear thermoplastic material that is over 30 percent stronger than other leading clear retainer materials, reducing the likelihood of cracking or breaking. Introduced in 2007, Vivera retainers are designed to maintain tooth position effectively, with a subscription-based program delivering fresh retainers every three months. They are suitable for both Invisalign and non-Invisalign patients and can be customized with Precision Bite Ramps for additional support. Over 688,000 patients with moderate or severe deep bite malocclusion have been treated with Invisalign, highlighting the efficacy of Vivera retainers in retention. Learn more about Vivera retainers and their superior strength.

Essix

Essix is a leading brand in the production of clear retainers, renowned for their high-quality, transparent, and robust vacuum-formed appliances. These retainers are widely recommended by orthodontists due to their effectiveness in maintaining dental alignment, with studies indicating that even thin sheets of less than 0.35 mm can successfully maintain dental irregularity, overjet, and overbite. The preferred thicknesses for Essix retainers are 1.0 mm (68%) and 0.75 mm (16%). Essix retainers are favorably compared to other types, such as Hawley retainers, in terms of preventing occlusal settling. Their durability and performance make them a preferred choice in orthodontic care. For more detailed information, you can visit the clear retainer informational page.

ClearCorrect

ClearCorrect is a leading provider of clear aligners, known for its advanced technology, innovative digital workflows, and dedicated practice growth support. Acquired by the Straumann Group in 2017, ClearCorrect has expanded into over 56 countries and transformed over a million smiles globally. Its aligners retain 10 times more of their initial force and have 4 times more proven tear resistance compared to competitors, thanks to the proprietary ClearQuartz tri-layer material. The company has recently activated new manufacturing lines in the USA and Germany, and received approval to commercialize its aligner system in China. ClearCorrect works with over 20,000 doctors worldwide, making it a significant player in the orthodontic market. For more detailed information, visit their official press release.

Tru-Tain

Tru-Tain is recognized as a top producer of orthodontic retainers, particularly for its thermoplastic materials that exhibit strong mechanical properties. In a study evaluating different thermoplastic retainer materials, Tru-Tain DX showed a mean value of 2.35 for its mechanical properties, indicating high durability. The U.S. orthodontic retainers market, which includes brands like Tru-Tain, is expected to grow significantly, reaching USD 2,020.76 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 14.90% from 2024 to 2031. Tru-Tain's products are favored for their stability and effectiveness in maintaining orthodontic results. The brand's retainers are part of a market segment that is increasingly important due to the rising demand for orthodontic treatments.

Hawley

Hawley retainers, produced by renowned companies like Ormco and Dentsply, are highly regarded for their efficacy and cost-effectiveness in maintaining tooth alignment post-orthodontic treatment. These retainers have been a staple in orthodontic care for many years, with studies showing no significant difference in clinical effectiveness compared to vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs) in preventing tooth malalignment when worn as instructed. Despite this, patient preference often leans towards VFRs due to better esthetics, speech, and comfort, although Hawley retainers remain a preferred choice among dentists due to their reliability and durability. The global orthodontic retainers market, which includes Hawley retainers, was valued at USD 2641.78 million in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 4,115.87 million by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.05%. Hawley retainers continue to hold a significant market share, particularly in the metal retainer segment.

Dentsply Sirona

Dentsply Sirona is a leading provider in the orthodontic retainers market, renowned for its high-quality and innovative dental solutions. With over 110 years of industry experience, the company has established a strong presence globally, including significant market shares in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Dentsply Sirona's products, including orthodontic aligners and appliances, are highly regarded for their effectiveness and comfort, contributing to the company's prominent position in the market. The company's comprehensive product range and commitment to digital workflows have made it a preferred choice among dental professionals. Dentsply Sirona's market presence and product offerings are expected to continue driving growth in the orthodontic retainers market.

Ormco

Ormco, a leading brand in the orthodontic industry, is a significant player in the global orthodontic retainers market, known for its high-quality and durable products. In 2023, metal orthodontic retainers, a category where Ormco excels, accounted for the largest market share, with metal retainers preferred by dentists due to their cost-effectiveness and efficacy. The global orthodontic retainers market, which Ormco is a part of, was valued at USD 2641.78 million in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 4,115.87 million by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.05%. Ormco's products are widely used across various regions, with North America holding the largest market share. The brand's contribution to the market is significant, especially in the teen segment, which was the largest consumer group in 2023. For more details, visit their official website.

Zendura

Zendura is renowned as a premium producer of orthodontic retainers, particularly with its Zendura A material, which is considered the gold standard for its exceptional crack resistance, stress retention, and stain resistance properties. Developed over a decade ago, Zendura A is made from a proprietary medical-grade polyurethane (TPU) resin, costing around $18 per pound, significantly more than the $1 per pound of polyester resins used by competitors. This material boasts up to 2X more crack resistance than competing materials and can last patients for 3 to 5-plus years. Zendura A is also BPA, phthalate, and gluten-free, ensuring safety and durability. Its use in both retainers and aligners, including multi-thickness aligner systems and later-stage "finishing" aligners, underscores its versatility and performance.

Byte

Byte, although primarily known for its clear aligners, has been a significant player in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) orthodontic market. Despite recent challenges, including the voluntary suspension of its aligner sales and marketing due to regulatory reviews, Byte had managed to capture an outsized share of growth, with a market revenue of USD 160 million in the North American market and a market share of almost 9% as of H1 2024. However, the brand's performance has been marred by quality issues and lower-than-expected growth rates, particularly in FY 2021 and FY 2022. Byte's growth ambitions were hindered by its failure to scale globally and meet initial revenue targets, despite its acquisition by XRAY in an all-cash deal worth $1.04 billion in December 2020. The brand's recent launch of a dentist-directed hybrid model, Byte+, has been an attempt to adapt to changing market conditions. For more insights into Byte's strategies and XRAY's involvement, read this informative article on XRAY's DTC aligner business exit.