What are Teeth Retainers? [Types, Cost]

The process of keeping your teeth straight requires a retainer. After you complete orthodontic treatment like braces, you will be given a retainer and instructions for wearing it. In general, you will be instructed to use your retainer for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight. Retainers help prevent your teeth from shifting. Although it can be hard for some people to commit to wearing a retainer after treatment, there are many different retainer types that can be comfortable and fit to your smile goals. According to a study, approximately 62% of people who had their braces removed in 2021 wore their retainers every day at night. This article will explore the purpose of retainers and their benefits.

What is Orthodontics? [Types, Treatment]

Understanding Teeth Retainers

So, what are retainers for? A teeth retainer is custom-made for each individual to maintain the alignment of teeth after they are straightened through a dental procedure. In some cases, a retainer can be designed to help move a single tooth, close a small gap in-between teeth, prevent habits such as tongue thrust and thumb-sucking, or to protect the teeth from the harmful effects of teeth grinding. Retainers are commonly given following the completion of orthodontic treatment. In general, retainers can be classified as either removable or fixed. Removable retainers are commonly made of either a clear plastic-like material or an acrylic material with metal wire attachments.

The Importance of Retainers After Braces

There’s a difference between a retainer vs braces. You will receive a retainer after braces to maintain the results achieved from orthodontic treatment. Without a retainer, your teeth will naturally move overtime and may even shift back to their original positions. Maintaining straight teeth is not only beneficial for the appearance of your smile, but also to help reduce jaw strain, allow for better oral hygiene, and prevent wear and tear to your teeth and gums.

Different Types of Teeth Retainers

Type of Retainer	Description	Pros	Cons	Ideal For
Removable Clear Retainer	Removable clear retainers are typically made from plastic or polyurethane material. They fit snuggly to teeth and are virtually invisible.	Tight fit. Thin and comfortable to wear. Virtually invisible. Easily removable. Easy to have multiple retainers fabricated. Can also use trays for teeth whitening.	Easily worn and subject to cracks. Easily stained. Can be misplaced since it is removable. Can produce excess saliva.	Anyone after orthodontic treatment. Individuals interested in a less noticeable retainer.
Fixed Retainer	Fixed retainers are often referred to as metal retainers, as they are made from a metal wire typically containing copper, nickel, titanium, or a combination. They are bonded to the back-side of your teeth.	Help maintain tooth stability. Do not have to be taken on and off. Can last indefinitely.	Require extra time for flossing using special floss. Can easily retain dental plaque if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Can break and lead to teeth shifting. Must avoid hard, sticky and crunchy foods that can dislodge retainers. Do not protect all teeth from relapse since often only bonded to the front teeth. May cause speech impediments.	Individuals who have large spaces or extensive tooth crowding prior to orthodontic treatment. Individuals who are non-compliant in using removable retainers.
Hawley Retainer	Haley retainers are removable and are made up of metal wire connected to plastic or acrylic material.	Very durable, lasting approximately 20 years. Can be adjusted by your dental professional. May be able to personalize the color. Easily removable. More stain resistant than clear retainers.	May be considered unesthetic due to metal wire on the front teeth. Can be misplaced since it is removable. Can produce excess saliva. Can harbor bacteria.	Anyone after orthodontic treatment. Individuals interested in a long-lasting retainer.
Essix Retainer	Essix retainers are a type of clear removable retainer. They are often made of plastic or polyurethane material.	Tight fit. Thin and comfortable to wear. Virtually invisible. Easily removable. Easy to have multiple retainers fabricated. Can also use trays for teeth whitening.	Requires compliance since it is removable. Can be easily misplaced. Easily worn and subject to cracks. Easily stained. Can produce excess saliva.	Anyone after orthodontic treatment. Individuals interested in a less noticeable retainer.

How to Care for Your Dental Retainer

Caring for your teeth retainer is important to prolong their life and effectiveness. To avoid losing or damaging your retainer, keep it in your retainer case when not using it. You should remove your retainer when eating and drinking. Avoid wrapping your retainer in a napkin or placing it in your pocket or purse. You should also never store your retainer in hot places, such as the car, which can lead to retainer distortion. Also, do your best to keep your retainer away from any pets.

Like your teeth, retainers can collect and harbor bacteria. Brush and floss your teeth before putting your retainer on. You should clean your retainer at least once a day. It is recommended to brush your retainer off using antibacterial soap and water. If you have a metal fixed retainer, use super floss to remove dental plaque in-between your teeth.

Troubleshooting Common Retainer Problems

Sometimes, you may experience issues with our retainer. If your retainer becomes uncomfortable or damaged, it is important to see your orthodontist right away. Retainers may become ill-fitting if not worn for the adequate recommended time. Damage to your retainer can also occur from incorrect cleaning or storage. If you notice plaque or mineral buildup, you will need to clean your retainer more frequently to prevent transferring harmful bacteria to your oral cavity. Informing your orthodontist immediately of any retainer problems can help you avoid jeopardizing the alignment of your teeth and bite.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Retainers

A dental retainer can vary in cost based on different factors. One of the most notable factors influencing the cost of retainers is the type of retainer you receive. Without dental insurance, the average costs of retainers are 150–$300 for Hawley retainers, $100–$250 for clear retainers, and $250–$500 for permanent metal retainers. The cost of retainers can also be influenced by your dental provider, insurance coverage benefits, the retainer’s durability, and replacement retainers.

Insurance and Retainer Costs

Aspect	Insurance Coverage Details	Tips for Managing Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Eligibility for Coverage	Speak with your dental insurance plan to determine if you have coverage for orthodontic treatment. Retainers may be fully or partially covered by insurance.	Explore dental insurance options that offer coverage that meets the dental needs of you and your family.
Deductibles and Co-pays	Many dental insurance plans require an out-of-pocket deductible that has to be met prior to receiving dental insurance coverage for specific procedures. Some insurances may also require out-of-pocket co-payments before treatment can be performed.	Understand your dental insurance plan’s policies, deductibles, co-payments, and annual coverage maximums prior to initiating dental treatment.
Lifetime Maximums	Individuals will commonly have a lifetime maximum given for orthodontic treatment with their dental insurance. Average lifetime maximums for orthodontic treatment range between $1000-$3000.	If your insurance plan has a lifetime maximum, you may not have coverage for orthodontic treatment for a second time if your lifetime maximum was met initially.
Replacements	Retainer replacement costs can vary based on numerous factors. On average, the out-of-pocket costs can range between $150–$300 for Hawley retainers, $100–$250 for clear retainers, and $250–$500 for permanent metal retainers.	Your initial retainer is often included in dental insurance orthodontic coverage during active orthodontic treatment. However, replacement retainers may not be covered by dental insurance if not undergoing active treatment.
Payment Plans	Speak with your dental professional to determine all available payment plans to make orthodontic treatment more affordable.	For those without dental insurance, there can be many other payment options to help you manage out-of-pocket costs. This includes third-party organizations like CareCredit, dental discount plans, healthcare credit cards, Health Savings Account (HAS) and Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and office-specific payment plans.

Life with a Dental Retainer: What to Expect

Having a mouth retainer can take time to get used to. When retainers are worn for the first time, you may notice an increase in saliva production, speech issues, and oral soreness. These symptoms tend to resolve on their own after about a week of continuous wear. The best way to get used to wearing your orthodontic retainer is to wear it continuously for the recommended period of time. To prevent retainer loss, always carry your retainer case with you for when you have to remove them to eat and perform your oral hygiene routine. Avoid wrapping your retainer in napkins or placing them within the reach of pets. It is also important to keep your retainers clean. Retainers can harbor bacteria and debris that can damage your oral health. You should clean your retainer with retainer cleaners or antibacterial soap and your toothbrush at least once a day.

Adult Retainers: It’s Never Too Late

The benefits of having and maintaining straight teeth apply to both children and adults. The number of adults receiving orthodontic treatment is steadily increasing. An adult retainer should also be used to keep teeth in their positions after treatment for a lifetime.

Embracing Dental Retainers for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

Wearing a retainer is one of the most important parts of maintaining your smile following orthodontic treatment. To keep your healthy smile for a lifetime, you must make your retainer part of your everyday oral routine. Retainers are designed to prevent teeth from shifting out of alignment. Be sure to follow the instructions of your dentist and orthodontist and consult them for personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are retainers made of?

Retainers can be made from a variety of materials depending on the type of retainer you get. Clear Essix retainers are made of plastic or polyurethane. Hawley retainers are often made from plastic or acrylic material with a metal wire. Fixed retainers are composed of a metal wire, which is usually made of copper, nickel, titanium, or a combination of these metals.

How much do retainers cost with insurance?

If you have orthodontic coverage within your dental insurance, the cost of your retainer may be fully or partially covered. On average, the cost of a retainer with insurance ranges from $200 to $500 per set. Check with your insurance provider for exact out-of-pocket costs for initial retainers at the end of treatment and replacement retainers.

Can I get a new retainer from a different orthodontist?

In most cases, you can get a new retainer from a different orthodontist. If you see a different orthodontist, they will likely need to take a 3D scan or impression of your teeth to fabricate the retainer.

How long do I need to wear my retainer?

A retainer holds your teeth in their new position as your bone and surrounding oral tissues adapt to the changes. Each dental professional may have their own specific recommendations on how long to wear your retainer. In general, retainers should be used for a lifetime, or for as long as you would like to keep them in their straightened position. On average, retainers should be worn full-time for the first 3 to 6 months, then during sleeping hours thereafter for a lifetime.

Can retainers fix slight teeth shifts after braces?

In general, retainers are designed to hold your teeth in their new positions. There are some retainers, such as spring retainers, which are designed to fix slight shifted teeth after braces. If you notice relapse of your teeth after braces, contact your dental professional as soon as possible for evaluation.

Are there any risks associated with wearing retainers?

Improper use and care of retainers can lead to issues. Do not clean your retainers using bleach, as its exposure to the mouth can be toxic. In addition, wearing a retainer that does not fit properly can cause harm to your teeth and lead to tooth misalignment.

How can I get my child in the habit of wearing their retainer?

Initially, it can be challenging for people of any age to get in the habit of wearing a retainer. One of the best ways to get your child in the habit of wearing their retainer is to create visible reminders. This can be written notes or phone alarms. You can also create a calendar and use stickers to represent each day they wear their retainer.

How do I know if my retainer no longer fits?

When you first receive your retainer from your dentist, they will ensure that it fits comfortably. If you begin noticing any changes in your retainer, you should see your dental professional as soon as possible. For instance, retainers that feel loose, excessively tight, ill-fitting, painful, or are damaged. Do not try to alter or reshape your retainer on your own.