How Much Do Retainers Cost?
A retainer is made of wires or can be made from clear plastic that is designed to hold teeth together after a surgery has been performed or after braces have been removed. A retainer is designed to help the surrounding gums adjust and change to the bone. Common types of retainers include Bonded, Essix and Hawley. The cost of a retainer will depend on the dentist performing the procedure as well as other factors.
How much do retainers cost?
- With the braces, orthodontists are going to include the retainers after the braces have been removed. If braces are not needed, an orthodontist can fit a retainer to fix problems such as an overbite. On average, a retainer can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,100 for both the top and bottom.
- For those that have dental insurance, many policies will cover a portion of the procedure depending on what the deductible, co-pay, etc.
- For example, a patient in Houston, Texas had bonded retainers ordered for a total of $1,400. This included both the top and bottom.
What are the extra costs?
- An initial office exam and x-rays will be necessary to ensure that the retainers are required. During this office visit, an orthodontist can discuss options as well as take a mold of the mouth if the retainers will be ordered.
- If the retainers have been lost, the replacements will cost significantly less since the molds have already been taken.
- A plastic case is recommended to keep the retainers clean and safe from harm.
- Customized retainers that include neon colors or a specific type of design can cost more than a simple retainer with no colors and/or designs. Clear retainers are also available for those that do not want the appearance of having it in their mouth.
What is going to be included?
- Many orthodontist offices are more than happy to provide a free consultation to discuss which options can work the best.
- After the initial exam and x-rays, the orthodontist will take a mold of the patient’s mouth. This mold will have to be worn for around 24 hours to ensure that it fits properly. Once the mold has been taken, it will be shipped off to a lab to create the retainer piece. Once the piece has been delivered, the orthodontist will recommend a time period on how long the patient should wear it.
How can I save money?
- Retainers are commonly part of braces. While some patients do not require braces, be sure to get a break down on what is going to be charged overall. It does not hurt to get a quote from a few different dentists in the area.
- Again, those with dental insurance may want to check with their policy before the procedure begins. The insurance provider will give a good idea of what is going to be covered.
- If you feel that your retainers are broken, the entire package may not have to be replaced. Instead, what you’re going to find is that some dentist can use glue to fix the retainers.
How much did you spend?