Teeth Grinding Overall, retainers in lieu of braces is not recommended by orthodontists. Retainers are not as strong as braces or Invisalign and cannot fix most orthodontic issues seen in patients. If you’re unsure which option would be best for you, talk to your orthodontist.

Clear retainers are the most common and most requested type of retainer Advanced Orthodontics offers. They are made in our office the same day you get your braces removed.

Wearing Retainers After Braces: What to Know. Retainers are custom devices designed to hold your teeth in place. They’re often prescribed after orthodontic treatment, such as braces, to keep your bite in place after it’s been reshaped or corrected.

To maintain a straight smile for a lifetime, you’re going to need to wear your retainers nightly for the rest of your life. Though the process becomes slower and slower, if you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth will gradually move back to their original position. In a way, teeth remember their original position.

Retainers are worn after the braces come off to “retain” your straight teeth. Without them, your teeth can drift back into their original position. That’s why its so important to wear your retainers 24/7 for about a year. After that, you can just wear them at night.

Traditional Hawley retainers cost between $150-600. Replacement clear retainers, like an Invisalign or an Essix retainer, cost between $400-$800. The first retainer you get is usually included in the cost of your total orthodontic treatment. Permanent retainers cost between $150-$500 to place or replace.

Give Your Orthodontist a Call If you’ve looked for a few hours and still can’t find your retainer then you’ll need to contact your orthodontist to get a new one. They’ll make an appointment with you to either make a new mold of your teeth or to order a copy of your old ones if they still have your impression.