---
title: "Retainers After Braces: Types, Cost, and How Long to Wear Them"
url: "https://www.newmouth.com/orthodontics/treatment/retainers/"
description: "Retainers help keep teeth from shifting after braces or aligners. Compare fixed, Hawley, Essix, and Vivera retainers, costs, care, and wear schedules."
---

Teeth continue to change position after braces or clear-aligner treatment, so retainers are prescribed to protect the result. Many people begin with more frequent wear and transition to nighttime wear, but the schedule depends on the orthodontist’s instructions and individual relapse risk. The [American Association of Orthodontists](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/retainers/) recommends following the wear schedule provided for your treatment.

## What are Retainers?

After orthodontic treatment, teeth can move back into their original positions due to growth-related factors affecting the gums and tissues of the periodontal ligament.

![Young asian woman showing retainer after getting braces nm 1250](/_astro/young-asian-woman-showing-retainer-after-getting-braces-nm-1250.BL3J3fG__1MgbK0.webp)

This is where retainers come in. **Retainers are custom-made [orthodontic appliances](/orthodontics/) designed to maintain the new position of your teeth after treatment.**

Getting older can also affect tooth movement. Because of this risk, **wearing retainers is necessary to ensure teeth stay straight long-term.**

## Why are Retainers Important?

**Once braces are removed, teeth can move back into their old position.** **Retainers ensure your teeth and gums stay in place after removing braces to prevent relapse and reversal of orthodontic treatment.**

Here are some reasons why retainers are important after a teeth straightening treatment:

### Relapse Prevention

**Relapse is when your teeth return, partially or completely, to their original misaligned positions after successful orthodontic treatment.**

Wearing a retainer helps you prevent relapse. They help you maintain the results you have achieved with braces or aligners.

Remember that a small amount of relapse is common if your or your child’s teeth were severely misaligned before orthodontic treatment. This is typically nothing to worry about because minor relapse does not affect overall function or esthetics.

If only mild misalignment was present before treatment, relapse should not occur. Patients should also be made aware of their relapse risk before treatment.

### Stability

Retainers aid in stabilizing the teeth and gums so they can adjust gradually to their new positions. The stability of the teeth ensures that the surrounding tissues can properly adjust and support the new alignment.

### Better Oral Health

Straight teeth contribute to better oral health. This is because cleaning, brushing, and flossing between teeth is easier.

Since wearing retainers help maintain straight teeth, you’ll also have an easier time maintaining your oral health.

## How Long Should You Wear Retainers?

**Typically, orthodontists recommend wearing your retainers nightly for the rest of your life.** However, each person may vary slightly. Some may retain their straight teeth by wearing the retainers every other night.

Doing so prevents relapse or movement of the teeth back to their original positions.

## When are Retainers Necessary After Braces or Aligners?

**Retainers are necessary after teeth straightening treatment to maintain your teeth’s alignment.**

[Braces](/orthodontics/treatment/braces/) are the most common orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth and reposition the jaw. After completing braces treatment, an orthodontist makes a mold of your or your child’s newly straightened teeth. Then, a technician makes a fixed or removable retainer to keep your straight smile.

[Clear aligners](/orthodontics/treatment/clear-aligners/) (invisible aligners) are a removable type of orthodontic treatment that correct less severe cases of misaligned or crooked teeth. Invisible aligners are a flexible and convenient alternative to braces.

A new set of aligners is sent to your house or made at a dentist’s office every 1 to 2 weeks and must be worn 22 hours a day. Like braces, retainers are custom-made for each patient after treatment to keep the teeth in alignment.

## Types of Retainers After Braces

![Retainer types care board v1](/_astro/retainer-types-care-board-v1.1NiFEfiY_Z2BxRA.webp)

**A few different types of retainers are available, including fixed (metal) and removable (clear) retainers.** The type of retainer needed depends on the patient’s risk of relapse, original malocclusion (teeth misalignment), and growth pattern.

How long and how often an orthodontic retainer must be worn is different for everyone. The only way to guarantee teeth positioning is to wear a retainer indefinitely.

| Type | Removable? | Main advantage | Main limitation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hawley | Yes | Durable and adjustable | Visible wire and possible speech adjustment |
| Clear or Essix | Yes | Discreet and easy to remove | Can crack, warp, or loosen over time |
| Vivera | Yes | Clear retainer supplied through an Invisalign provider | Provider pricing and package size vary |
| Fixed or bonded | No | Works continuously without relying on nightly wear | Requires careful cleaning and professional repair |

### 1\. Fixed Retainers

**[Fixed retainers](/orthodontics/treatment/retainers/permanent/) (also called bonded retainer or permanent retainer) consist of a metal wire cemented to the back of your front teeth.** The wire typically extends from canine to canine.

![3d render of dental bonded retainer on lower jaw](/_astro/3d-render-of-dental-bonded-retainer-on-lower-jaw-1024x768.CBDYBv4__suEBu.webp)

You cannot remove a fixed retainer at home. Only your orthodontist can remove the device in-office. Also, fixed retainers do not affect eating or speaking abilities.

After a few days of wear, you should not be able to feel it, though they may be more challenging to keep clean.

Orthodontists usually give patients backup removable retainers in case the fixed retainers fail, or you have a high risk for relapse (when the teeth move back into their original position before treatment).

### 2\. Removable Retainers

![Woman holding clear aligner nm 0218](/_astro/woman-holding-clear-aligner-nm-0218.g_c0wL5m_wVSKL.webp)

Removable retainers are clear or metal appliances that only need to be worn at night. Unlike fixed appliances, you can remove these retainers at any time.

Removable retainers are easy to maintain and do not impact your oral health as they can be removed, and you can use your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss without any modifications. Often, they do affect speech when in use.

Clear retainers are the best option for patients who can wear a retainer part-time and do not have a high risk for relapse.

There are three different types of removable retainers, including:

#### Hawley Retainers (Wire Retainers)

[Hawley Retainers](/orthodontics/treatment/hawley-retainers/), also called wire retainers, consist of a metal wire and an acrylic base. After orthodontic treatment, these retainers keep the six anterior teeth in the correct position.

A Hawley retainer won’t interfere with your natural tooth contact and are often more comfortable than clear retainers.

![Hawley retainer scaled e1599676010280](/_astro/hawley-retainer-scaled-e1599676010280-300x209.BzwbeTQy_Zi88mw.webp)

#### Essix Retainers (Clear Retainers)

[Essix Retainers](/orthodontics/treatment/essix-retainer/), also called clear retainers, are made of a slim, clear plastic material. These retainers hold the teeth in place after clear aligner treatment or braces.

Clear retainers can cause more discomfort than Hawley (metal) retainers because your teeth will not touch naturally.

![Clear aligners NewMouth](/_astro/clear-aligners_NewMouth-300x200.CjHsfOqc_2bqQjs.webp)

A [Vivera retainer](/orthodontics/treatment/vivera-retainers/) is another clear retainer that holds the teeth in place after Invisalign treatment. This retainer is made exclusively for Invisalign patients.

## How Much Do Retainers Cost?

Retainer prices vary by type, arch, provider, location, scans, and whether the first set is included with orthodontic treatment. Published consumer estimates commonly place removable or bonded retainers in the low hundreds per arch, while multi-set branded packages can cost more.

Ask for the number of arches and retainers, scan fees, repair fees, and replacement terms in writing before comparing quotes. Current explainers from [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10899-teeth-retainer) and [Invisalign](https://www.invisalign.com/resources/retainers/how-much-do-retainers-cost) show why type, provider, and package size matter. [Online replacement retainers](/orthodontics/treatment/retainers/online/) are another option when your teeth are stable and you know which appliance you need.

## When to Call Your Orthodontist

Contact your orthodontist if the retainer no longer seats fully, causes persistent pain, breaks, feels loose, or your bite has changed. Do not force a retainer over teeth that have noticeably shifted.

Follow the appliance maker’s instructions and this guide to [cleaning retainers safely](/oral-health/clean-retainers/) to avoid heat and abrasive products.

## Summary

Retainers are orthodontic devices used to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment. You must regularly wear your retainers so that your teeth don’t shift to their original misaligned position.

Different kinds of retainers are available for different needs and preferences. Always consult a dental professional to ensure that the retainers you buy suit you.

## Retainers FAQs

### Do you have to wear a retainer forever?

How long you must wear a retainer is different for everyone. However, the only way to guarantee teeth positioning is to wear a retainer at least part-time for the rest of your life.

### Are clear or metal retainers better?

Clear retainers can cause more discomfort than Hawley (metal) retainers because your teeth will not touch naturally. Hawley retainers are often more comfortable and do not interfere with your natural tooth contact.

Both retainers can interfere with speech when in use and must be removed for eating and cleaning.

Permanent retainers cannot be felt or seen and do not disrupt eating or speaking abilities. However, they are prone to plaque buildup over time, making your oral hygiene routine more challenging.

### How long do clear retainers last?

Clear plastic retainers need to be replaced every 2 to 6 years, while metal (Hawley) retainers can last 5 to 10 years. Permanent retainers can last up to 20 years with proper care.

### How do I keep removable retainers clean?

After eating, rinse your retainers and brush your teeth. Soak your retainer in distilled water with baking soda or castile soap. To keep it fresh, you can also soak your retainer in vinegar or over-the-counter cleaning tablets once a week.