How Much Do Orthodontic Retainers Cost?

Teeth straightening is done. You have that smile you always dreamed of. Now, it is time for retainers to lock in that smile and prevent your teeth from relapsing. But, after spending so much on the orthodontic treatment itself, people hesitate before committing to retainers.

They often search for the costs of orthodontic retainers to find the one that gets the job done, without squeezing their wallets. Today, we’re exploring exactly that to help you find a retainer option that fits your budget.

What are Retainers?

Retainers are dental devices that keep your teeth in their new positions, preventing an orthodontic relapse. They work by counterbalancing the force of your ligaments that tend to pull your teeth back to their original positions.

Different Types of Retainers and Their Cost

While they all work on the same principle, there are 4 different types of retainers:

Clear Retainers

Clear retainers, also known as Essix retainers, are clear plastic trays that offer a discreet way to retain your smile. They are comfortable, removable, and very easy to manage. They usually cost up to $250 per set, with ALIGNERCO offering them for just $125.

Hawley Retainers

These are wire retainers with a plastic or acrylic base. The wire snuggly fits around teeth and prevents them from moving. These are more visible than the clear retainers and can cost anywhere between $150 and $300. Your dentist may recommend a Hawley retainer because of its enhanced durability.

Fixed Retainers

Fixed retainers are made up of metal wire that is glued to the back of the teeth, ensuring your teeth remain in the correct position. The cost range may vary between $250 and $500 per arch, depending on the provider

Spring Retainers

A spring retainer is suitable for only minor adjustments. They are placed only on the teeth that need retaining. On average, spring retainers cost between $200 and $500.

Benefits of Retainers

When talking about the costs of orthodontic retainers, it is essential to reiterate why they are worth the investment. So, here are the benefits of retainers:

They Keep Your Teeth in Place

Retainers prevent teeth from shifting back after braces or aligners. They help maintain your straight smile by holding teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues stabilize.

They Protect Your Orthodontic Results

Wearing a retainer preserves the time, effort, and money you invested in treatment. Without one, even minor tooth movement can undo months of progress.

They Support Long-Term Oral Alignment

Retainers help manage natural tooth movement that happens with age. Regular use reduces crowding and bite changes over time, keeping your smile comfortable and functional.

Factors Affecting Cost of Retainers

Besides the type of retainers, several other factors affect the cost of retainers:

Insurance

Some insurance plans provide partial coverage that can lower the cost of retainers. However, many plans have orthodontic lifetime caps and might not cover replacement retainers.

Geographical Location

The cost of orthodontic retainers in the metropolitan areas tends to be higher than in the suburbs. The same retainer might cost even less in rural areas.

Maintenance

Fixed retainers need regular maintenance. Removable ones need to be changed for even the slightest wear and tear. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your retainer maintained.

Order Affordable Retainers From ALIGNERCO

ALIGNERCO is on a mission to make teeth straightening accessible. From cutting down operational costs to smart packaging, we employ a plethora of methods to offer the best value, without compromising quality and professional oversight.

Our retainers are gumline-trimmed for maximum comfort, one of the most affordable options out there, and they are delivered straight to your doorstep. Here’s how the process works.

At Home Impressions

Once you make a purchase, you will receive a dental impression kit with a return label.

Sending Your Impressions Back

Once you create your impressions, you’ll send them back to us.

Custom Retainers

Our experts will start manufacturing your custom retainers after review from a US-licensed orthodontist.

Start Wearing Your Retainers

Once produced, your retainers will be shipped straight to your doorstep. From there, just wear your customized retainers and lock in your dream smile.

Finally, Don’t Let Costs Stop You from Using Retainers

Retainers play an important role in maintaining your smile. They ensure that your efforts for that new smile don’t go to waste. You might be tempted to skip them due to the added costs, but remember, if a relapse happens, the orthodontic treatment would cost more.

So, choose the easier way out and let a retainer do its magic. If your budget is being seriously squeezed, try to go for ALIGNERCO Retainers. They maintain that smile for you, for the best-in-market costs.