essix retainers

Are essix retainers as reliable and effective as Hawley retainers. My daughter has an Essix from one ortho and my step son was given a hawley from another. Both said theirs was better. My older son is about to get his braces off from the ortho that uses the essix. I just want to feel assured the right procedure is taken

Thank You

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

There isn't much of a difference if you're concerned with the ability for it to retain the teeth in their proper position after orthodontic treatment.  

The Hawley retainer is probably a little more stable and solid than the Essix retainer.  This means that it can probably take a little bit more of a beating before it breaks.  

The Essix retainer, meanwhile, can act as a bleaching tray.  

You may want to discuss more specifics with your orthodontist.