Retainers are vital to keep your gorgeous smile in place and to prevent your teeth from shifting. Wearing your retainers for life after orthodontic treatment is key in protecting your investment! If you have lost or broken your retainer, there are many options available to purchase a new retainer. Cost will vary based on what retainer material you select, how many retainers you want to purchase and whether or not you are currently in or finishing up orthodontic treatment. Cost will range from $150-$600 depending upon these factors.
Permanent Retainers
A permanent retainer, or lower bonded retainer, is a flat, flexible wire that is permanently bonded to the backside of your lower front six teeth. This retainer is ideal for patients with good oral hygiene and is not visible when smiling or speaking.
For patients that are treated in our office, your lower bonded retainer is included in your overall treatment cost. If your bonded retainer breaks or becomes loose, there is a $200 fee to replace for treated patients.
Removable Retainers
In our office, we offer two types of removable retainers, Vivera and Essix. Both types of removable retainers are made of clear plastic and fit over your lower bonded retainer (if you have one). Removable retainers range in cost from $0-$600, depending on which material you select and whether they are being replaced or not.
Retainer Guarantee
This option is a 10-year plan with a one time enrollment fee. Upon braces removal, the patient will receive one set of Vivera retainers. Vivera retainers, produced by Align Technology are more durable and the best plastic. This is the more ideal option for those who clench and grind. Any time retainers are lost, damaged, thrown away, etc. they can be replaced for a $25 copay (per arch). If a patient opts out of this program, the retainers will cost $350-$500 per set. That is $3500-$5000 over the next 10 years if retainers were lost or damaged every year.
The Cost Of Retainers Is Included In Your Treatment Plan
Towards the end of your treatment or at your consultation, our team will be happy to discuss your retainer options in more detail and answer any questions you have. If you receive orthodontic treatment at our office, you will be given a mold of your teeth at the end of your treatment. Make sure you keep this mold because you can bring this back in to have a new retainer made without having to complete another iTero digital scan (as long as your teeth have not shifted).
We can also check your insurance benefits to see if your insurance covers the cost of retainers. Call or text our office at 919.303.4557 to schedule a new patient consultation or a records appointment where we can complete a scan of your teeth to get your new retainers created!
