Retainers typically cost between $100 and $500 per set, depending on the type you need. Clear plastic retainers cost $100 to $300 each, Hawley retainers with metal wire run $150 to $300 each, and permanent bonded retainers cost $250 to $500 for installation. Many orthodontists include your first set of retainers in your overall braces or Invisalign treatment cost, so ask upfront what is included before you start.
Whether you just finished orthodontic treatment or need to replace a lost retainer, understanding retainer costs helps you plan and budget. Below, we break down pricing by retainer type and explain what affects how much you will pay.
Retainer Cost by Type
Different retainer types serve different purposes and come at different price points.
Clear plastic retainers (Essix retainers) cost $100 to $300 per set. These are the most common retainers prescribed after Invisalign treatment. They look similar to Invisalign trays and fit snugly over your teeth. Clear retainers are popular because they are nearly invisible when worn. However, they typically need replacement every 1 to 3 years with regular use.
Vivera retainers cost $400 to $600 for a set of four. These are the official Invisalign brand retainers made from the same material as Invisalign aligners. The set of four provides backups in case of loss or damage and can last several years. Many patients who complete Invisalign treatment choose Vivera retainers for consistency.
Hawley retainers cost $150 to $300 each. These traditional retainers have a metal wire that wraps around the front of your teeth and an acrylic piece that fits against the roof of your mouth or behind your lower teeth. Hawley retainers are durable and adjustable, often lasting 5 to 10 years with proper care. They are more visible than clear retainers but can be customized with different colors.
Permanent bonded retainers cost $250 to $500 for installation. These are thin metal wires bonded to the back of your front teeth, usually the lower front teeth. You cannot remove them yourself. Permanent retainers stay in place 24 hours a day and can last 10 years or longer, though they require careful cleaning and occasional maintenance.
Are Retainers Included in Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
This depends on your orthodontist and your treatment plan.
Many orthodontists include your first set of retainers in the overall cost of braces or Invisalign. When you pay for treatment, the retainers you receive at the end are already covered. This is common practice, but not universal.
Some orthodontists charge separately for retainers after treatment ends. In this case, you will pay the full retainer cost on top of what you paid for braces or Invisalign.
Replacement retainers are almost always an additional cost. If you lose, break, or wear out your retainers after the initial set, you will need to pay for new ones.
At Brace Central Orthodontics, we discuss retainer costs during your initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect. We want you to understand the full investment in your smile from the start.
How Much Do Replacement Retainers Cost?
Replacement retainers typically cost the same as the original retainers.
If you lose a clear retainer, expect to pay $100 to $300 for a replacement. If you break a Hawley retainer, a new one costs $150 to $300. Permanent retainer repairs or replacements can cost $250 to $500 depending on what is needed.
Why replacement costs matter: Retainers wear out over time, and accidents happen. Many patients lose retainers, step on them, or leave them wrapped in napkins at restaurants. Having a backup set or budgeting for eventual replacements is smart planning.
Vivera retainers provide built-in backups. The set of four means you have replacements ready if something happens to your primary set. This can save money over time compared to ordering individual replacements.
Does Insurance Cover Retainers?
Insurance coverage for retainers varies by plan.
Some orthodontic insurance plans include retainers as part of the overall treatment benefit. If your plan covers braces or Invisalign, retainers may be included under that same coverage.
Other plans consider retainers separate from orthodontic treatment and may not cover them at all, or may cover only a portion.
Replacement retainers are rarely covered by insurance. Most plans only cover the initial retainer, if anything. Lost or broken retainers are typically your responsibility.
To find out your coverage, contact your insurance company directly or ask during your orthodontic consultation. At Brace Central Orthodontics, we verify your insurance benefits and explain what your plan covers for both treatment and retainers.
HSA and FSA funds can be used for retainers. If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, retainer costs are eligible expenses. This lets you pay with pre-tax dollars.
How Long Do Retainers Last?
Retainer lifespan affects your long-term costs.
Clear plastic retainers last 1 to 3 years with proper care. Daily wear causes gradual breakdown of the plastic. You will likely need to replace clear retainers multiple times throughout your life if you want to maintain your results.
Hawley retainers last 5 to 10 years or longer. The metal and acrylic construction is more durable than clear plastic. With proper care, a single Hawley retainer can serve you for many years.
Permanent bonded retainers can last 10 to 20 years. Since they stay in your mouth constantly, there is no risk of loss. However, the wire can break or detach from teeth over time, requiring repair or replacement.
When calculating long-term retainer costs, consider that clear retainers may cost less initially but need more frequent replacement. Permanent retainers cost more upfront but rarely need replacement.
Why Retainers Are Worth the Investment
Retainers protect the investment you made in orthodontic treatment.
After braces or Invisalign, your teeth want to shift back toward their original positions. This is natural. The bone and tissue around your teeth need time to stabilize in their new locations. Without a retainer, your teeth can move significantly within just a few months.
The cost of not wearing a retainer is much higher than the retainer itself. If your teeth shift, you may need a second round of orthodontic treatment to correct the relapse. That means paying for braces or Invisalign again.
Dr. Polina Ingberman, founder of Brace Central Orthodontics with over 25 years of orthodontic experience, emphasizes the importance of retainers: “Wearing retainers is essential to prevent relapse and allow the bone and gums to adapt to the new positions of your teeth. Maintaining optimal alignment should be a lifetime commitment.”
A retainer that costs a few hundred dollars protects thousands of dollars of orthodontic work. That makes retainers one of the best investments in your smile.
Tips for Making Retainers Last Longer
Proper care extends retainer life and saves money on replacements.
- Clean your retainers daily. Brush retainers with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Keep them in their protective case when outside your mouth to prevent loss or damage.
- Store retainers properly. Never wrap retainers in napkins. This is the most common way retainers get thrown away accidentally. Always use the case provided by your orthodontist.
- Keep retainers away from heat. Hot water, hot cars, and dishwashers can warp plastic retainers, ruining the fit.
- See your orthodontist if something feels wrong. If your retainer cracks, feels loose, or no longer fits properly, schedule an appointment right away. Wearing a damaged retainer can harm your teeth, and going without a retainer allows shifting.
Why Brooklyn Patients Choose Brace Central Orthodontics
At Brace Central Orthodontics, we provide custom retainers fitted precisely to your smile.
- Clear and permanent retainer options. We offer removable clear retainers and permanent bonded retainers. During your treatment, we discuss which type is best for your situation and lifestyle.
- Quick replacements when needed. Lost or broken retainer? We can quickly provide a replacement so your teeth stay in position.
- Expert guidance on retainer wear. Our team explains exactly how to wear and care for your retainers. Immediately after orthodontic treatment, clear removable retainers are worn full time, then progress to nighttime wear, and eventually to wearing retainers 2 to 3 nights per week. We guide you through each phase.
- Experienced specialists. Dr. Polina Ingberman has over 25 years of orthodontic experience and completed her residency at Columbia University. Dr. Amalya Igityan is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Our team has helped thousands of patients maintain their beautiful smiles with proper retainer care.
- Convenient Brooklyn location. Our office at 2468 Coney Island Avenue in Gravesend and Sheepshead Bay is easy to reach. We offer flexible scheduling for retainer fittings and replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many retainers do I need after Invisalign?
Most patients receive one set of retainers (upper and lower) after completing Invisalign. Some orthodontists recommend Vivera retainers, which come in sets of four to provide backups. Your orthodontist will recommend the best option for your situation.
Can I get a retainer without going to an orthodontist?
It is not recommended. Mail-order retainers made from at-home impressions may not fit properly, which can damage your teeth or fail to maintain alignment. Custom retainers from your orthodontist ensure proper fit and function.
How much does a permanent retainer cost to remove?
Removing a permanent retainer typically costs $100 to $250, depending on your orthodontist. The procedure is quick and painless. If you remove your permanent retainer, you will need a removable retainer to wear instead.
What happens if I do not wear my retainer?
Your teeth will gradually shift back toward their original positions. This can happen within weeks or months of stopping retainer wear. If significant shifting occurs, you may need orthodontic treatment again to correct it.
Are retainers included in the cost of braces or Invisalign?
This varies by orthodontist. At Brace Central Orthodontics, we explain exactly what is included in your treatment cost during your free consultation, including retainers.
Disclaimer
Medically reviewed by Dr. Polina Ingberman, Orthodontist.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.