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CostHelper.com > Health & Personal Care  > Retainers

Retainers Cost

How Much Do Retainers Cost?

low cost Replacements: $100-$250
low cost Initially: $500-$1,000

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Made of plastic and metal, retainers are custom-fit, removable orthodontic appliances designed to keep patients' teeth in place after the use of braces. In some cases an orthodontist may use a retainer instead of braces to correct an extremely mild overbite, but generally retainers are used only to maintain teeth in a desired position rather than moving them.
 
Typical costs:
  • A retainer is usually included in the overall fee for braces; some orthodontists also include one or two replacement retainers. Generally if a dental insurance policy covers the cost of braces, the original retainer is included.
  • Using a retainer to correct a minor overbite involves several office visits, x-rays and fittings, and runs about $500 -$1,000, depending on the complexity and length of treatment.
  • If they aren't included in the total cost replacement retainers are about $100 -$250 each. Most dental insurance policies do not cover replacement retainers.
What should be included:
  • After your braces are removed, the orthodontist will make an impression of your mouth and have a retainer made that will fit closely against your teeth. The orthodontist will give specific instructions for when and how long to wear the retainer; usually they are worn 24 hours a day for a specified period of time, and then either at night or for a few hours a day. If the retainer isn't worn as required, the teeth may revert to their old positions and it could be necessary to wear braces again.
  • KidsHealth.org provides an overview of retainers; and MyRetainer.com displays slides showing how retainers are made and gives tips for their care.
Additional costs:
  • A retainer should be stored in a plastic case, which come in a range of colors for about $3 -$10. Most orthodontists provide a case with the retainer, but extras can be ordered.
  • In addition to pink dental plastic, retainers now come in bright neon colors and in a wide range of designs. Examples are at MyRetainer.com and at JohnsDental.com. Colorful or patterned retainers may be included in the total price or may add a minimal amount to the total cost. Custom-designed retainers can be made using patient-supplied artwork; the additional charge will depend on the complexity of the design.
Shopping for retainers:
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
 
Article updated November 2007
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Recent Posts
Amount: $1,000.00 regular braces
Posted by: ROXI in whittier, CA.Purchased: May, 2008
my insurance paid for the rest thank god
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Amount: $1,600.00 top and bottom retainer
Posted by: Sherri in Houston, TX.Purchased: March, 2009
The dentist says my 9 year old needs top and bottom retainer, one with key to be turned twice a week. Haven't ordered them yet. Want to know if that's a good price or not.
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Amount: $5,000.00 Retainers and Braces
Posted by: Nonnee in Coos Bay, OR.Purchased: June, 2004
My daughters braces and retainers were all inclusive to the total fee of $5000.00. Our insurance would of covered it, but they wanted her to wait another year before starting braces.
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Amount: $5,000.00 corrective retainers
Posted by: a user in Delaware, OH.Purchased: May, 2009
Haven't gotten the treatment yet but had braces for 2 years and never wore my original retainer. Now it is 8 years later and my teeth have shifted mildly. I visited an orthodontist today and he told me I'd need a series of 3 corrective retainers to shift my teeth and then perminant ones to keep them there. He told me I'd have 3 to 6 months of total treatment...$5,000 seems SO rediculous for that! My insurance does not cover orthodontics!
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Amount: $65.00 Bonded retainer
Posted by: Alyssa in Helena, MT.Purchased: June, 2009
I only broke a little glue off of my bottom bonded retainer, it cost me $60.00 just to glue the retainer to one of my teeth, is that ridiculous?
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Amount: $1,700.00 Teeth are expensive
Posted by: Misty in Elkins, WV.Purchased: September, 2008
We bought my daughter a retainer insurance would not cover and it came out every month. It did however help some, but now it is time to get the braces and they are telling me 4-6 thousand. How much is too much. We see kids with braces everyday- how are these parents affording this?
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Amount: $750.00 $450 for first $300 for backup
Posted by: kari in Inverness, FL.Purchased: 2009
I had to get a quote just this week for my flex spending account. My insurance (compbenefits) has a co-payment of $450 for a retainer. My doctor will order a second complimentary retainer for $300. So the total will be $750.
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