How much do retainers usually cost?

Asked by: Ryan Harper

Traditional Hawley retainers cost between $150-600. Replacement clear retainers, like an Invisalign or an Essix retainer, cost between $400-$800. The first retainer you get is usually included in the cost of your total orthodontic treatment. Permanent retainers cost between $150-$500 to place or replace.

How much should retainers cost?

Typically, retainers can cost anywhere from $250 to $600 per set without insurance. The final cost will largely depend on whether you choose a permanent or removable retainer, the specific circumstances of your treatment, and which orthodontic practice provides your treatment.

How much does a plastic retainer cost?

Clear plastic retainers have become more and more popular and are used more often than Hawley retainers. Average cost varies from about $100 to $285 for one tray (upper or lower).

Why are retainers expensive?

The main factor in how much teeth retainers cost is the dentist markup. Dentists with large overheads naturally have a higher markup. Most of the removable retainer types are not made in the dentist’s office, but rather off-site at a dental lab. These labs take an impression and turn it into a retainer.

Is it worth getting a retainer?

You might need a retainer for a few reasons. The most common reason is to help your teeth stay set in their new positions after wearing braces. It’s important to wear your retainer because as your body grows, your teeth do some shifting. The retainer helps to control this shifting, which occurs naturally.

How long does a retainer last?

about 5-10 years

The lifespan of each depends on how well you take care of your mouth and the retainer. Both types of retainers can potentially last for years if you routinely clean and avoid damaging them. On average, removable retainers tend to last for about 5-10 years, while permanent retainers can potentially last for decades.

How often should retainers be replaced?

A retainer is in the mouth for 6-8 hours nightly. Therefore, we recommend you replace your retainer as often as your toothbrush. Retainer Club offers plans to replace your retainers every 4,6, or 12 months. For the best performance and cleanliness, you should replace your retainers as often as your toothbrush.

Can I use retainer without braces?

Retainers are a good substitute for braces when the issue is extremely minor. For instance, a retainer can be used effectively if the problem concerns only one or two teeth, if there is a slight gap between two teeth, or if one of the teeth is out of place.

What to do if you can’t afford retainers?

Give Your Orthodontist a Call

If you’ve looked for a few hours and still can’t find your retainer then you’ll need to contact your orthodontist to get a new one. They’ll make an appointment with you to either make a new mold of your teeth or to order a copy of your old ones if they still have your impression.

Can retainers move teeth back?

So the answer to the question, “can retainers move teeth back?” is yes, sometimes. If your retainer doesn’t fit snugly or causes pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dental professional for their recommendation.

Why does my retainer smell?

Just like on your teeth, plaque, tartar, and bacteria can build up on the surface of your retainer. This build-up contributes to the bad smell you may experience. While brushing and flossing your teeth are important to keep these things in check, regular cleaning of your retainer is also important.

Do I have to wear retainers for the rest of my life?

Your retainers will help prevent this from happening as you age. To maintain a straight smile for a lifetime, you’re going to need to wear your retainers nightly for the rest of your life. The good news is, after some time it won’t be necessary to wear them as often.

Can you get permanent retainers removed?

Can You Remove a Permanent Retainer? Yes, you can remove a permanent retainer, either because you’ve decided that you no longer need one or because your old retainer needs replacement. Recall that permanent retainers can last up to 20 years.

How expensive is Invisalign?

The Invisalign^® system represents outstanding value and often requires less visits than old style metal braces. Invisalign costs and prices over the entire course of the treatment can vary from NZ$3000 through to $11000 or more depending on many different factors.

Do retainers hurt?

It’s natural for your retainer to hurt for at least the first day after being fitted, as your mouth adjusts to the novel sensation. Discomfort typically only lasts for four to five days – a week at most. If your retainer is causing you discomfort beyond this, it’s best to book a consult with your orthodontist.

Can permanent retainers cause cavities?

Fixed retainers may also make it more difficult to brush and floss. If you do not brush and floss your permanent retainer then your teeth may get cavities and gum disease. Be sure to remove the tarter buildup at your dentist regularly to ensure no cavities or gum disease develop.

What happens if I dont brush my retainers?

What happens if you don’t clean your retainer? Your retainer will keep collecting bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your mouth while you wear it. Over time, it may even start to smell or taste funny if you don’t clean it often enough.

Which is better plastic or wire retainer?

Metal retainers have various advantages that make them more desirable compared to plastic ones. These benefits include: They are less costly. They are more durable.

Can dentist fix broken permanent retainer?

Also, when there are concerns about breaking the permanent retainer, a removable retainer might be preferable. If the retainer breaks, the point is this: book an appointment with the dentist immediately to have it checked. The dental professional will work on repairing or replacing it to keep your teeth aligned.

Can I use a mouthguard as a retainer?

You should also be careful about using night guards as retainers. If you have a hard night guard that is properly fitted to your teeth, it can serve as a retainer, but a soft night guard won’t prevent your teeth from shifting.

Do orthodontists keep retainer molds?

The good news is that the orthodontist probably has kept the patient’s retainer molds. The new retainer can be shipped down to the vacation spot, or the patient’s usual orthodontist can refer them to a local orthodontist.

How long does it take teeth to shift without retainer?

The first three months are critical, and the teeth are most likely to shift during this stage. During this time, a week without your retainer may cause some minor shifting.

Is it OK to not wear retainer for 2 days?

If you accidentally forget to wear your removable retainer for a day or two, don’t worry too much. Resume your retainer regimen as instructed, and you should be fine. If it’s been longer than that, such as weeks, or even months, try it on to see if it still fits.

Do retainers stop jaw growth?

The retainers are also not capable of restraining or controlling jaw growth and will not be able to prevent the effects of adverse jaw growth of the bite relationships. Fortunately, this type of adverse jaw growth rarely occurs.