Keep Your Smile Perfect Forever
Custom Retainers to Maintain Your Straight Teeth
Retainers are essential to keeping your orthodontic results for life.
What Are Retainers?
Maintain Your Results
Clear orthodontic retainers are dental appliances used to maintain the position of your teeth after braces or clear aligners have been removed. They are typically made of clear plastic, making them virtually invisible when worn.
Each retainer is custom-made to fit your individual teeth and can be worn on the upper and/or lower teeth depending on your specific case. They are designed to be worn as directed by your orthodontist to preserve your beautiful new smile.
The key to keeping your teeth straight for life is consistent retainer use. Teeth naturally want to shift back to their original position, and retainers prevent this from happening.
Clear Retainer Cost
Clear Essix Retainers: $79 each
We recommend replacing retainers every 3-6 months for optimal fit and protection.
Timeline for Retainer Wear
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Retainer?
Months 1-6
Wear retainers 22 hours per day. Remove only for eating and brushing.
Months 6-12
Transition to nighttime wear only. Wear every night for the full 12 months.
Year 2+
Wear every other night for the rest of your life to maintain your smile.
If Tight
If your retainer feels tight, resume nightly wear until it feels comfortable again.
Why Teeth Have a Memory
Teeth take about a year to become stable in their new position. During this time, they are especially likely to shift back to their old position because bone has not yet fully formed around their new location. Your retainer helps train your teeth to stay in their ideal position while this bone forms.
As you age, your teeth will naturally shift forward over time. Regular retainer wear helps prevent this natural movement and keeps your smile looking perfect for life.
Types of Retainers
Three Main Types
Bonded (Permanent) Retainers
A thin wire is bonded to the back of your teeth to hold them in position.
Can be made for upper and/or lower teeth depending on your bite.
Requires daily flossing and brushing around the wire.
Lifespan: 2-5 years with proper care.
Best for: Patients wanting a permanent solution.
Hawley Retainers
Metal wire wraps around six teeth to secure them in place.
Most well-known and traditional retainer type.
Can be adjusted by your orthodontist.
Cost: $250-$750 per retainer.
Lifespan: 5-8 years.
Best for: Patients needing adjustability.
Essix (Clear) Retainers
Our Recommendation
Clear snap-on retainers that fit over your teeth.
Nearly invisible when worn.
Need thorough cleaning after each use.
Cost: $150-$300 each / $79 at Carter.
Lifespan: 1-3 years (we recommend replacing every 3-6 months).
Best for: Patients wanting aesthetics and affordability.
Important: Retainer Wear
None of these retainers are made to last a lifetime. With regular wear, they slowly become less effective. To preserve your straight smile for the rest of your life, you will need to have them replaced periodically. Always inspect your retainer regularly for cracking, bending, or loosening.
Retainer Care and Maintenance
Daily Care
Clean retainers daily with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water
Store in a protective case when not wearing
Avoid eating or drinking while wearing your retainer (except water)
Remove before eating and brushing
Keep away from extreme heat as it can warp the material
Never use boiling water to clean
Professional Maintenance
Bring your retainer to every 6-month hygiene visit
We will inspect and professionally clean your retainer
Monitor for signs of wear and tear
Replace when recommended to maintain effectiveness
Schedule routine check-ups to ensure proper fit
Contact us immediately if your retainer breaks or feels uncomfortable
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wear my retainer?
The best recommendation is to wear your retainers for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight. For the first year, follow the intensive wear schedule. After one year, you can transition to every other night for the rest of your life.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Without consistent retainer wear, your teeth will gradually shift back toward their original position. This process can take months or years, but it will happen. Many patients end up needing orthodontic treatment again if they neglect retainer wear.
Can I wear just one retainer?
It depends on your specific case. Some patients only need upper or lower retainers, while others benefit from both. Your orthodontist will recommend the best option based on your bite and treatment results.
How often should I replace my retainer?
Clear Essix retainers should be replaced every 3-6 months for optimal fit and protection. Bonded retainers can last 2-5 years, and Hawley retainers typically last 5-8 years. However, this depends on how well you care for them.
Can retainers fix my teeth if they have shifted?
Retainers are designed to maintain your results, not fix major movement. If your teeth have shifted significantly, you may need additional orthodontic treatment. However, if they have shifted only slightly, a new retainer may help guide them back into position.
Why do I need retainers after braces or Invisalign?
After orthodontic treatment, your teeth are in a new position but the bone around them has not fully stabilized. It takes about a year for bone to form and solidify around your teeth in their new position. Retainers hold your teeth steady while this happens.
What is the cost of retainers?
Clear Essix retainers are $79 each at Carter Orthodontics. Bonded retainers cost varies, and Hawley retainers typically range from $250-$750. Many patients have insurance coverage for retainers after orthodontic treatment.
Can I sleep with my retainer in?
Yes, retainers are designed to be worn while sleeping. In fact, nighttime wear is the standard recommendation after the first year of treatment. Just make sure to clean it thoroughly each morning.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Ready to get started? Complete our quick, secure, HIPAA-compliant form and book your free consultation today.
Submissions are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
