Retainer prices range from under $150 to over $1,000 depending on the type and where you get it. Here’s a clear breakdown.
By the FixUrSmile Dental Lab team · Updated September 2026
| Type | Typical cost* | Typical lifespan* |
|---|---|---|
| Clear (Essix) | About $50–$200 per set from a dentist | About 6 months–3 years |
| Hawley (wire) | About $150–$300 | About 5–10 years |
| Vivera (set of 4) | About $400–$1,000 | About 1–5 years |
| Permanent (bonded) | About $250–$500 | Up to about 20 years |
*Ranges reported by Dentaly. Prices vary by provider and location.
Retainers wear out, crack, and get lost. Replacing a clear retainer through an online lab is usually the lowest-cost route if your teeth haven’t shifted. FixUrSmile custom clear retainers are $145 per arch or $265 for upper and lower, including the impression kit and free return shipping. See our retainer replacement guide.
Some dental plans with orthodontic coverage include the first retainer as part of treatment; replacements are often not covered. Check your plan details. You may be able to use HSA or FSA funds for a retainer; confirm with your plan administrator.
Clear retainers typically cost about $50–$200 per set from a dentist, Hawley retainers about $150–$300, and bonded retainers about $250–$500. FixUrSmile clear retainers are $145 per arch.
It depends on the type. Replacing a clear retainer through FixUrSmile costs $145 per arch or $265 for both.
Much of the cost comes from office visits, impressions or scans, and lab fees. Ordering from a lab with at-home impressions removes some of those steps.
Clear retainers commonly last about 6 months to 3 years; Hawley retainers about 5 to 10 years.
$145 per arch, $265 for both. 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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