After braces or aligners, a retainer keeps teeth from shifting back. Most people need one for years, so replacement cost matters as much as the first one.
What’s included
The orthodontist scans or takes impressions of your teeth and either makes a removable retainer or bonds a thin wire behind the front teeth.
Cost at a glance
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Without insurance | $181-$344 average per retainer, by type |
Average cost by type
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Clear plastic | $181 |
| Molded acrylic (Hawley-style) | $302 |
| Bonded (permanent) | $344 |
National averages without insurance, Synchrony cost studies.
What affects the price
- Type of retainer (see the table).
- Replacements: lost or cracked retainers are usually billed again.
- Whether the first retainer is included in your braces or aligner fee.
With dental insurance
Orthodontic coverage often has a separate lifetime maximum and may be limited to children. Run your own numbers with the dental cost estimator.
Ways to pay less
- Ask whether your braces or Invisalign fee includes retainers and how many replacements.
- Orthodontic coverage often pays part of retainers up to a lifetime maximum.
- Clean and store removable retainers carefully: a case is cheaper than a replacement.
- Dental schools and community health centers offer reduced-fee care. See how to afford dental work.
Sources
Prices are national figures from the sources above, checked October 14, 2026. Your dentist’s fees depend on your location, your mouth and their practice. This page is general information, not dental or medical advice.
What people actually paid for retainers
Real prices reported by readers, not estimates. We only show a figure once enough people have reported it, and we never show individual reports.
Loading reader reports…
Had a retainers recently? Share what you paid
See all procedures on what people paid.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a replacement retainer cost?
National averages are $181 (clear), $302 (molded acrylic) and $344 (bonded).
Are permanent retainers more expensive?
Slightly: bonded retainers average $344, against $181 for clear plastic.
Questions from readers
Question about Retainers? Ask it here. We answer general questions on this page. For anything about your own teeth, ask your dentist.
Ask a question
Free · No obligation
Find an affordable dentist near you
Tell us what you need and we’ll try to connect you with a participating dentist or dental savings option in your area.
