Post Braces Retainer
Post braces retainers (also called retainers after braces) are custom-made appliances that hold your teeth in their new position once braces come off, helping prevent shifting (relapse).
Because teeth can naturally drift over time, orthodontists commonly recommend a retainer plan that starts more intensive and then becomes easier to maintain long-term.
Which retainer is best after braces?
The best retainer after braces depends on your habits, bite, and how stable your teeth are after treatment.
In general, a clear retainer after braces is popular for looks and comfort, a Hawley retainer is valued for durability/adjustability, and a permanent retainer after braces is often chosen when compliance (remembering to wear it) is a concern.
Use this quick guide when patients ask “which retainer is best after braces?”
If you want the most discreet option: choose a clear retainer (Essix-style/Vivera-style).
If you want something durable and adjustable: choose a Hawley retainer.
If you know you’ll forget removable wear: ask about a permanent (bonded/lingual) retainer.
Dental Retainers After Braces—Different Types, Cost, and Suitable Type for Each Need
An orthodontic retainer is a custom-made appliance designed to keep your teeth in their newly aligned position after your braces are removed. Without retainers after braces, there’s a high chance your teeth may gradually shift back to their original placement.
Read More: Orthodontics Before and After
Kinds of retainers after braces (by design)
Orthodontic retainers generally fall into two main categories:
- Passive retainers: These are used to maintain the position of your teeth following orthodontic treatment. They are often worn overnight and may need to be used for several years—or even indefinitely—depending on your orthodontist’s advice.
- Active retainers: These are designed to make minor corrections to tooth alignment without needing full braces. They are typically worn for a specific period until the issue is resolved.
Read More: Food to Eat for Braces
In general, passive retainers use to main alignment and active retainers use to make small correction.
Overall, most “post braces retainers” are passive retainers used to hold results as tissues and bone stabilize.
Kinds of retainers after braces (by design)
Here are the most common types of retainers after braces by structure:
Hawley retainer: Acrylic + metal wire; durable and can be adjusted by your orthodontic office.
Clear retainer after braces (Essix-style / Vivera-style): A transparent, removable tray that fits over teeth (discreet, easy to wear).
Permanent retainer after braces (bonded/lingual): A wire bonded behind teeth; can’t be removed at home and helps with “set-it-and-forget-it” retention.
Which aligner brands include long-lasting retainers after treatment?
Many patients finishing clear aligner treatment use Vivera retainers (an Align Technology retainer commonly offered through Invisalign providers), and pricing is often discussed as a multi-set package (e.g., multiple sets in one order).
What’s “included” varies by clinic and plan, so it’s smart to confirm whether your first set is bundled and what replacement fees look like.
Cost of Braces Retainers
Retainer cost varies by type, clinic, and whether it’s your first set or a replacement.
For example, Invisalign’s own guidance notes replacement retainers typically cost an additional fee, often around $150–$340 for one retainer (insurance may help depending on coverage).
Some providers price Vivera (Invisalign) retainers as roughly $800–$1,500 for multiple sets (commonly four sets), which can be appealing if you want backups over time.
Read More: Orthodontic Insurance
Categorizing Dental Braces Retainers by Design
From another perspective, dental braces retainers can also be grouped into three types based on their structure:
- Hawley removable orthodontic retainers: Made of metal wires and acrylic or plastic. They are durable and adjustable.
- Removable clear plastic retainers: Brands include Vivera, Essix, Zendura, and Invisalign. These are popular for their discreet appearance.
- Permanent retainers: Also called lingual retainers, these are wires bonded to the back of the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient.
Read More: CDCP Insurance
Post Braces Retainers: Choosing the Best One
Depending on your specific case, your orthodontist will recommend either passive braces retainers to hold your results or active orthodontic retainers to make small corrections.
Many orthodontists prefer fixed braces retainers—especially for younger patients or those who might forget to wear removable ones—because they stay in place at all times.
Retainers after braces may be needed for both upper and lower teeth. In some cases, your orthodontist might prescribe a removable retainer for the top teeth and a fixed one for the bottom.
Read More: Orthodontist for Kids
Retainers After Braces: Why They’re Important?
After completing your orthodontic treatment, wearing orthodontic retainers is essential to maintain the results you’ve worked hard to achieve. Without them, your teeth can shift back to their original misaligned positions — a process known as relapse.
Relapse can be partial or complete, depending on various factors like the severity of your initial misalignment and how faithfully you wear your retainer. That’s why we recommend braces retainers to all our patients.
Read More: How Much Are Braces in Canada?
What You Need to Know About Relapse:
- A small degree of relapse is very common, especially in cases where the teeth were severely misaligned before treatment. Fortunately, this type of minor relapse usually doesn't affect your smile’s appearance or function.
- If the original misalignment was mild, relapse is less likely to occur.
Read More: Orthodontics for Teenagers
Why Post Braces Retainers Matter:
- Stability
Braces retainershelp your teeth and surrounding gums stabilize in their new positions. This allows the tissues to adapt and properly support your straightened teeth over time. - Better Oral Health
Straight teeth are easier to clean, brush, and floss. By maintaining alignment with orthodontic retainers, you reduce the risk of plaque buildup, gum disease, and cavities — supporting long-term oral health.
Wearing your braces retainers as directed ensures that your smile stays straight and healthy — for life.
Read More: Teeth Braces for Adults
How Long Do You Have to Wear a Retainer?
After your braces or aligners come off, wearing orthodontic retainers is a lifelong commitment — but the schedule gets easier over time.
Here's a general guideline:
- First 3–6 months: You’ll likely need to wear your retainer full-time (about 20–22 hours per day), removing it only for eating and brushing.
- After 6 months to 1 year: Many orthodontists will recommend switching to nighttime wear only.
- Long-term: To prevent your teeth from shifting, wearing your retainer a few nights per weekindefinitely is often recommended.
Even after years of alignment, your teeth can still move without support. That’s why orthodontic retainers play such a vital role in keeping your smile straight for life.
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FAQs
The average cost of orthodontic retainers in Toronto varies depending on the type:
- Vivera or Invisalign retainers: Around $600 to $800for 4 sets.
- Essix retainers: Typically $125 to $300per set; in some cases, up to $500.
- Hawley retainers: Range from $150 to $300per retainer, or up to $600 per set.
- Permanent (bonded) retainers: Cost between $150 and $500 per arch, or up to $1,000 per set. These are often included in your total treatment cost if placed at your orthodontist’s office.
Clear retainers (like Essix) can sometimes cause more discomfort than Hawley (metal) retainers because they prevent natural tooth contact. In contrast, Hawley retainers allow your upper and lower teeth to meet more naturally, which some patients find more comfortable.
Both types of removable retainers can affect speech when worn and must be taken out for eating and cleaning.
Permanent (bonded) retainers are not visible or felt during daily activities and don’t interfere with eating or speaking. However, they can trap plaque and food debris, making oral hygiene more demanding over time.
Clear plastic retainers (like Essix or Vivera) typically need to be replaced every 2 to 6 years, depending on how well they’re cared for.
Metal (Hawley) retainers are more durable and can last 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance.
Permanent (bonded) retainers can last up to 20 years, but their longevity depends heavily on your oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
After eating, rinse your retainers and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Soak your retainers daily in distilled water mixed with baking soda or a mild castile soap solution.
Once a week, you can use white vinegar or over-the-counter retainer cleaning tablets to give them a deeper clean and keep them fresh.
The best retainers after braces depend on your case and habits; common options include a clear retainer after braces, a Hawley retainer, or a permanent retainer after braces.
The main kinds of retainers after braces by design are Hawley (wire + acrylic), clear plastic retainers, and fixed/bonded (permanent) retainers.
A clear retainer after braces is a removable transparent tray (Essix/Vivera-style) that’s popular if you want a discreet look.
A permanent (bonded/lingual) retainer is a wire attached behind the teeth and isn’t removable by the patient.
Yes, retainers after braces help maintain alignment and reduce the chance of teeth shifting back (relapse).
Many orthodontists recommend full-time wear (about 20–22 hours/day) for the first 3–6 months, then switching to night-only wear later.
Often no, because early retention is when teeth are most likely to move; many plans start with full-time wear before transitioning to nights.
Retainer braces price varies by clinic and whether it’s an initial set or a replacement, and replacement retainers typically cost an additional fee.
Invisalign notes replacement retainers often run about $150–$340 for one retainer (depending on your doctor and plan).
Costs depend on your provider, but Invisalign’s guidance also emphasizes that replacement retainers typically have an extra fee and can fall around $150–$340 for one retainer.
Some Invisalign providers offer Vivera retainers as a post-treatment retainer option; what’s “included” depends on the clinic/package.
Some retainers are “passive” (hold position) while others are designed for minor corrections over a set period.
Hawley retainers are still a common type (wire + acrylic) and may be offered by many orthodontic offices; pricing will vary by clinic and location.
Teeth can drift over time, and skipping wear increases the chance of relapse.
A tight feeling can signal movement, so it’s smart to contact your orthodontist promptly rather than forcing extended wear without guidance.
Canadian pricing varies, but one Canada-based guide lists Hawley retainers around $150–$300+ per set and Essix retainers about $100–$300.
A Canadian price guide lists Vivera at about $800–$1,500 for a set of four (upper and lower) retainers.
Final Thoughts
Whether you've just completed your orthodontic journey or are planning ahead, one thing is certain: wearing your orthodontic retainers is just as important as the treatment itself. Retainers after braces help protect the time, effort, and investment you made to achieve a straight, healthy smile.
At York Orthodontics, we understand that every smile is unique. That’s why we offer personalized guidance on choosing the best braces retainers or permanent options for your lifestyle and needs. From the initial fitting to long-term care, our experienced team is here to help you maintain the results you’ve worked so hard for.
Still have questions about dental retainers after braces?
Book a free consultation today and let us guide you toward a lifetime of confident smiles.