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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: | |
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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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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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