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Mostly retainer choice is about the personal preference of the ortho. Sometimes it is necessary to take into account other factors, but mostly these are to do with patient comfort and compliance.
Fixed retainers are good for retaining a few front teeth ... upper and lower. They also have a good record with gaps, but then so do both essix and hawley type retainers.
I think it's important to ask your orthodontist why they've chosen a certain type of retainer and tell your ortho if you're not happy with their decision, as this will give your ortho the chance to explain why they prefer this type of retainer. Then the most important part for you, is to remember that some retainer wear is required for life! All teeth have memory and teeth that have been moved using orthodontic procedures will usually try to return to their original positions. Factor into that, the continued movement of teeth for as long as you're alive, and the importance of continued retainer wear for some part of every week, is the only way teeth can be retained in their finished position.
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