Retainers After Braces: Types, Cost & How Long to Wear Them
Yes, you need a retainer after braces. Teeth naturally drift back toward their old position, and a retainer holds them in place while the bone settles. There are two main kinds: permanent (a wire bonded behind the teeth) and removable (clear Essix or wire-and-acrylic Hawley). Removable retainers cost roughly $150 to $300 and permanent ones about $200 to $500 per arch. Plan on wearing one at night long term to protect your results.
Do you really need a retainer?
Yes. A retainer is what keeps your teeth straight after braces come off. Once the brackets are removed, teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward where they started, a process called relapse. Skipping the retainer phase is the single most common way people undo years of orthodontic work. Retention is not optional; it is the final and ongoing stage of treatment.
Types of retainers
There are two categories: permanent (fixed) and removable. Removable retainers come in two common styles, the clear Essix and the wire-and-acrylic Hawley. Each has trade-offs in visibility, durability, and convenience, summarized below.
| Retainer | Removable | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent (bonded wire) | No | Always working, nothing to remember, invisible | Harder to floss, can break, needs cleaning care |
| Clear (Essix) | Yes | Nearly invisible, easy to wear | Can crack or warp, easy to lose |
| Hawley (wire and acrylic) | Yes | Durable, adjustable, long lasting | More visible than clear |
How much retainers cost
Removable retainers typically cost about $150 to $300, and permanent bonded retainers about $200 to $500 per arch. Your first set is often included in the price of braces, so these figures usually apply to replacements. Because removable retainers can be lost or damaged, replacement cost is worth factoring in.
How long you have to wear one
Expect to wear a removable retainer full time at first, then nights only. Orthodontists commonly recommend near-full-time wear for the first several months after braces, then a shift to sleeping in it. The honest long-term answer is that retention is indefinite: because teeth never fully lose the tendency to drift, many orthodontists now advise wearing a retainer at night for life to keep your results.
Worth knowing: A permanent retainer is not maintenance-free. The bonded wire stays put, but you still need to clean around it carefully and see your dentist if it loosens, or teeth behind it can shift.
Caring for your retainer
- Clean removable retainers daily with lukewarm water and a soft brush, not hot water, which can warp them.
- Always store a removable retainer in its case; wrapping it in a napkin is how most get thrown away.
- Keep it away from heat, such as a car dashboard or dishwasher, which distorts the plastic.
- With a permanent retainer, floss underneath the wire daily using a floss threader.
- See your orthodontist promptly if a retainer cracks, loosens, or stops fitting.
Your next step
If your retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits, see an orthodontist before your teeth shift, since a replacement is far cheaper than redoing treatment. If you are just starting to research braces, our guide on how long braces take covers what comes before this stage.
Find and compare orthodontists near you, including which practices are board certified and independently owned, for retainers and replacements.
Search orthodontists near me →This article is general information, not medical or dental advice. Retention needs vary by individual; always follow the guidance of your licensed orthodontist.
