After braces or aligners, your teeth continue to move as the bone and gums around them settle. A retainer holds your teeth in their new position so they don’t drift back. Skipping it is one of the most common reasons teeth shift after treatment.
Your orthodontist sets your schedule. A common pattern is full-time wear for the first several months, then nighttime wear for the long term. Many orthodontists recommend some retainer wear indefinitely, because teeth can shift throughout life.
| Type | Description | Typical cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Clear (Essix) | Thin, clear, removable plastic | About $50–$200 per set from a dentist |
| Hawley | Acrylic plate with a front wire | About $150–$300 |
| Permanent (bonded) | Wire bonded behind teeth | About $250–$500 |
*Ranges reported by Dentaly.
A retainer that feels tight after a few missed nights may mean your teeth have started shifting. If it doesn’t seat fully or causes pain, don’t force it; contact your orthodontist. Read retainer not fitting anymore for more.
Replace a lost or broken retainer quickly so your teeth don’t shift. FixUrSmile makes custom clear retainers from impressions you take at home: $145 per arch or $265 for upper and lower. See retainer replacement and how to clean a retainer.
Follow your orthodontist’s plan. Many people wear it full-time for several months and then nightly long term.
Your teeth can gradually shift back toward their original positions, sometimes within weeks or months.
Yes, for a removable clear retainer, if your teeth haven’t shifted. You can take impressions at home and order online.
Some tightness is normal, especially at first or after a missed night. Persistent pain or a retainer that won’t seat means you should contact your orthodontist.
Made from your impressions, $145 per arch. Made in our US dental lab from impressions you take at home, with licensed dentist approval and our Custom Fit Guarantee.
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