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The clear Invisalign-type retainer is called an Essex retainer. The other type of removable retainer is a Hawley retainer. This type has a metal wire which goes across the front teeth. Bonded retainers are very common, especially in adults, and especially on the bottom teeth. They are used when the ortho is concerned about relapse. Bonded retainers are replaced with removable ones after a period of time. If you have the choice, I'd go with the Essex retainers and just be very diligent with wearing them.
From the pictures I saw, I thought the bonded retainer looked like smaller solid brackets, but the one I was shown was basically just a wire. What was interesting.
Personally when it came down to retention I refused the bonded retainer for personal reasons and went with hawley ones top and bottom. My braces have been off more than a year and my results are still flawless. No matter what you select you will need to wear them as instructed by your ortho.
a bonded retainer has no brackets it is just glued onto the back of your teeth
i have seen some that also have bands on (im guessing to keep it in place)
