How are retainers made?
Retainers are custom-made from a digital scan or physical impression of your teeth. Clear retainers are vacuum-formed from thin plastic. Hawley retainers are built with acrylic and bent wire.
››› Retainers
Retainers,answered
How they work, how long you wear them, how to keep them clean, and what they cost at Smile Pop.
- Who we make them for
- New and existing patients
- Types
- Clear (Essix) and Hawley
- Typical wear
- Nights, indefinitely
- Made from
- A digital scan
- Replacements
- Retainer Assurance Program
- Studio
- 76 Madison Ave, NoMad
››› Start here
The basics
Are clear retainers better than Hawley retainers?
Neither is objectively better. Clear retainers are more discreet and comfortable for most patients. Hawley retainers are more durable and adjustable. Your orthodontist can advise which is best for your situation.
Will retainers straighten teeth?
Retainers are maintenance appliances that hold teeth in place, not straighten them. If teeth need to be moved, clear aligner treatment is what does that. For very minor drift after treatment, a retainer may help guide teeth back.
Can retainers move teeth back?
A retainer is designed to hold teeth in position, not to actively move them. For minor relapse, a new retainer fitted to your original positions can apply gentle pressure to nudge teeth back. Significant shifting may require a new course of orthodontic treatment.
Will retainers close gaps?
Retainers are not designed to close gaps. Closing spaces requires active tooth movement through orthodontic treatment. If a gap developed after finishing treatment, talk to an orthodontist about your options.
››› The long game
How longyou wear them
How long do you wear retainers after treatment?
Most orthodontists recommend wearing retainers full-time (22+ hours per day) for the first few months after treatment, then transitioning to nights-only wear indefinitely.
Are retainers for life?
Most orthodontists recommend wearing retainers indefinitely, at least at night, to maintain your results long-term. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift throughout life, and consistent retainer wear is the most reliable way to preserve your smile.
Do I really need to wear a retainer forever?
Yes, for most people. Teeth naturally shift throughout life. Nightly retainer wear is the most reliable and least invasive way to maintain your results permanently.
What happens if I stop wearing my retainer?
Teeth will gradually shift back toward their original positions. Minor drift can sometimes be corrected with a new retainer; significant relapse may require retreatment.
How quickly will teeth shift without a retainer?
Teeth can begin shifting within days of stopping retainer wear in the early months after treatment. Over the long term, drift is more gradual but ongoing. Consistent nightly wear prevents this entirely.
››› Day to day
Comfortand care
Are retainers supposed to hurt?
A new retainer may feel snug or slightly uncomfortable at first, especially if it has been made to reposition teeth that have drifted slightly. This usually resolves within a day or two.
When do retainers stop hurting?
Initial tightness from a new retainer typically resolves within 1 to 3 days. If you have gone without your retainer for a while and it feels tight when you put it back, consistent wear over a few days should ease the pressure.
How do I clean my retainer?
Rinse your retainer with cool water every time you remove it. Clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the plastic. Retainer cleaning tablets are effective for a deeper clean. Keep it away from heat, which can warp the plastic.
Can retainers cause cavities?
Retainers themselves do not cause cavities, but wearing them without proper oral hygiene can trap plaque against the teeth. Always brush before putting in your retainer, and clean the retainer daily.
››› The money part
Cost, insuranceand replacements
How much does a retainer cost?
At Smile Pop, clear retainers cost $300 to $600 depending on how many arches you need. A single arch, upper or lower, is $300. Upper and lower together is $600.
We make several other kinds too, and you can see all of them with their pricing on our retainer options page.
What other kinds of retainers do you offer?
Six of them, and they do different jobs.
| What it is | Price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Clear retainer, single arch | $300 | Replacing one lost or damaged upper or lower |
| Clear retainers, upper and lower | $600 | A full custom set from a digital scan |
| Tongue crib retainer | $525 | Gently reminding the tongue to rest behind the front teeth |
| Night guard | $735 | Grinding and clenching. Soft silicone inside, hard acrylic outside |
| Invisalign Vivera, 4 sets | $1,100 | Material at least 30 percent stronger than other leading clear retainers |
| Retainer Assurance Program | $995 | Five years of coverage. First set included, replacements $75 per arch |
Every option starts with a digital scan, and all of them are HSA and FSA eligible. Full detail on our retainer options page.
Are retainers covered by insurance?
Retainers are usually not covered by dental insurance as a standalone appliance. If retainers are part of an active orthodontic treatment plan, your orthodontic coverage may apply. Check your specific plan.
We are out of network, which means your plan reimburses you directly rather than paying us. We look up your benefits, help you file, and support you along the way.
Can I use FSA or HSA for retainers?
Yes. Retainers prescribed by a dental professional are generally FSA and HSA eligible. Using pre-tax funds reduces your out-of-pocket cost.
What is the Retainer Assurance Program?
Smile Pop’s Retainer Assurance Program covers replacement retainers so you are never without one if yours is lost, damaged, or worn out. It is $995, your first set is included, and replacements are $75 per arch after that. Ask about enrollment when you book, or read the details on our retainer options page.
Where can I get retainersmade near me in NYC?
Smile Pop, at 76 Madison Avenue in NoMad, Manhattan. We make custom retainers for new patients and existing ones, and you do not need to have finished treatment with us. You do not even need to have started it with us. We do not discriminate. 😉
Book online and select Retainers.
