Completing orthodontic treatment is a huge milestone, but it’s not the end of the journey. To maintain that newly aligned smile, the next crucial step is wearing a retainer. There are several retainer options available today, each with different benefits costs, and levels of maintenance. Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to figure out things like how much retainers cost, whether to go with a metal retainer or a clear one, and how comfortable or durable each type might be.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common types of retainers, compare their features, and help you decide which one is best suited to your lifestyle and orthodontic needs.
Why Are Retainers Important?
Many people think that once they finish wearing braces or aligners, their teeth will stay straight forever. But the truth is your teeth can move again if you don’t use a retainer. This is because the bones and gums around your teeth need time to get used to their new positions. Without something to hold them in place, your teeth may slowly shift back to how they were before your treatment.
A retainer helps stop this from happening. It keeps your teeth in their new spots while the surrounding bone hardens and becomes more stable. Wearing your retainer the way your orthodontist tells you to can protect your smile for life. That’s why choosing the best retainer for your needs is so important.
What Are the Main Retainer Options?
There are three main kinds of retainer options that most orthodontists offer:
- Hawley retainers (also called metal retainers)
- Clear plastic retainers
- Permanent or bonded retainers
Each of these 3 retainers has different features, while one is more durable, others are more discreet. Which retainer is best for you depends on your personal preference and your dentist’s recommendation.
Hawley Retainers (Metal Retainers)
The Hawley retainer is one of the oldest and most commonly used types of retainers. It’s also known as a metal retainer because it has a thin metal wire that goes across the front of your teeth. This wire is attached to a hard plastic base that sits on the roof of your mouth or behind your lower front teeth.
What’s Good About It?
Hawley retainers are very strong and can last for many years. If your teeth start to shift a little bit, your orthodontist can adjust the wire to fix the problem. They are also easy to clean because you can take them out whenever you want.
What’s Not So Great?
The wire is visible when you smile or talk, which some people don’t like. Also, the plastic piece can feel bulky at first and you might notice a slight lisp when you start wearing it. Most people get used to it after a few days.
How Much Do Hawley Retainers Cost?
The price for a Hawley retainer is usually between $150 and $300 for either your top or bottom teeth. Some orthodontists include this in your overall treatment cost, but others charge separately, so be sure to ask.
| A study published in the Journal of Orthodontic Science found that clear retainers are more effective than metal (Hawley) retainers in keeping upper teeth aligned. For the bottom teeth, wearing clear retainers full-time for the first four months, then switching to night-only use, led to better results than using metal retainers. |
Clear Plastic Retainers
Clear plastic retainers are made from a smooth, see-through material. They fit tightly over your teeth and look a lot like clear aligner trays.
What’s Good About It?
The best thing about clear plastic retainers is that they are nearly invisible. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing one. They are also very comfortable and feel snug around your teeth. If you lose one, it’s easy for your orthodontist to make another using your digital impressions.
What’s Not So Great?
Clear retainers can crack or warp if you’re not careful. They also need to be cleaned often because they can trap saliva and bacteria. You shouldn’t eat or drink anything (besides water) while wearing them. And unlike metal retainers, you can’t adjust them, if your teeth shift, you’ll need a new one.
How Much Do Clear Retainers Cost?
Clear plastic retainers usually cost between $100 and $250 per set. Some brands, like Vivera, come in packs of four retainers for around $400 to $600, which can be a good deal in the long run.
Permanent or Bonded Retainers
A permanent retainer is a thin metal wire that is glued to the back of your front teeth. You can’t see it when you smile, and you don’t take it out. It stays in your mouth all the time and works 24/7 to keep your teeth from shifting.
What’s Good About It?
Since it’s always in place, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to wear it. That makes it a great choice for people who might not remember to use a removable retainer. It’s also completely hidden, so it won’t affect your smile or speech.
What’s Not So Great?
Permanent retainers can be harder to clean. You’ll need to use a special kind of floss or tool to get between your teeth and around the wire. Sometimes the glue holding the wire can come loose, and you’ll need to go back to your orthodontist to fix it
How Much Do Permanent Retainers Cost?
Permanent retainers usually cost between $200 and $500, depending on where you live and what’s included in your treatment plan.
Choosing the Right Retainer Option for Your Needs
When deciding between different retainer options, it’s important to consider your habits, risk of relapse, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Hawley (Metal) | Clear Plastic | Permanent (Bonded) |
| Visibility | Moderate | Low | None |
| Durability | High | Moderate | High |
| Comfort | Moderate | High | High (if placed correctly) |
| Maintenance | Easy | Moderate | Challenging |
| Cost Range (USD) | $150–300 | $100–600 | $200–500 |
| Lifespan | Several years | 6–24 months | Several years |
Tips for Retainer Care
No matter which type of retainer you choose, proper care is essential to ensure effectiveness and longevity:
- Clean your retainer daily using lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste on clear retainers, as it can scratch the surface.
- Store your retainer in its case when not in use to avoid damage or loss.
- Avoid eating or drinking (except water) while wearing a removable retainer.
- Visit your orthodontist regularly to ensure the retainer still fits correctly.
Final Thoughts
Retainers help your teeth stay in place after you complete your orthodontic treatment. It is essential that you get a retainer after finishing your teeth straightening treatment to maintain your results. To choose the best retainer you can see which type suits your lifestyle best. Also, you should consult with your orthodontist. A metal retainer is strong and long-lasting, but it’s more noticeable. Clear retainers are more subtle and comfortable, while permanent retainers stay in place all the time and don’t require daily effort. Choose a retainer that you know you can maintain.
