Are you looking for the best replacement retainer on the market? If so, this article is going to be of great help to you.
Your orthodontist may have already told you about the importance of wearing your retainers during the “retention phase” of your treatment. However, clear retainers are small and transparent, making them easy to misplace. Moreover, figuring out the ins and outs of getting a retainer replacement can be stressful, especially if you can’t get an appointment with your orthodontist right away. So, how do you get a replacement retainer?
Whether you had traditional braces or Invisalign treatment, a retainer is an important part of your orthodontic treatment. It keeps your teeth from gradually shifting back to their original position or moving out from their desired positions after your braces have been removed or you are done with the last clear aligner tray.
There are different types of retainers out there, and they vary in their materials used and how they are worn. Permanent retainers, for example, can be wired, bonded, or fixed. Removable clear plastics like Invisalign are fitted to fit snugly to your bite.
The great thing about Invisalign retainers is that, like the clear aligners, they are virtually invisible. This is because they are made with the same high-quality proprietary material. But while they are thicker and more durable, retainers are not indestructible. They can get cracked, warped, melt inside your car, get loose, worn, or break naturally or simply lost. Whatever the reason is, you need a retainer replacement as soon as possible.
How to get a replacement retainer
If you are wearing retainers, you are probably working with an orthodontist already. So first, get in touch with your dentist or orthodontist.
You will be assessed to make sure your teeth have not shifted out from their post-treatment positions. Your dental service provider can either make a new mold for your mouth and teeth or simply order a replacement from Invisalign to get you a new set of Vivera retainers. The company stores digital images of your aligned smile so they can use it to easily produce new retainers.
If you cannot get in touch with your dentist for whatever reason, say you move to a different state or city, you can get a replacement retainer from a different dental practitioner. Search online listings in your location and look for Invisalign-accredited dental clinics. You can also ask your previous dental clinic for a referral and have your dental records moved. You can also ask your dental insurance provider for help as well. They usually have a library of partner clinics in different cities.
Your new dentist or orthodontist may need to make new scans of your teeth or contact Invisalign to request replacement retainers for you. Regardless, you will need to make an appointment to thoroughly assess your teeth.
How to get a replacement retainer online
There seems to be a growing number of options online for replacement retainers such as Sporting Smiles and Chomper Labs. To order them, you first need to make an impression of your teeth by ordering an impression kit first. You can then send the model back to the company.
The company you chose will use your model to craft your new retainers in their lab. Once they are ready, they will send them back to you. The process is quite convenient and straightforward, and many people like this idea since they don’t have to leave their homes.
However, the fit of the retainer depends on the accuracy of the mold you sent them. This is why most dentists and orthodontists advise against this, as getting your own teeth impressions is a complex and tedious process. Most people simply cannot get a perfect impression of their teeth using impression kits.
How much do replacement retainers cost?
Obviously, the prices vary depending on the type of your retainer. Hawley retainers cost around $150 to $600. Permanent retainers are priced around $150 to $500, but the cost of fixed and bonded retainers are usually included in the overall cost of braces treatment.
Clear retainers like Invisalign’s Vevera retainer replacement cost around $400 to $1,000. Essix clear retainers are slightly more affordable, as they can only cost up to $800.
Are retainer replacements covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, no. While some dental insurance may cover one post-treatment retainer, they don’t usually cover replacements. If you damage, break or lose your retainers, there is a good chance you have to pay for them out-of-pocket.
Night Guard vs Retainer
Night guards and retainers are often confused with each other. They are designed for different purposes, however.
A retainer is designed to secure your teeth in place. On the other hand, a night guard is meant to protect your teeth. If you are tight on budget, though, you can get a night guard from Getcheeky. As long as you make sure that it properly fitted to your teeth, it can act as a retainer. Night guards that are made from soft materials won’t be as effective, though.
The Takeaway
Retainers can break. So if you don’t want the hassle of going through the replacement, you need to take good care of your retainers. Soak your retainers in water with baking soda when not wearing. Never brush your retainers or use mouthwash to rinse them. You can also soak your retainer in water, baking soda, and vinegar mixture once a week for 15 minutes to keep them clean.