How Much Do Retainers Cost?

Retainers are worn by people to help correct dental problems. Retainers are often worn by people after they have had braces removed. They are also occasionally used to help correct minor overbite problems instead of braces. Retainers are custom made for each person. There are three common types of retainers: permanent, clear and Hawley.

Retainers range in price from $250-$2100, depending on location, dentist, type of retainer and if patients need both a lower and upper retainer or just an upper or a lower retainer. First time retainers cost considerably more than replacement retainers as multiple dentist visits, X-rays and fittings are required for the original retainer to be custom made to fit the patient perfectly. Retainers that are needed after braces tend to be less expensive than those used instead of braces, as the retainer cost is discounted and included in the price of the braces. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the first retainer, but do not cover the cost of replacement retainers. Replacement retainers cost $100-$250. Retainers when not in use should be stored in a plastic case; plastic storage retainers cost $5-$10.

The Average Cost Of Retainers

Average orthodontic retainer costs vary per type of retainer. Average permanent retainer costs are around $1000 for both the upper and lower teeth. Average clear retainer costs are around $200-$500 for both the upper and lower teeth. Average Hawley retainer costs are around $300-$600 for both the upper and lower teeth. Average dental retainer costs vary per location; in the United States, average orthodontic retainer costs are higher in states with a high cost of living and lower in states with a low cost of living.

Permanent Retainer Cost

Permanent retainers are also called fixed retainers. Unlike Hawley retainers or clear retainers, the patient cannot remove permanent retainers. Permanent retainer costs are usually more than Hawley retainer costs or clear retainer costs. Average permanent retainer costs are around $1000 for both an upper and lower retainer. However, permanent retainer costs vary per location and clinic, permanent retainers can cost as little as $600 for both the upper and lower teeth or as much as $2100 for both the upper and lower teeth. Permanent retainers can save patients money on orthodontic retainer costs as they do not get lost or broken the way Hawley or clear retainers do; however, permanent retainers are harder to clean and can cause a buildup of tartar or cause gingivitis.

Fixed Retainer Cost

Fixed retainers are also known as permanent retainers. Fixed retainer cost ranges from $300-$1100 for either the lower teeth or the upper teeth. Average fixed retainer costs are $500 for either the lower or upper teeth, or $1000 for both the lower and upper teeth. Fixed retainer costs vary per location and dental clinic. In the United States, states with a low cost of living tend to have cheaper fixed retainer costs than states with a high cost of living do. Fixed retainers usually cost more than removable retainers do; however, they usually save patients money as they do not break or get lost like removable ones do

Hawley Retainer Cost

Hawley retainers are also called wire retainers. Hawley retainers tend to be a bit more expensive than the clear or Essix retainers; however, Hawley retainers are usually more durable and less prone to breakage than clear retainers are. Hawley retainers cost $100-$1500 depending on location, the dental clinic and if the patient requires both an upper and lower retainer or just one. Average Hawley retainers cost $300-$600 for both upper and lower teeth retainers. Hawley retainers are available in a myriad of different colors and patterns; colored or patterned Hawley retainers may cost more than basic Hawley retainers cost.

How Much Do Clear Retainers Cost?

Clear retainers are also known as invisible retainers or Essix retainers. Clear retainers are fairly popular due to their being less noticeable than the other types. Invisible retainers are usually cheaper than Hawley or permanent retainers. However, clear retainers are the easiest of all of them to break and often need replacing. Invisible retainer costs range from $100-$1200; however average cost is around $200-$500 for both the upper and lower teeth. Invisible retainer cost varies per location and dental clinic.