Cost of Retainers - 2024 Healthcare Costs

Typical costs:

Removable Hawley retainers (made of hard acrylic molded to fit the patient's mouth plus a visible wire to hold the teeth in position) can cost $150-$300 or more for one, or $300-$600 or more for a set (upper and lower). However, a retainer is usually included in the overall braces fee, so there is no additional charge for the first set of retainers -- and some orthodontists include one or two replacements in their standard braces package. If not included, replacement retainers can cost $70-$250 for one or $140-$500 or more for a set. Most dental insurance does not cover replacement retainers.
Removable Essix retainers made of vacuum-formed clear plastic typically cost $100-$250 for one or $200-$500 for a set. They are prone to warping or breaking, so they may need replacing to be replaced relatively frequently.
Vivera clear plastic retainers by Invisalign have an annual fee of $300-$750, for a new set of identical retainers delivered every three months. Vivera retainers can be used by people whose teeth were straightened by conventional braces as well as those who used Invisalign's series of clear plastic aligner trays.
Bonded retainers that are glued to the back of the teeth can cost $250-$500 for one arch or $500-$1,000 for both upper and lower. (Bonded retainers are often placed on the bottom teeth, with a removable retainer used on top.)
Using a removable retainer to correct a minor overbite typically involves a series of retainers plus several office visits, X-Rays and fittings. This can cost $500-$2,500, although in some cases it can be $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity and length of treatment.

What should be included:

Orthodontists may use a combination of different retainers to get the best results in terms of retaining the straight alignment created by braces. Hawley retainers have a visible wire in front of the teeth; are the most common and most durable; and can be adjusted by the orthodontist to make minor tooth movements. Clear plastic retainers are nearly invisible when in place, but cannot be adjusted and do not let the teeth touch in a natural way. Fixed/bonded retainers are virtually invisible but require meticulous cleaning and may irritate the tongue. ArchWired.com provides an overview of retainers[1] .
Removable retainers are made using an impression of the patient's mouth. Fixed/bonded retainers are glued to the back of the teeth, cannot be removed by the patient and must be carefully brushed and flossed on a regular basis to prevent the buildup of plaque and food debris around the wires.
Removable retainers are typically worn 24 hours a day for the first three to nine months, then at night or for a few hours a day, depending on the orthodontist's instructions. If the retainer isn't worn as required, the teeth may return to their old positions and it could be necessary to wear braces again. Many patients need to wear their removable retainers a few nights a week for the rest of their lives.
With fixed/bonded retainers, some orthodontists switch the patient to removable retainers after six months or a year. Others leave the bonded retainers in place until at least a year after the patient's wisdom teeth have fully erupted or been extracted (typically age 18-25), and if there are no problems fixed retainers may be left in place for the patient's lifetime.

Related Costs: Braces, Dental Veneers, Night Guard

Additional costs:

A plastic case is typically provided with the retainer, but extra cases ($1-$10) can be useful, to avoid losing or accidentally discarding the retainer.
If the wire on a bonded retainers breaks or comes loose, repairs need to be done immediately and can cost $75-$250 or more.

Discounts:

There can be a discount (typically $50-$150) off the total for ordering two sets of retainers at once, so the patient has a back-up set. (Retainers are at high risk of being lost or misplaced.)

Shopping for retainers:

Retainers are generally part of an orthodontic braces package. Search for local members of the American Association of Orthodontists[2] .

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
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Retainer
Amount: $20.00
Posted by: Braeden
From: Phoenix, AZ
Posted On: September 14th, 2021 12:09AM
Type of Retainer: Clear Retai we

I bought the warranty with my Invisalign through my orthodontist (do this. Yes it’s like 1k extra) and I immediately asked for a spare to be made on the spot for $20 for the set otherwise it’s $250 each for the top and another $250 for the bottom.
I’m allowed a replacement every 6 months and plan on getting multiple $20 spares since I’ll likely be moving out of state next year. Having a back up is highly recommend in case it melts in your car, breaks naturally or you lose it. Highly highly recommend.

Hawley Retainer
Amount: $225.00
Posted by: Allsmiles82
From: Duluth, MN
Posted On: October 29th, 2019 05:10PM
Type of Retainer: Upper

I spent $225 only on upper retainer. Included lab fees and fitting.

I need a replacement
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: 1124eklynn
From: Eagan, MN
Posted On: September 1st, 2019 01:09PM
Type of Retainer: Removable and permanent

I need both of them

Lost retainers
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Big Dev
From: Peoria, AZ
Posted On: January 7th, 2019 05:01PM
Type of Retainer: Plastic clear retainers

I lost them in a bag because I forgot my case and I'm so scared on how much it costs at Shipley orthodontics

replacement fees
Amount: $2,000.00
Posted by: Yuna
From: River Edge, NJ
Posted On: November 28th, 2018 07:11PM
Type of Retainer: removable

Lost retainer
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: NG Kai Qi
From: TRIANG BERA, WY
Posted On: August 19th, 2017 10:08AM
Type of Retainer: Plastic

I want change to wire one? It is expensive?

clear retainer
Amount: $89.99
Posted by: mary01
From: washington township, NJ
Posted On: October 20th, 2016 06:10AM
Type of Retainer: clear

Company is awesome, they've been around for 40 years. I tried another company first but was disappointed, these guys are legit. Highly recommend.

retainers
Amount: $4,000.00
Posted by: Elsie
From: Lodi, NJ
Posted On: October 11th, 2015 06:10AM

i took my daughter for a consultation which includes removal of her braces, cleaning and retainers. The dental office in Lodi, NJ gave $4,000 for the whole thing. Does this seem overpriced? Please help because we do not have dental insurance yet she needs this done. thanks

Clear Plastic Retainer
Amount: $375.00
Posted by: Bill B
From: Norwalk, CT
Posted On: August 11th, 2015 04:08PM
Type of Retainer: Plastic Clear Retainer

Back in January I was recommended to an Ortho and the total was $900, $150 for the evaluation and $375 for each retainer. According to my dentist that was reasonable. 6 months passed and I already chewed through on in my sleep and they charged me $375 for a new retainer after telling me it would most likely be "on the house." They re-billed my credit card from the first time. I am disgusted after reading this post. Insurance wont cover the new one they covered $375 from the first one

I want clear braces
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Pleh Meh
From: Nashville, TN
Posted On: June 6th, 2015 11:06AM
Type of Retainer: clear

I really wanted to get clear braces!! Is my insurance going to cover for me, and how much does it cost to get one?

Broke it
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Madelyn Olmos
From: Clovis, CA
Posted On: May 11th, 2015 12:05AM
Type of Retainer: Hawley bottom clasp

Okay, so I got my braces off two two years ago and I've always taken good care of my retainers, but yesterday I accidentally broke my lower Hayley retainer. Will the replacement be a lot? I don't even know how to tell my parents. I didn't mean to break it!

Brace for only upper
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Tyshea Riley
From: Philadelphia, PA
Posted On: November 20th, 2014 11:11PM
Type of Retainer: None

The last time when I wore brace for only upper over a one year back in 2012 , somehow I got off the brace and I didn't get the retainer when the dentist suppose to . But yet for him got fired. I wanted to get one for only upper in Philadelphia , pa . Any suggestion ?

Replacement Hawley Retainers cost
Amount: $638.00
Posted by: PDL
From: Fairfax, VA
Posted On: August 12th, 2014 08:08AM
Type of Retainer: Hawley Wire Retainer

We paid $638 for a set of replacemet Hawley wire retainers at Hoffman dental. But we heard from one of our friends that their dr. office in Reston, VA charged only $315 per replacement set. We are not sure if we were over charged.

lost my retainer
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Bethani
From: shamokin, PA
Posted On: March 25th, 2014 05:03PM
Type of Retainer: wire

I have had my braces off for about a year and a half, i cant remember what i did with my retainerast week. I am afraid that i wont find it and new ones will be terribly expensive Someone help

Retsiners
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: Stevie
From: Newton, MA
Posted On: June 11th, 2013 06:06AM
Type of Retainer: Clear plastic

It was cheaper than what the orthodontist wanted to charge me $750

Corrective Hawley retainers to shift 1 tooth
Amount: $3,800.00
Posted by: Navi
From: Sugar Land, TX
Posted On: April 21st, 2013 12:04AM
Type of Retainer: Hawley

The dentist says I will need a 9 month treatment that will cost around 3800. I feel as if thats absolutely ridiculous.The gap is BARELY noticeable, I think it's ridiculous that he expects me to pay more than what some peoples braces cost. Will be getting a second opinion. Anyone else have a similar situation ?

Lost my retainer
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Theguitarplaya
From: Somerset, KY
Posted On: December 3rd, 2012 04:12PM
Type of Retainer: Clear

Well i lost my retainer well i was going to pizza hut and left them there and its way too late now to get them.. And if my mom finds out shes going to be pissed and if i dont tell her my teeth might shift !! What should i do ?

Do I still need a retainer
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Scared and Paranoid
From: Chicago, IL
Posted On: May 23rd, 2012 01:05PM
Type of Retainer: Replacement

Broke my retainer recently, want to know if there is going to be a charge. Had braces years ago and wore my retainer the full five years I was told to. Now since it broke, I'm paranoid my teeth are going to shift. What should I do?

Replacement clear retainer
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: Amber w/ Dr Eric Madsen's Office
From: Sandy, UT
Posted On: May 10th, 2012 10:05AM
Type of Retainer: Clear

My horrid puppy ate my retainers (I was dumb and left them too low.) My orthadontist is only charging me $75 for each arch. So $150 total. I am so relieved, and was expecting much much more.

retainer
Amount: $800.00
Posted by: sierra bethune
From: odenton, MD
Posted On: August 23rd, 2011 04:08PM

I lost my retainer like 2 Days ago and to get another will cost 800 dollars! Ots way too much my mom can't afford it and I don't want my teeth to shift!

Retainers
Amount: $600.00
Posted by: Lili
From: Garden Grove, CA
Posted On: August 13th, 2011 02:08PM

So like, i lost my retainer four days ago & i have to buy a new one because i only had mine for five months. So, i have to buy a new one for 600$. Once my parents heard of this, they got so pissed. I need help finding a place with a good price!

Bonded Retainer
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: Thriller
From: Sherman Oaks, CA
Posted On: July 24th, 2011 08:07PM

Both top and bottom after 2 years I went back because I could not use the plastic retainer. I never used it because it hurt to much, my teeth hardly moved, He wanted to charge me $300.00 for the top and the bottom for a total of $600.00 and I told him NO so we said okay I will do both for $300.00 - times are hard and the doctor needs money so make a deal like me

Retainer
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: Kait
From: Sacramento, CA
Posted On: July 6th, 2011 11:07AM

It was such a good price? Right??? It was wonderful now gotta wait 2 years then I'll get braces

Retainers
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Magnolia Brown
From: St.Geroge, UT
Posted On: March 28th, 2011 11:03AM

I got my retainer for free, once i got my braces off the doctor made one for me. It costed me nothing.
Dr. Ericson

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Retainers Cost

How Much Do Retainers Cost?

	Clear Plastic Retainers: $200-$500 per set
	Hawley Retainers: $300-$600 per set
	Bonded Retainers: $500-$1,000 per set