Orthodontic retainers help keep your teeth in place after you’ve gotten braces, and they can last anywhere from six months to several years, depending on your orthodontist’s recommendations and your personal needs. How much do retainers cost? That depends on what kind of material they’re made out of, how much insurance will cover, how long you need the retainer, and other factors that can affect the price of the product. Here are some of the most common factors that go into determining the cost of orthodontic retainers.
What are orthodontic retainers
If you’ve had braces, then orthodontic retainers are just one of many steps you’ll take to keep those pearly whites in tip-top shape. After your orthodontist removes your braces, they may use an appliance called a retainer or a permanent retainer (we know, doesn’t that sound scary?) to help keep your teeth straight and stop them from moving back into their former position. There are different types of retainers available, and what kind you need depends on how long you wore braces and how far out of alignment your teeth were when treatment began. Most people don’t pay for retainers since insurance covers it for most patients; if yours doesn’t cover it, some dental offices offer payment plans.
The importance of wearing your retainer
Wearing your retainer is one of, if not THE most important part of your orthodontic treatment. Why? By wearing it correctly you can reduce relapse and increase your overall comfort level during treatment. Without a retainer or if you choose not to wear it, your teeth will shift back to their original positions. You should plan on wearing your retainer at least 20 hours a day for two years after treatment ends. Now that may seem like a long time but in reality many people choose to keep them on much longer than that because they help provide proper spacing between their teeth, leading to more comfortable chewing and less headache pain. Not sure how much orthodontic retainers cost on average?
Why is it important to have a good retainer fit
The fit of your retainer is crucial. A good, custom-made retainer provides lasting protection and teeth straightening results you can count on. The best retainers are made from a hard acrylic material that helps to stabilize teeth and maintain proper bite alignment, while also acting as a barrier to unwanted snacking. For these reasons, retainer cost varies by material, but good retainers are worth every penny when it comes to maintaining treatment results over time.
Maintaining a good retainer fit at home
The cost of orthodontic retainers can vary, depending on your treatment needs. Generally, retainers cost between $300 and $600, but they can cost more if they require specialized designs or materials. While a retainer’s typical cost covers most of your orthodontia needs, you’ll still need to pay for periodic retainer relines at home—usually around every six months to one year—to ensure that it stays securely in place. At-home retainers typically range from $50 to $125 per year. So, while dental costs can be pricey upfront, ongoing retainer costs make them a bit easier to swallow.
How long should you wear your retainer
So, you’re getting ready to take your retainer out after all that hard work! Before you toss it in a drawer and forget about it, there are some things you should know: You’ll want to wear your retainer 20-22 hours a day for at least two weeks post-treatment. By following those rules, wearing your retainer for 12 months will be enough time for your teeth to fully realign. But if you start skimping on wear time (for example, only wearing it 10 hours a day), you may have issues with tooth movement. It’s also important to follow an oral hygiene routine while wearing your retainers—otherwise they won’t be effective and problems could arise like plaque build-up or gum disease.
Choosing the right material for your retainer
The most common materials used in orthodontic retainers are acrylic and stainless steel. Stainless steel is hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for someone with sensitive teeth or gums. It’s also naturally resistant to rusting, which means you can often avoid a retainer that has been coated with an additional layer of protective material. As for acrylic retainers, they tend to be less expensive than stainless steel—and they’re just as effective at keeping your teeth in place! However, some people find them more comfortable than others; if that’s not an issue for you, then it shouldn’t be an issue for your patient.
Does insurance cover dental retainers or payments plans?
The average cost of a traditional denture is $3,000. If you are lucky enough to have dental insurance, check with your plan to see if they cover orthodontic retainers or if you will be required to pay out-of-pocket. Some plans may cover a certain percentage of cost, leaving you responsible for a co-pay or deductible. At first glance, it would seem that insurance would most certainly cover dental retainers and help offset some of their costs; however, there are many factors when determining what type of treatment is covered by insurance that can affect how much–or how little–they will pay toward your treatment.
Who is responsible for paying the bill if you don’t have insurance
If you are not covered by an insurance plan and looking for taking insurance do research about how much do braces cost without insurance you will most likely have to pay for your dental retainers out of pocket. In most cases, though, prices for orthodontic retainers can be negotiated. A consultation with a dentist is often required in order to determine exactly what type of retainer you need and how much it should cost. You can then take that information back to your dentist and see if he or she will lower their price based on your financial situation. Just remember that any discounts or savings you receive during negotiations are typically only available for cash-paying patients; check with your insurance provider before finalizing any agreements so that there are no surprises when it comes time to file a claim.
Things you need to know about braces and retainers
When most people think of orthodontic retainers, they imagine having to wear a conventional retainer to protect their new smile after braces are removed. However, clear aligners don’t require you to wear a retainer at all—they’re more like invisible braces that work on your teeth while you go about your day. With clear aligners, there’s no need for a second set of braces after your orthodontist removes your old ones. Instead, you simply wear them until they shift your teeth into place and keep them in place until you experience little or no shifting.
