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 teeth 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 to keep a removable teeth retainer 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.
How Much Do Retainers Cost?
The average cost of orthodontic retainers:
- Hawley retainers cost $150 to $300 for one or up to $600 per set.
- Essix retainers cost $125 to $300 for one or up to $500 per set.
- Vivera (Invisalign) retainers can cost as low as $660 for four sets.
- Permanent (bonded) retainers cost $150 to $500 for one or up to $1,000 per set. Bonded retainers are usually included in the treatment price if done at an orthodontist’s office.
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