A fixed retainer is sometimes referred to as a permanent retainer because you do not take it out. Unlike a removable retainer you might take out in the morning when you wake up, a fixed retainer is bonded or cemented to the backside of your teeth. Also called a bonded retainer, a fixed retainer can be fitted either to the lower or upper part of your mouth because of the bonding technique mentioned. This is done using a thin wire custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth. Learn more in our blog article, "Retainers FAQs."