Wearing your retainer may be the last step in your orthodontic treatment – but it is a very important one. Why? Because your teeth aren’t rigidly fixed in place in your jaw; instead, they can actually (slowly) move around – whether you’re an adolescent, a young adult, or a senior citizen. In fact, that’s how your orthodontist was able to get your teeth into better positions. And wearing a retainer will help prevent your teeth from drifting out of the perfect alignment you just spent time (and money) moving them into.

Keeping that retainer clean and undamaged will ensure that it functions properly and does not cause oral hygiene problems. Plus, a clean, fresh-smelling retainer is a lot more pleasant to put into your mouth. You may think that a quick daily rinse is all it needs – but the fact is, that’s not enough to keep your retainer free of the bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth odors. Here are a few simple steps that can help you clean this appliance effectively.

Tools for cleaning retainers

To clean your retainer, you will need a toothbrush – but not the one you use on your teeth, because you will be putting soap on this one. Buy a soft-bristled brush just to use for this purpose. You can choose a brush made for cleaning dentures, if you prefer. You will also need some liquid soap. Dishwashing liquid works great, as does antibacterial hand soap. Denture cleaners are also fine, but they are more expensive than liquid soap, which does the same thing. Another inexpensive option is hydrogen peroxide.   

How to keep your retainer clean

Put just a little bit of soap on the brush and add lukewarm water to make a lather. Cradle the retainer in your hand as you use the soapy brush to gently scrub all of its surfaces thoroughly. When you are done, rinse the retainer well to remove the soap film; you don’t want it to have a soapy taste when you place it back into your mouth. The clean retainer should either go right into your mouth or into its case. Make sure to store the device in a safe place, away from heat and pets.

What NOT to do

It is possible to go overboard in trying to disinfect a retainer. For example, boiling water should never be used as it can cause the retainer to distort. Your retainer was made to fit your newly aligned teeth exactly, so maintaining its shape is crucial. Likewise, using bleach to clean a retainer is not advisable, because it can degrade the plastic base and also give the retainer a strong, unpleasant odor. Even regular toothpaste should not be used as a retainer cleanser because it has abrasive particles that can scratch the plastic, creating tiny nooks in which odor-causing bacteria can hide.

Keeping your retainer fresh and clean – the right way – will keep you on the path toward good oral hygiene and a beautiful smile.

How much do retainers cost? 

The cost of dental retainers after braces varies depending on the type of retainer and where you get them. Typically, the price range for retainers can be anywhere from $100 to $500 per retainer. There are mainly two types of retainers: removable and fixed.

Removable retainers – These are typically made of clear plastic or a combination of plastic and metal (Hawley retainers). Clear plastic retainers tend to be more expensive, sometimes costing up to $300 to $500 for a set. Hawley retainers, with a plastic body and metal wire, usually cost between $150 and $300 each.

Fixed retainers – These consist of a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth. The cost for fixed retainers generally ranges from $200 to $500. They are more permanent and can remain in place for years if properly maintained.

Removable retainers usually need to be replaced every few years due to wear and tear, though they can last longer with good care. Some might need replacement as often as every 6 months, while others could last up to several years. Fixed retainers may not need to be replaced unless they break or become detached; however, they do require regular dental check-ups to ensure they remain securely in place and do not cause any dental issues.

It’s also important to factor in the possibility of additional costs from dental visits for periodic adjustments or replacements, especially if retainers are lost or damaged. Insurance may cover some of these costs, so check the details of your plan if you have one. 

But you may have exceeded your insurance’s annual spending limit as orthodontic treatment is expensive. Or perhaps you don’t have dental insurance. Whatever the reason, if you want to reduce the cost of dental care, consider joining a dental savings plan, a trusted alternative to traditional dental insurance. Plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care.  

Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans don’t have deductibles, annual limits or waiting before you qualify for reduced rates. You can use your plan within 1-3 business days of joining to save on virtually all your dental care.

There are plans that fit every dental care need and budget. The quickest way to find the perfect dental plan for your needs is with our online dental plan finder — just answer a few quick questions and you’ll receive a personalized plan recommendation in minutes. Want a quick peek at how much you can save on your dental care right now? Use our calculator below. 

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.   

All cost averages obtained from the DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and/or independent research.